Karl Rosenfield Peony

Karl Rosenfield Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfield')

Karl Rosenfield Peony is a classic, bold peony that brings rich color and a lush, finished look to sunny borders in late spring. It is a long-lived perennial that settles in and improves each year, building a fuller clump and producing more blooms over time. The deep flower color adds drama while still fitting easily into traditional and modern planting styles. If you want a dependable peony that delivers strong color and excellent cut flowers, this one is a great choice.

Distinctive Features

This herbaceous peony forms a sturdy mound of deep green, finely cut foliage and produces large, full double blooms in late spring to early summer. Karl Rosenfield is known for vibrant, deep red flowers with a dense, layered look that reads bold and luxurious in the garden. The blooms are showy and often lightly fragrant, making them especially enjoyable near patios and walkways. After flowering, the foliage remains attractive through summer, giving the plant long season value as a full, clean border presence.

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 deep red blooms can anchor a spring border and draw attention from a main view.
• Perennial Borders: Use to add strong seasonal color and lush structure among companion plants.
• Cut Flowers: Grow in a cutting garden for large blooms that create a polished indoor arrangement.
• Foundation Planting: Place in front of evergreens or shrubs for contrast and a classic seasonal 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 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 Karl Rosenfield Peony?

• Deep Red Blooms: Rich color brings a bold, classic highlight to late spring borders.
• Full Double Form: Dense petals create a lush peony look that feels traditional and premium.
• Long Lived Perennial: Establishes into a clump that returns reliably and improves over time.
• Great for Arrangements: Large blooms hold well in vases and bring the garden indoors.

Karl Rosenfield Peony is a rewarding choice for gardeners who want classic form, strong color, and long-term reliability in one plant. Give it sun, well-drained soil, and a permanent home where it can mature without disturbance. As the clump strengthens each year, it will deliver bigger bloom seasons and a lush, finished presence that keeps borders looking polished.