Blaze Peony

Blaze Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Blaze')

Blaze Peony is a bold, classic perennial that brings a strong hit of color and an instantly finished look to sunny borders. It is the kind of plant that feels like a reward each year, returning with a dependable bloom season and building a fuller clump over time. The lush foliage keeps the planting looking clean after flowering, so it carries its weight in the garden well beyond bloom. If you want a peony that reads from a distance and still looks polished up close, Blaze is a great choice.

Distinctive Features

This herbaceous peony forms a sturdy mound of deep green, finely cut foliage and produces showy flowers in late spring to early summer. Blaze is known for vivid red blooms that stand out in mixed borders and make a strong statement in the landscape. The flowers sit above the foliage on sturdy stems, and the plant develops a stronger framework as it matures in a good site. Like many peonies, it can live for decades, delivering a reliable seasonal highlight with minimal long-term fuss.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part sun, with at least 6 hours of sun for best flowering.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil is ideal, with compost added to improve texture and drainage.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide consistent moisture during dry stretches, avoiding soggy soil.
• USDA Zones: 3 to 8.
• Planting Depth: Set eyes just below the soil surface to support reliable blooming.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant where the red blooms can be the main event in late spring, such as a front border or central bed.
• Perennial Borders: Use to add strong seasonal color and structure among companion perennials and shrubs.
• Cut Flowers: Grow in a cutting garden so you can bring bold blooms indoors for arrangements.
• Foundation Planting: Place in front of evergreens or hedges to create a layered look with a standout bloom season.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in spring as buds form and after flowering as roots store energy.
• Staking: Support blooms with rings or stakes if heavy flowers lean after rain.
• Feeding: Top-dress with compost in spring and avoid heavy nitrogen that can reduce flowering.
• Fall Cleanup: Cut stems back to the ground after frost and remove debris to keep the planting clean.

Why Choose Blaze Peony?

• Vivid Red Blooms: Strong color creates a clear highlight and adds contrast in mixed plantings.
• Reliable Return: Long-lived clumps come back each year and improve as they mature.
• Border Structure: Full foliage keeps the garden looking finished after bloom time.
• Cut Flower Impact: Blooms bring bold color indoors and make memorable arrangements.

Blaze Peony is a dependable way to add classic charm and high-impact color to a sunny garden bed. Give it good drainage, consistent moisture while it establishes, and a permanent spot where it can mature undisturbed. Over time it becomes a stronger plant with more blooms, delivering a spring highlight you can count on.