Buckeye Belle Peony

Buckeye Belle Peony (Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle')

Buckeye Belle Peony brings bold, early-season color and a classic peony presence to sunny borders and cutting gardens. It is a reliable perennial that builds a fuller clump over time, returning each year with a stronger bloom show and lush foliage. The deep flower color adds drama without feeling overdone, and it pairs easily with lighter spring perennials for contrast. If you want a peony that feels timeless but still makes a statement, Buckeye Belle is a great choice.

Distinctive Features

This peony forms a sturdy mound of deep green, finely cut foliage and produces large, semi-double blooms in late spring to early summer. Buckeye Belle is known for rich, dark red flowers, often with a cluster of golden stamens at the center that adds warmth and detail. The stems are typically strong, helping the blooms present well in the garden and reducing the need for heavy staking in many sites. After flowering, the foliage remains attractive through summer, keeping borders looking full and finished.

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 the crown just below the soil surface and avoid planting too deeply for reliable bloom.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant where the deep red blooms can anchor a spring border and draw attention from a main view.
• Perennial Borders: Use to add strong early-season color and structure among companion plants.
• Cut Flowers: Grow in a cutting garden to bring dramatic blooms indoors for arrangements.
• Foundation Planting: Place in front of evergreens or shrubs to create a layered look with a bold spring highlight.

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 if needed after heavy rain, especially in very rich soil where stems may stretch.
• 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 Buckeye Belle Peony?

• Deep Red Blooms: Dark, dramatic flowers bring strong contrast and a premium look to spring borders.
• Semi Double Form: Layered petals with visible golden centers add texture and detail.
• Sturdy Habit: Strong stems and full foliage create a tidy plant that holds its shape well.
• Long Lived Perennial: Establishes into a clump that returns reliably and improves over time.

Buckeye Belle Peony is a dependable way to bring rich color and classic garden character into a sunny bed. Give it well-drained soil, consistent moisture while it establishes, and a permanent home where it can mature undisturbed. As the plant strengthens each season, it will reward you with a bigger bloom show and a lush, finished look.