Fieldstone Gardens Paeonia lactiflora

A Japanese-type peony features a single or double row of wide outer petals surrounding a center of modified, petal-like stamens called staminodes. In the case of 'Gay Paree,' this creates a distinct, frilled, creamy-colored center that contrasts beautifully with the vivid pink outer petals.

This peony performs best in full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light will result in fewer blooms and weaker stems.

At 30 inches tall, 'Gay Paree' is relatively compact, but peonies can sometimes lean after heavy rain or wind. It is generally a good idea to have a peony hoop or support ring ready to keep the stems upright as the blooms open.

Yes, 'Gay Paree' is quite hardy and thrives in zones 3 through 9. It is well-adapted to cold winters and will return reliably each spring across most of the United States.

Midseason typically refers to the period between late spring and early summer, usually following early-blooming varieties but before the late-season types. Depending on your specific location and spring temperatures, you can expect flowers to appear around late May to mid-June.