Lady in Red Peony

Lady in Red Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Lady in Red')

Lady in Red Peony brings bold color and a classic peony presence 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 and pairs easily with whites, soft pinks, and fresh spring greens for a balanced look. If you want a dependable peony that delivers strong color and great cut flowers, this one is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

This herbaceous peony forms a sturdy mound of deep green, finely cut foliage and produces large, showy blooms in late spring to early summer. Lady in Red is known for rich red flowers that bring a confident, classic look to mixed borders and cutting gardens. The blooms sit above the foliage and create strong contrast that reads well from a distance. 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 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 blooms that bring rich color indoors for arrangements.
• 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 Lady in Red Peony?

• Rich Red Color: Bold blooms bring dramatic contrast and a classic look to late spring borders.
• Reliable Return: Long-lived clumps come back each year and improve as they mature.
• Border Structure: Lush foliage keeps the planting looking full and finished after bloom time.
• Great for Arrangements: Blooms hold well in vases and bring the garden indoors.

Lady in Red Peony is a rewarding choice for gardeners who want classic peony form with confident color and long-term reliability. Give it sun, well-drained soil, and a permanent home where it can mature without disturbance. As it settles in, it will deliver bigger bloom seasons and a lush, finished presence that keeps borders looking polished year after year.