Sarah Bernhardt Peony

Sarah Bernhardt Peony
A timeless heirloom peony prized for its lush double blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and decades of reliable garden beauty.

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 34" tall, 2–3 ft wide / Moderate to fast growth rate
• Pet Safe: No—avoid ingestion; keep pets from nibbling
• Origin: Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Why You'll Love It

• Stunning soft blush-pink double blooms with deeper rose tones and a golden center—a true garden showstopper
• Intensely sweet fragrance that fills the garden from late spring through early summer
• Deer resistant, pollinator friendly, and built to thrive for decades with minimal care

Care Tips

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

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.

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.

Do I need to do anything special?
Nope. Dig a hole, set the crown 1–2" below soil, backfill, water, and relax.