'Kansas' Peony

Bred by Myron Bigger of Topeka, Kansas, who named it after his home state, Paeonia 'Kansas' was first introduced in 1940 and won the prestigious Gold Medal of the American Peony Society in 1957. Today it is considered by many experts to be the standard bearer for the old-fashioned red Peonies, for its shimmering blooms are more of a bluish red than a true, modern red. Indeed, its fully double and heavily petaled flowers gleam suggestively of watermelon; they hold this intense color well even in heat, making it ideal for southern gardens.

Paeonia 'Kansas' blooms early to midseason on strong, 36-inch, erect stems. It's excellent as a background planting for spring bulbs or for use in perennial or shrub borders. And the huge, double blooms make wonderful cut flowers.

Plant Paeonia 'Kansas' in full sun and provide it with a rich, well-drained soil. Feed it very lightly in early spring with compost and bone meal. Don't overfeed, as that can cause the plants not to bloom. Place the eyes 1½ to 2 inches below the soil level. Planting too deeply can also cause them not to flower. Water a new plant frequently to allow them to get off to a good start. Peonies often don't flower the first season, as they're spending their energies on root establishment, but after that their blooms are simply spectacular. We are confident you'll love Paeonia 'Kansas' and enjoy it for many, many seasons to come.