Fernleaf Peony

Fernleaf Peony (Paeonia tenuifolia) This perennial never fails to draw oohhs and aahhs from onlookers. It has extremely feathery leaves that beg to be touched. The flowers can be single or double. I have only seen them available in red. Like other peonies, they do not bloom long, but after the flowers gracefully bow out, the foliage remains for an encore. Fernleaf peonies are long lived and disease free. The peony may go dormant in very hot, dry summers, but not to worry, it should be back to greet you in spring. Fernleaf peonies like sun to part sun and can reach 12” – 15” tall. They are hardy to Zone 3.

I just took this photo of my red fernleaf peony. It is just about to pop open! It is a division from Melba Higgin’s peony in St. Louis, Missouri. Melba was my first garden mentor and nursery employer. She owned a five-acre field-grown garden center called Smalltown Perennials in Burnt Hills, NY. She is the person that started me down the path to starting my own gardening business. Thank you Melba!