Paeonia 'Gardenia'

It looks like a Gardenia and smells like a Gardenia. And actually, it is a Gardenia. Well, sort of. Floriferous 'Gardenia' Paeonia has many of the features of the popular flowering shrub and provide a magnificent cutflower with a long life in a vase.

Blooming from a soft pink bud into exquisite, creamy white blossoms with a light blush and golden stamens, 'Gardenia' produces double flowers ideal as a specimen plant or in beds and borders, in addition to its value as a bouquet. Often planted with other cultivars with staggered bloom times to extend a peony season, it flowers for approximately 7 to 10 days in late spring or early summer.

Reaching 3 feet in height with glossy, dark green foliage that remains appealing throughout the summer and often changes colors in fall. Thriving in full sun or partial shade in rich, fertile, well-drained soil, 'Gardenia' prefers a sheltered location for protection against hard rain.

Appealing to butterflies, 'Gardenia' requires only minimal maintenance and is resistant to deer and rabbits and virtually pest free. It does not need to be divided, but should be planted away from trees or shrubs that may compete for food and moisture. Remove spent flowers when they fade and cut back the plant after the fall foliage.