Paeonia 'Gay Paree' Peony

Paeonia 'Gay Paree' is a stunning late-blooming double peony that graces gardens with its beauty year after year. Growing 24 to 36 inches tall, it blooms heavily in mid to late spring, setting anemone-shaped flowers with rose-pink outer petals and a striking creamy white center. With a delightful fragrance and strong stems, these exquisite blooms make exceptional cut flowers for monofloral bouquets or mixed arrangements.

A Paeonia lactiflora, commonly called Chinese peony, 'Gay Paree' is a long-lived herbaceous perennial (Zones 3-8) with an upright, shrubby habit and glossy green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves take on rich tones of purples, rusts, and golds, adding another layer of charm. This classic peony thrives as a specimen or accent plant but is most striking when grouped or massed in beds and borders.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, 'Gay Paree' peony flourishes in sunny to partly shady spots with fertile, medium moist, well-draining soil. It appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates and protection from strong winds. Regular watering is essential during dry spells, and an annual application of fertilizer in spring ensures optimal growth. Resistant to deer and rabbits, 'Gay Paree' is a dependable choice for long-lasting garden beauty.

Plant 'Gay Paree' peony roots in a sheltered location, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart and 1½ to 2 inches deep. Choose your spot carefully, as peonies prefer undisturbed locations and thrive in areas with cold winters for proper bud formation.