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Peonies are perennials that will live for decades, even generations. The blooms are outrageously beautiful, producing lush, glossy, green foliage all summer long, turning purplish or gold in the fall. A favorite among florists. Peonies attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden and are deer resistant.
About this Variety
Itoh Peonies are bred by cross breeding herbaceous type Peonies with tree Peonies, creating a new hybrid. In the old days they sold for as much as $1,000.00 each, but these days are much more affordable. They are somewhat more expensive to propagate, but well worth the investment in your garden. Itoh Peony First Arrival is one of the earliest Itoh peonies to bloom each season hence its name. Makes for an exotic cut flower. As a hybrid it combines the best qualities of its parental varieties.
Highlights
- Excellent for cut flowers
- Gorgeous, showy blooms
- Returns and blooms year after year
- Grows well in containers, garden beds and borders
- A florist favorite
Exposure:
Full sun to partial shade
Blooms:
Spring to Summer
Height:
Grows 24-28" tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 36-48" apart, 1-2" deep
USDA Zones:
Grow as Perennial in zones 2-8. Grow as Annual elsewhere.
Growing Instructions
Plant Peonies outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in a partially shaded location. The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Plant roots 1-2" deep and 24-48" apart. Cover with soil. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize every three months.
Care Tip
Treat regularly to control chewing insects, leaf blight and mildew. Divide in late summer every 3 to 4 years.