Kansas Peony | Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'

Kansas Peony | Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'
A bold, fragrant heirloom peony with rich raspberry-red double blooms, deep green foliage, and decades of reliable garden performance—hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer resistant.

Plant Highlights

• Type: Deciduous perennial / Clumping habit
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Occasional; keep moist until established, then drought tolerant
• Temperature: Zones 3–8 / Cold and heat tolerant
• Growth: Clumping to 36" tall, 2–3 ft wide / Moderate to fast growth rate
• Pet Safe: No—toxic to pets if ingested
• Origin: Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'

Why You'll Love It

• Rich raspberry-red to cherry-red fully double blooms with an intense fragrance appear from late spring into early summer—a classic garden showstopper
• Compact clumping habit at 36" tall fits borders, beds, and smaller garden spaces beautifully, with deep green glossy foliage that looks great all season
• Deer resistant, pollinator friendly, and drought tolerant once established—a long-lived perennial that rewards minimal care with decades of blooms

Care Tips

• Plant the crown 1–2" below soil level in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; space plants 24–36" apart
• Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer (18-5-10); deadhead spent blooms and cut foliage to ground level after the first fall frost
• Apply mulch around the base in winter to protect roots and suppress weeds; water consistently during the first season to establish deep roots

Shipping

• Ships within 1–3 business days
• Carefully packed to protect roots and foliage in transit
• Weather holds may apply during extreme heat (95°F+) or cold (34°F and below)

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant bareroot peonies?
Now through April is ideal. The earlier you plant, the better they establish before summer heat arrives.

Will they bloom this year?
Many do! Expect 1–3 blooms in Year 1 if planted by February. A full, spectacular show starts in Year 2.

How do I know they're alive if they look dormant?
Check for firm, plump eyes (buds) on the root crown. If the roots feel firm—not mushy—they're alive and ready to grow.

What if they arrive and I can't plant immediately?
Keep them cool (35–45°F) and slightly moist. They'll hold in a garage or shed for 2–3 weeks without issue.

What color are Kansas Peony blooms?
Rich raspberry-red to cherry-red, fully double flowers with an intense fragrance. They typically bloom from late spring into early summer against deep green foliage.