Julia Rose Itoh Peony (Paeonia 'Julia Rose')

Julia Rose Itoh Peony (Paeonia 'Julia Rose') offers large, lightly fragrant flowers with a soft, airbrushed blend of colors. Blooms open cherry pink with deeper edges, gradually softening to peach and pastel yellow from late spring into summer.

This herbaceous perennial forms a dense mound of deeply divided dark green leaves on sturdy stems. Use it as an accent or in grouped plantings where its changing flower colors can take center stage.

Growing details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and 2.5–3 feet wide
• Spacing: Approximately 3 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9
• Light: Full sun to part sun; afternoon shade is helpful in Southern gardens
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Flowers: Large, lightly fragrant blooms changing from cherry pink to peach and pastel yellow
• Flowering season: Late spring into summer

Care and garden use

Water regularly when the top 3 inches of soil are dry. Heavy flowers may need support if stems droop. Watch for Botrytis and Phytophthora blights, powdery mildew, and occasional pests such as scale, mealybugs, mites, and beetles. If flowering is poor, review planting depth and light exposure.

Plant in borders, mixed beds, or spacious containers. Pair with bellflower, coneflower, or hydrangea for contrasting flower shapes and seasonal interest.

Image credits: radiomars, Julia Rose ITOH peony; F. D. Richards, Paeonia 'Julia Rose' photo sets, 2018 and 2021. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.