perennial

Lovely Rose Peony

Paeonia officinalis 'Lovely Rose'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lovely Rose is a classic peony known for its beautiful, fragrant pink blooms and lush foliage.

This cultivar is particularly noted for its large, full double flowers and excellent garden performance.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesPaeonia officinalis Lovely Rose offers stunning, fragrant blooms that add elegance and color to borders and flower beds, attracting pollinators and enhancing garden aesthetics.
Practical UsesIts robust roots can be used medicinally in traditional herbal remedies, and the plant's foliage provides dense, attractive ground cover.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinator activity by providing nectar for bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.
SpeciesPaeonia officinalisCommon Peony

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate, keep soil moist

Humidity

Prefers well-drained, moderate humidity

Lifespan

Decades with proper care

Native To

Mediterranean region, parts of Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds in well-draining soil in early fall for best germination.
  2. Transplant seedlings when they are 3-4 inches tall, in early spring after the last frost.
  3. Water deeply once a week during the growing season to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
  4. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
  5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage and support blooms.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in full sun for abundant, long-lasting blooms and good foliage health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
  • Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Prune spent blooms to encourage new growth
  • Fertilize annually with compost or balanced fertilizer
  • Support tall stems with stakes as needed

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Do not disturb roots when the plant is actively growing
  • Never fertilize late in the season, as it can cause weak growth
  • Avoid planting in dense, poorly drained soil
  • Do not prune in late fall or winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Plant
Stake
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant flower bordersFragrant garden bedsClassic cottage garden accents

Companion Plants

Lavender SalviaFoxglove DelphiniumPeony

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lovely Rose Peony questions

What zones can Lovely Rose Peony grow in?

Lovely Rose Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lovely Rose Peony deer resistant?

Yes — Lovely Rose Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lovely Rose Peony bloom?

Lovely Rose Peony typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lovely Rose Peony need full sun?

Lovely Rose Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Lovely Rose Peony with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.