Bowl of Beauty Peony

Bowl of Beauty Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Bowl of Beauty')

Bowl of Beauty Peony is a standout choice for gardeners who want a refined, showy bloom that feels both classic and unique. It delivers a big late-spring display and brings a soft, romantic look to borders without feeling overly formal. The plant builds a fuller clump over time, returning each year with more flowers and a stronger garden presence. If you want a peony that looks impressive in the landscape and in a vase, this one earns its spot.

Distinctive Features

This herbaceous peony forms a lush mound of deep green, finely cut foliage and produces large, showy blooms in late spring to early summer. Bowl of Beauty is known for its anemone-style flowers, with a ring of rosy pink outer petals surrounding a raised center of creamy to pale yellow petaloids. The contrast gives each bloom a layered, textured look that reads beautifully up close. The foliage stays attractive through the growing season, helping the planting look full and finished even after flowering ends.

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 structure 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 unique bloom form can be enjoyed up close, such as near patios, paths, or entry gardens.
• Perennial Borders: Use to add a bold spring highlight and lush foliage structure among companion plants.
• Cut Flowers: Grow in a cutting garden to bring the layered blooms indoors for arrangements.
• Foundation Planting: Place in front of evergreens or shrubs to create a layered look with strong seasonal payoff.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in spring as buds form and after flowering as roots store energy.
• Staking: Support heavy blooms with rings or stakes if stems 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 Bowl of Beauty Peony?

• Distinct Bloom Form: Anemone-style flowers offer a layered look that stands out from standard doubles.
• Beautiful Color Contrast: Pink outer petals and a creamy center create a soft, refined spring display.
• Long Lived Perennial: Establishes into a clump that returns reliably and improves over time.
• Great for Arrangements: Blooms look impressive in vases and bring a garden-fresh look indoors.

Bowl of Beauty Peony is a rewarding plant that delivers a memorable bloom show year after year. Give it sun, well-drained soil, and a permanent home where it can mature without disturbance. As the clump grows, it becomes a stronger garden feature with more flowers and a lush, finished look.