Ten Notable Peonies Through 1945

1. Festiva Maxima (1851, Miellez, France) The most widely-known heirloom peony still available, ‘Festiva Maxima’ is a white double with fragrant flowers on stems that must be staked in the landscape. Its trademark red flecks are more noticeable as the flower opens.
2. Duchesse de Nemours (1856, Calot, France) This fragrant white double has a touch of yellow at the base of its petals, and makes a great cut flower, although it might need support in the garden.
3. Sarah Bernhardt (1906, Lemoine, France) The most widely grown peony throughout the world for cut flowers, ‘Sarah Bernhardt’, named for the famous actress, the medium pink flower is very large and lightly fragrant; the plant is floriferous, and must be staked in a garden setting.
4. Mikado (1893, Japan) Introduced to Americans at the Chicago World’s Fair, ‘Mikado’ was the first of its form (later named “Japanese”) to be shown in this country. Flowers are red with a center tuft of rose and yellow, it stands without staking.
5. Jubilee (1908, Pleas, Indiana). No longer available, this two-time National Peony Show winner and Philadelphia Flower Show honoree in 1971, ‘Jubilee’ was known for its huge flowers. Unfortunately, it was also know for its long, weak stems.
6. Chestine Gowdy (1913, Brand, Minnesota) This fragrant pink double has so many petals, it must be supported in the landscape. But its beauty makes it worth the trouble.
7. Minnie Shaylor (1919, Shaylor, Massachusetts) A white semi-double with a red center, this peony is mother plant to many intersectional hybrid peonies. ‘Minnie Shaylor’ received an Award of Landscape Merit in 2009 for its ability to hold up to stormy weather.
8. Myrtle Gentry (1925, Brand, Minnesota) Described as rosy white suffused with tints of flesh and salmon, this fragrant beauty was named for peony breeder Archie Brand’s business partner.
9. Neon (1941, Nichols, New York) There is no ignoring this bright fuchsia flower with the neon gold center and light fragrance. Its heritage includes one of the first peonies introduced to this country by a Japanese nursery.
10. Big Ben (1943, Auten, Illinois) This rose red variety can reach up to four feet tall, so keep that in mind when you go to find some supports for this fragrant variety.