Paeonia 'Serene Pastel'

The flowers open with guard petals of pale salmon surrounding smaller, frillier petals of soft pink. No two petals are just alike; there are shades and gradations in these colors that make the blooms appear larger and more layered than they really are. These are vintage colors, giving the bloom a pleasantly old-fashioned look perfect for a cottage garden. No garish tones here!

As the flowers mature, they fade to pure white, particularly if left on the plant rather than cut for the vase. A fully blooming 'Serene Pastel,' then, has blooms in all stages of maturity, giving each flower a different look. Very showy!

'Serene Pastel' was bred by Roy G. Klehm and introduced in 2000. It reaches about 28 inches high, with good branching and heavy bloom. It has become a favorite among gardeners who like their peonies big, old-fashioned, and very long-lasting. You will adore it in garden or vase!

If you are new to the joy of Peonies, you are in for a treat! First, they are exceptionally carefree once established. One of the longest-lived perennials, a single plant can last for generations.

Second, their phenol content makes them unappetizing to insects, rabbits, and even deer.

Third, they offer 3 seasons of color: reddish spring foliage, bright late spring and early summer blooms; and bronze or purple fall tones.

Fourth, they are equally suited for garden or vase, offering old-fashioned charm plus armloads of blooms. Very long-lived after cutting, the flowers can even be used as everlastings.

Peonies are a nice garden "bridge" plant, looking something like a perennial and something like a shrub. Set in front of large shrubs or trees, they make a big splash of color without occupying a lot of space.

Traditional companions to Peonies are spring-and summer-flowering bulbs, perennials, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Zones 2-8.