Willard & May Sarah Bernhardt Peony

These peonies require full sun to thrive, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting them in a spot with insufficient light will result in fewer blooms and weaker stems.

Yes, Sarah Bernhardt peonies are generally avoided by deer, making them a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, they are rarely targeted compared to other landscape favorites.

Peonies are exceptionally long-lived perennials. Once established in the right conditions, a Sarah Bernhardt peony can return and bloom reliably for decades, often outlasting many other plants in your landscape.

For the best results, cut the stems when the buds are soft and marshmallow-like but not yet fully open. This allows them to open slowly indoors, extending the vase life of your arrangement.

These peonies are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. If you live within this range, the plant is well-suited to your climate and should return every spring.

They are considered low-maintenance. You will primarily need to ensure they are planted in well-drained soil and cut back the foliage in late autumn after the first frost, once the leaves have turned brown.