Plant These Peony Varieties In October For Blooms That Will Wow Your Neighbors

If you are thinking about planting peonies, October is the perfect time to do it!

These lovely flowers are gorgeous, fragrant, and a bit picky about their care. They thrive in regions where winter brings a cool break that helps them grow beautifully in spring.

By planting in October, you’re giving them enough time to develop roots during the cool months. Also, fall plantings usually bloom better than spring ones because they settle in nicely before showing off their big, fluffy flowers.

I’m here to help you find the prettiest peonies that are also easy to care for!

I would suggest you consider…

1. ‘Festiva Maxima’, The Most Fragrant Peony Out There

I bet you’re going to love ‘Festiva Maxima’!

These varieties are known for their fluffy double white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. And the scent? Pure magic! Their sweet fragrance makes you want to take a deep breath and enjoy the smell.

I’ve planted ‘Festiva Maxima’ in my cut flower garden and they always steal the spotlight. No matter if you plant them alone or mix them with other flowers, they’re sure to impress.

This classic variety is a favorite in American gardens and is easy to find at local nurseries and online shops this fall.

2. If You Like Herbaceous Peonies, Go For ‘Edulis Superba’

Most herbaceous peonies belong to the classic Paeonia lactiflora family, and one standout is ‘Edulis Superba.’

This beauty features double layers of lovely pink petals and a light pink “collar” that makes the blooms look like charming little cups.

‘Edulis Superba’ has been a gardener’s favorite for ages, thanks to its dense leaves and the abundance of flowers it produces on each plant. When fully grown, these clumps can reach about four feet tall and wide (and can be easily divided!).

3. ‘Impumon’ Has The Most Gorgeous Red Flowers

I absolutely love seeing red flowers in my garden, which is why the ‘Impumon’ variety is my favorite!

These peonies have the most wonderful flowers, with red and yellow colors that create the most stunning contrast. Many people say it has the most gorgeous shades of red among peonies.

It might be a bit tricky to find in the U.S., so be sure to check out specialty online retailers and local tree peony growers!

4. Tibetan Peony Can Reach The Sky

Tibetan peonies are truly impressive, reaching heights of up to nine feet when fully grown!

They can grow over low-spreading shrubs because their delicate leaves and small yellow flowers blend seamlessly in the background. If you want to keep them a bit shorter, feel free to give them a trim in the fall.

Just be careful not to prune in early spring or you might accidentally cut off the flowering buds!

These peonies aren’t as cold-hardy as other tree types, so if you’re in the USDA zone 6 or below, make sure to protect them from freezing temps.

However, they thrive beautifully in zones 6 to 9, especially if you provide them with some afternoon shade during summer.

5. ‘First Arrival’ Will Be The First One To Bloom

‘First Arrival’ peonies are a delight!

They produce lovely pink blooms that have the prettiest colors as soon as they open up. Plus, these flowers can become massive, reaching up to seven inches wide!

True to its name, ‘First Arrival’ is one of the earliest blooming peonies in the summer!

I would suggest you plant bare root crowns or potted plants – this will get you the best results, especially if planted in October. Make sure the top sprouting eyes are level with the ground.

If you live in a hot climate, give them some partial shade, and don’t forget to add an extra layer of mulch for protection in colder weather!

Here are a few of my favorite peony varieties – they’re not only gorgeous but super easy to grow!

Of course, there are tons of options out there, so if these don’t catch your eye, you can always explore other varieties that might be the perfect fit for your garden.

Happy peony planting this October!