21 Red Peony Varieties For Bold Color in Your Flower Garden

The red peony is a favorite flower for gardens and bouquets, and there are many good reasons why. Peonies are not only large, gorgeous flowers, but they are also hearty. Many peony varieties last over a week in a vase, and these perennial flowers may return for decades when planted in your garden.

Peony species can be herbaceous (long stemmed), woody (shrubs) and hybrids, which are also called Itoh Peonies. Peonies also come in many flower types. Those flower types are as follows:

• Single: five to fifteen petals surrounding a center of stamens.
• Japanese: similar to singles but the staminodes have pollen encased in tissue.
• Anemone: stamens have transformed into petalodes but still retain their yellow color.
• Bomb: the stamens become inner petals the same color as the rest of the petals.
• Semi-Double: has additional rings of petals around the center stamens.
• Full double: two-stage anatomy and with stamens and carpals transformed into petals.

For the most part, most red peony varieties require many of the same things. They prefer full sun but can handle some afternoon shade. Most of them grow well in zones 3–8. But which red peonies should you choose to add some bold color to your garden this season? We’ve hand-picked our favorite red peonies with names and pictures of each? Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in!

‘Belgravia’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Belgravia’

• Shade of Red: Light red to pinkish red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Belgravia Peony is a stunning, luscious variety of the peony. These double-bloomed peonies grow bomb-shaped flowers that can be over 9 inches across. Belgravia Peonies are a bush variety that is usually red but may come with blends of pink.

Belgravia Peonies are show flowers and make stunning displays. They’ll attract pollinators, but deer won’t bother them. These are hearty plants that will tolerate many different soil types.

‘Buckeye Belle’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Buckeye Belle’

• Shade of Red: Deep crimson
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

Buckeye Belle peonies are a breathtaking sight. Their blooms are a glossy deep red with golden stamens inside. In 2010, these hybrid flowers won the American Peony Society’s Gold Medal Award for exceptional peonies.

The blooms of these peonies typically span five to six inches. These low-maintenance perennials can tolerate many soil types and withstand an assault from deer and rabbits. Buckeye Belles make gorgeous show flowers and will attract butterflies to your garden.

‘Cherry Hill’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Cherry Hill’

• Shade of Red: Crimson and scarlet
• Flowering Period: Very early
• Plant Size: 3’–4’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

Cherry Hill peonies are a vigorously growing, luxe-looking variety. These plants produce rich, glistening full double blooms and attractive green foliage. While the flowers are smaller than many other peony varieties, the Cherry Hill blooms profusely and are a good decorative flower for the beginning of the season.

Like other peonies, the Cherry Hill variety is hearty and requires little maintenance. They’ll withstand creatures like deer and also bring pollinators over as your later-blooming plants begin to grow.

‘Command Performance’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Command Performance’

• Shade of Red: Starts bright red but changes color
• Flowering Period: Midseason
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Zone: 3–7

Command Performance peonies are famous and loved for their color-changing petals. When these flowers first bloom, they’re a bright, cardinal red that can be up to nine inches across. After a few days of blooming, the color turns dark orange. Over the next few days, the color will continue to change from orange to salmon to peach to cream, and finally to white.

Command Performance is a little more sensitive than other varieties of peonies. It does best in full sun and struggles if the soil is over-watered. This variety also blooms in the midseason compared to most other peonies that bloom in the early season.

‘Delaware Chief’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Delaware Chief’

• Shade of Red: Rich, fiery red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Delaware Chief peony produces bright red, bomb-type flowers that can often grow to 6.5” wide. The petals are matte and smooth and the leaves are dark green. These flowers produce an exotic, spicy scent. The Delaware Chief variety won the American Peony Society’s Honorable Mention Award in 1984.

Delaware Chief peonies are particularly hearty, making them a good landscaping plant. They’ll tolerate many soil types and attract pollinators.

‘Diana Parks’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Diana Parks’

• Shade of Red: Ruby red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 3’–4’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Diana Parks variety is a dramatic, showstopping peony. These plants create large double-flowers in a vibrant shade of red. They have a pleasant smell and are excellent cut flowers.

With sturdy stalks and luscious leaves, the Diana Parks peony is as hearty as many other peonies. They can handle full sun and are deer resistant. Unfortunately, the petals don’t last long once the plant starts flowering.

‘Eliza Lundy’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Eliza Lundy’

• Shade of Red: Scarlet
• Flowering Period: Very early
• Plant Size: 2’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Eliza Lundy peony is one of the smaller varieties of peonies. These plants usually only reach about two feet tall. The bomb-type flowers usually span about five inches, but they’re densely packed with bright red petals.

Though this dwarf variety is smaller than its relatives, it’s still strong. It can tolerate full sun and many soil types. Like other peonies, the Eliza Lundy is deer-resistant and pollinator friendly. The Eliza Lundy peony won the American Peony Society’s Gold Medal award in 2016.

‘Fernleaf’

Scientific Name: Paeonia tenuifolia

• Shade of Red: Crimson
• Flowering Period: Very early
• Plant Size: 1’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

Fernleaf peonies aren’t just some of the first peonies to bloom each year, they’re one of the first varieties of peonies ever discovered. Fernleaf peonies get their name from their fern-like foliage, a style that’s unique among peony variations. There are a few Fernleaf hybrids, but the originals are a vibrant red with yellow stamens.

Fernleaf peonies have the nickname “Mother’s Day Peonies” thanks to their early flowering period. They are more compact than most varieties of peonies, with most reaching a height of about 15 inches. It’s unusual to find these plants in gardens, but they’re found in the wild throughout Eastern Europe.

‘Flame’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Flame’

• Shade of Red: Crimson with a slight coral tone
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

Flame peonies are a hybrid species cultivated over eighty years ago. This variety gets its name from the large, bright yellow stamens in the center of the brilliant red flower. Occasionally, the flowers may also grow in shades of reddish or hot pink.

Like most other varieties of peonies, Flame peonies require little maintenance and are sturdy, hearty plants. While they flower early, their attractive dark green foliage lasts through the fall. They don’t attract many pests but do attract pollinators.

‘Henry Bockstoce’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Henry Bockstoce’

• Shade of Red: Deep red to wine
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 3’–4’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

Henry Bockstoce peonies are large, stunning, double-type red flowers. They bloom in a romantic rose shape and usually reach about seven inches in diameter. Henry Bockstoce peonies have vibrant green leaves that contrast beautifully with their rich red hue.

These peonies make beautiful bouquets, and last about ten days once cut. Their foliage lasts through fall, often turning warm autumn colors. The flowers are fragrant and work well for landscaping.

‘Hephestos’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Haphestos’

• Shade of Red: Deep brick red
• Flowering Period: Midseason
• Plant Size: 2’–6’
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial
• Plant Zone: 4–9

Named for the Greek god of fire, Haphestos peonies produce a dramatic, dark red bloom with gorgeous golden stamens. The flowers are eye-catching as they tower over silvery-green leaves. Their stunning appearance and fragrant scent make them excellent cut flowers.

This tree peony is a reliable perennial and doesn’t require any special maintenance. The Haphestos peony won the American Peony Society Gold Medal award in 2009.

‘Kansas’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Kansas’

• Shade of Red: Vibrant reds and deep pinks
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Kansas peony is another lush, showstopping peony variety. These peonies come in vibrant reds to watermelon shades of pink that don’t fade in the sun and can reach up to 8 inches across. The foliage is a glossy, rich green.

Kansas peonies are ideal cut flowers that can last about a week in a vase. They require minimal upkeep but may need stalking as the flowers can be heavy. As with other peonies, they’re hearty plants that attract butterflies. The Kansas Peony won the American Peony Society Gold Medal in 1959.

‘Karl Rosenfield’

Scientific Name: Peonia ‘Karl Rosenfield’

• Shade of Red: Bright crimson
• Flowering Period: Midseason
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Karl Rosenfield peony is often considered one of the best peony varieties. These peonies grow a bright, six-inch wide double-blossom flower. The flowers are fragrant and the foliage is lush and green. Karl Rosenfield peonies are adaptable flowers that can be grown in a wide variety of garden types. 

Karl Rosenfield peonies also make excellent cut flowers and can last 7–10 days in a vase. In the fall, their foliage turns a deep red as the leaves change color. These peonies are hearty and low-maintenance.

‘Many Happy Returns’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Many Happy Returns’

• Shade of Red: Warm red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Plant Zone:3–8

The Many Happy Returns peony is a three-flower hybrid with a warm red, bomb-style flower. These peonies are lightly scented and their color won’t fade in the sun. Their foliage is bushy with glossy, dark green leaves.

The vivacious Many Happy Returns peony is easy to maintain and virtually pest free. They pair excellently with other perennials and will bring plenty of pollinators to your garden. The Many Happy Returns peony has won two awards through the American Peony Society: the Gold Medal Award in 2007 and the Award of Landscape Merit in 2009.

‘Old Faithful’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Old Faithful’

• Shade of Red: Deep red
• Flowering Period: Late midseason
• Plant Size: 3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The regal, rose-shaped red Old Faithful peony produces dramatic, 7-inch flowers. The Old Faithful is a later-blooming peony, a perfect addition to keep your garden full of peonies all season long. The flowers brighten as they open further and emit a spicy fragrance.

Sturdy stems and vibrant green leaves accompany the romantic flowers. The Old Faithful make excellent cut flowers and won the American Peony Society’s Gold Medal Award in 1997 and the Award of Landscape Merit in 2009.

‘Paul M. Wild’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Paul M. Wild’

• Shade of Red: Ruby red to Fuschia
• Flowering Period: Midseason
• Plant Size: 2–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Plant Zone: 4–8

The velvety petals of the Paul M. Wild peony are a vibrant red with a slight purple glow. The blooms are large and lush, as this double-type peony is full of petals. These flowers are excellent exhibition flowers and ideal cut flowers.

Support may be necessary when these peonies begin to open up due to the flower heads’ weight. Otherwise, they require little maintenance and will bring in pollinators while withstanding deer and rabbits.

‘Peter Brand’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Peter Brand’

• Shade of Red: Ruby red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 3’
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Peter Brand peony is a brilliant, color-changing flower. When the fully-double, 6-inch peonies first open, they’re a deep ruby red. As the days go by, the color gradually shifts to a vibrant magenta. Though the color shifts, it won’t fade in the sun.

Peter Brand peonies don’t require any special care outside of the usual maintenance. You can plant them in many types of soil so long as it’s fertile. When the flowers are no longer blooming, the remaining foliage makes for a gorgeous bush plant.

‘Raspberry Charm’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Raspberry Charm’

• Shade of Red: Raspberry red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Raspberry Charm is a hybrid Japanese peony. Their flowers are a bright red with a slight pink tone and have vibrant yellow stamens. A favorite of butterflies, these peonies will add early-season beauty to your garden.

Raspberry Charm peonies are fragrant with sturdy stems. The eye-catching colors make them perfect for the garden or as cut flowers.

‘Red Charm’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Red Charm’

• Shade of Red: Deep, rich red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

Red Charm peonies produce double, bomb-shaped flowers that can grow to 8.5 inches across. These plants have strong stems and hold up well to heat waves. They’re one of the earliest-blooming varieties of double-flowered peonies, but their glossy, dark green foliage remains beautiful through the fall.

Little maintenance is necessary for Red Charm peonies, but they may need stalking due to their heavy blooms. The Red Charm variety won the American Peony Society Gold Medal award in 1956 and also won a place in the Court of Honor at the 1943 Chicago Regional Show.

‘Red Red Rose’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Red Red Rose’

• Shade of Red: Vibrant crimson
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

The Red Red Rose peony gets its name not just from the vibrant red of its satin petals but also from the rose shape of the bomb-type flower. Inside are bright yellow stamens, and the flower’s foliage offers glossy, dark green leaves.

These showy peonies bloom a little earlier in the season than most peonies. They’ll withstand deer but bring bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.

‘Walter Mains’

Scientific Name: Paeonia ‘Walter Mains’

• Shade of Red: Vivid red
• Flowering Period: Early
• Plant Size: 2’–3’
• Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
• Plant Zone: 3–8

With a cup-shaped flower, deep red petals, and a ring of yellow and red stamens inside, the Walter Mains peony is breathtaking. This hybrid grows on sturdy stems and its foliage is glossy and dark green.

Like the other peonies on this list, the Walter Mains peony doesn’t need much extra maintenance. They can grow in a variety of soil types, and the Walter Mains variety doesn’t usually need stalking. They’ll attract pollinators like butterflies, but will withstand deer and rabbits.