perennial

Cora Louise Itoh Peony

Paeonia x hybrida 'Cora Louise Itoh'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cora Louise Itoh is a hybrid peony known for its large, fragrant yellow flowers and strong stems.

This cultivar is particularly prized for its unique soft yellow blooms which can fade to creamy white and its excellent disease resistance.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesPeonies provide lush, fragrant blooms in late spring, enhancing garden aesthetics with their large, colorful flowers.
Practical UsesThey can be cut and used in floral arrangements, offering a natural, sweet scent indoors.
Ecological BenefitsPeonies attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Asia and Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for planting.
  2. Tuck seeds or roots into the soil, spacing them 3 feet apart.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
  4. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
  5. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter to encourage healthy growth.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in full sun with good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
  • Mulch annually to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t disturb the roots once established
  • Refrain from cutting back in late fall to protect winter buds

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vanilla‑scented borderEarly spring flower bedOrnamental shrub accent

Companion Plants

Lavender SalviaHostaFerns Daylilies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cora Louise Itoh Peony questions

What zones can Cora Louise Itoh Peony grow in?

Cora Louise Itoh Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cora Louise Itoh Peony deer resistant?

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

When does Cora Louise Itoh Peony bloom?

Cora Louise Itoh 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 Cora Louise Itoh Peony need full sun?

Cora Louise Itoh Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Cora Louise Itoh 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.