Paeonia 'Pink Ardour' Itoh Peony

Paeonia 'Pink Ardour' is a diminutive Itoh peony that grows to a mature size of about 18 to 24 inches tall with a slightly wider spread. Blooming in late spring to early summer, 'Pink Ardour' is highly floriferous, gracing the garden with huge, semi-double blooms flaunting clear raspberry-pink petals and a center spot of golden stamens. The enchanting flowers have a soft, seductive scent and are displayed against a backdrop of lush, dark green foliage on strong stems—perfect for cutting. The foliage adds a refined texture and verdant color to the garden throughout the summer and acquires shades of purple or gold in autumn.

An Itoh peony, also called an intersectional peony, 'Pink Ardour' is a hybrid combining the best features of tree and herbaceous peonies. This compact, bushy plant fits well in mixed beds and borders, where it serves as a stunning specimen. When grouped, 'Pink Ardour' peony creates a lovely low hedge or provides an elegant backdrop for spring bulbs. Cold hardy (Zones 2-8) and long-lived, this peony can thrive for 100 years or more when properly placed and cared for.

Highly adaptable and low maintenance, 'Pink Ardour' peony grows best in sunny to partially shaded locations that are sheltered from strong winds. It prefers humus-rich, medium moist, and freely draining soil but grows well in average garden soil. Water 'Pink Ardour' frequently while actively growing and add a layer of mulch to keep soil cool and moist. In late fall, trim the foliage back to the ground after it has faded. Naturally resistant to deer and rabbits, this peony is a dependable and beautiful addition to any garden.

Plant the 'Pink Ardour' Itoh root in spring, burying it 1 to 2 inches deep.If planting multiple 'Pink Ardour' peonies, space them 36 to 48 inches apart. Known for thriving in cold climates, peonies need a prolonged winter chill to break dormancy and ensure robust growth.