Peony Paradise Gay Paree Peony

A bare-root division is a dormant plant section with its roots exposed, rather than growing in a pot of soil. This is the professional standard for planting peonies, as it allows the plant to establish a strong root system directly in your garden soil immediately after planting.

Like most Lactiflora peonies, this variety prefers full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates, too much shade will result in fewer blooms and weaker stems.

Japanese-style peonies feature a single row of large, prominent guard petals surrounding a center of modified stamens called staminodes. This creates a distinct, fluffy, and often contrasting center that looks quite different from the fully double, ball-shaped blooms found on traditional garden peonies.

Peonies are famous for their patience; while you might see a bloom or two in the first year, it typically takes two to three years for the plant to fully establish and produce a prolific display of flowers. Once settled, however, they are incredibly long-lived and reliable.

At 33 inches tall, the Gay Paree is relatively sturdy, but heavy rain or wind can sometimes cause the blooms to lean. If your garden is in a particularly exposed or windy spot, a simple peony hoop or support ring placed early in the spring is a smart preventative measure.