Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Celebrating 100 years of gracing sunny gardens and elegant vases, 'Sarah Bernhardt' Peony is one of the classic Peonies that helped make this perennial a favorite from the foundation planting to the patio, the border to the vase. Gigantic 7- to 9-inch double blooms of luscious pink (occasionally flecked with raspberry) release an unforgettable fragrance, and the sun-loving plant is as easy to grow as a weed.

'Sarah Bernhardt' Peony begins flowering in early summer and continues for several weeks. This plant reaches 3 feet tall, a nice size for any setting from the foundation to the patio garden.

'Sarah Bernhardt' was introduced in 1906 by the renowned French nursery Lemoine. It establishes readily in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil enriched with organics and receiving full sun to light shade.

If you are new to the joy of peonies, let me enumerate some of their merits. 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, blue- and white-flowered perennials, flowering shrubs such as azaleas, and ornamental grasses.