Peonies Bring Lasting Beauty to Kitsap County Gardens

Few flowers stop people in their tracks the way peonies do. Those enormous, fragrant blooms in shades of white, blush, coral, deep crimson, and soft lavender have a staying power that few ornamentals can match — and here in Kitsap County, they thrive with surprisingly little fuss. If you've been curious about which different peony varieties perform best in our cool, moist Pacific Northwest climate, or if you've simply been admiring them at the farmers market and wondering whether they'd grow in your own yard, this guide is for you. Peonies are not a vegetable crop, but at Roots and Wings Gardening, we believe a productive landscape is also a beautiful one. A garden that feeds your family can absolutely include plants that feed your soul. Peonies do exactly that — and they do it for decades. Why Kitsap County Is Excellent Peony Territory The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for mild, grey, rainy winters and warm but not scorching summers. For many heat-loving crops, this can be a challenge. But peonies? They were practically made for this climate. They need winter chill to set their buds properly, and Kitsap County delivers that reliably. Our wet springs keep the soil moist during the critical bloom window, and our summer temperatures rarely reach the extremes that stress peonies in other parts of the country. Peonies are also a practical investment. A well-sited peony can live and bloom for 50 to 100 years. You're not planting for next spring — you're planting for a generation. That's a value that aligns deeply with the regenerative, long-term thinking that guides everything we do. Understanding the Different Peony Varieties: A Starting Point When most people picture peonies, they imagine the big, fluffy, many-petaled flowers sold in bunches at the grocery store in May and June. Those are almost certainly herbaceous peonies, the most common type. But there's much more to explore on any thorough peony varieties list. Here's a breakdown of the three main categories you'll encounter. Herbaceous Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora and hybrids) These are the classic garden peonies. They die back completely to the ground each winter and re-emerge in spring with glossy red shoots that unfurl into lush foliage. Herbaceous peonies are the easiest to establish and the most widely available, making them a smart starting point for Kitsap gardeners. Within herbaceous peonies, bloom forms vary widely: Single peonies have one or two rows of large petals surrounding a prominent center of golden stamens. They're elegant, simple, and beloved by pollinators. Varieties like 'Krinkled White' and 'Scarlett O'Hara' are striking examples. Single peonies also tend to hold up better in rain — an important consideration in our climate. Japanese and anemone peonies sit between single and double forms. The outer petals are large and guard-like, while the center is filled with narrow, petal-like structures called staminodes. 'Bowl of Beauty' is perhaps the most famous variety in this style — deep rose-pink guards surrounding a creamy white center. Semi-double peonies have multiple layers of petals but still show some of their stamens. 'Coral Charm' is a beloved semi-double with apricot-coral tones that fade gracefully to peachy cream. It's one of the most sought-after cut flower peonies in the Seattle and Puget Sound region for good reason. Double peonies are the classic full, globe-shaped flowers that most people recognize. 'Sarah Bernhardt' (soft pink, incredibly fragrant), 'Festiva Maxima' (white with crimson flecks), and 'Karl Rosenfield' (deep magenta-red) are workhorses that have been grown in Pacific Northwest gardens for well over a century. Double peonies are stunning but can be prone to flopping in rain and wind — staking is often necessary. Bomb double peonies have flat outer guard petals and a dramatically rounded center mound. 'Raspberry Sundae' and 'Red Charm' are well-known examples. They're spectacular but among the most prone to rain damage. Itoh (Intersectional) Peonies Itoh peonies are a hybrid cross between herbaceous peonies and tree peonies, and they've become increasingly popular on any modern peony varieties list for good reason. They combine the best of both worlds: the large, exotic bloom forms and extended color range of tree peonies with the die-back-and-return habit of herbaceous types (though their woody base remains). Itohs tend to be bushy, mounding plants that hold their blooms upright without staking. They're also highly disease-resistant and long-blooming. Popular Itoh varieties include 'Bartzella' (large, fragrant yellow blooms — genuinely remarkable), 'Kopper Kettle' (russet-copper tones that look like no other peony), and 'Garden Treasure' (golden yellow with a red flare). If you've never seen a yellow peony in person, 'Bartzella' will stop you in your tracks. The only real drawbacks to Itohs are cost (they're significantly more expensive than herbaceous types) and slower establishment in the first year or two. But once settled, they're extraordinary long-term performers. Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa and related species) Tree peonies are woody shrubs that retain their above-ground structure year-round — they don't die back in winter. They typically bloom earlier than herbaceous peonies, often in late April or early May in Kitsap County, and their flowers can reach dinner-plate size. The petals have a silky, almost crepe-paper texture that's completely unlike any other flower. Tree peonies come in a staggering range of colors, including true purple and near-black tones that are simply not possible in herbaceous varieties. Japanese varieties like 'Shimanishiki' and 'Kamata Nishiki' have been cultivated for centuries. Chinese tree peonies tend toward bolder colors and more exuberant bloom forms. Tree peonies require a bit more patience — they can be slow to establish and may not bloom well in the first two or three years. Site them carefully in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light, as their blooms can fade quickly in intense afternoon sun. They're also more sensitive to late spring frosts nipping emerging buds, so avoid frost pockets in your yard. A Practical Peony Varieties List for Kitsap County Gardeners Here are specific varieties worth seeking out for Pacific Northwest conditions: Best for cutting and fragrance: 'Sarah Bernhardt,' 'Festiva Maxima,' 'Duchesse de Nemours,' 'Kansas,' 'Bowl of Beauty' Best for rain tolerance and standing upright: 'Krinkled White,' 'Scarlett O'Hara,' 'Coral Charm,' any Itoh variety Best for early bloom: 'Athena,' 'Early Scout' (also very compact), tree peonies generally Best for late bloom (extending your season): 'Nippon Beauty,' 'Felix Crousse,' 'Elsa Sass' Best for pollinators: Single and Japanese forms — 'Krinkled White,' 'Sea Shell,' 'Cheddar Surprise' Best statement plants (Itoh): 'Bartzella,' 'Kopper Kettle,' 'Cora Louise' Best tree peonies for the Pacific Northwest: Japanese varieties generally perform well, including 'Renkaku' (white), 'Shimane Chojuraku' (pink), and 'Age of Gold' (yellow) Peonies Seattle and the Greater Puget Sound Region: What the Climate Means for You Searches for peonies Seattle reflect just how popular these plants have become across the Puget Sound region. Kitsap County gardeners share many of the same growing conditions as Seattle-area growers — similar winter chill hours, similar spring moisture, and similar summer patterns. A variety that thrives in a Seattle garden will almost certainly do well on the Kitsap Peninsula. The main thing to watch for in our specific microclimate is drainage. We get significant rainfall from October through June, and peonies absolutely hate having their roots sit in waterlogged soil. If your soil drains poorly — common in many parts of Kitsap County given our clay-heavy ground — you'll want to amend generously before planting or consider raised beds. You can read more about working with our challenging native soil in our guide on how to manage clay soil in Kitsap County. How to Plant Peonies in Kitsap County Planting depth is the single most important factor in peony success, and it's where most failures originate. Plant the roots too deep, and the plants will produce lush foliage year after year without ever blooming. The eyes (the pinkish-red growth buds on the crown) should sit no more than one to two inches below the soil surface. In our cool Pacific Northwest climate, erring toward the shallower end of that range is wise. Choose a planting site with at least six hours of direct sun daily. Peonies will tolerate part shade but bloom most prolifically in full sun. Good air circulation helps reduce botrytis (gray mold), which can be a problem in our damp springs. Prepare your planting hole generously — at least 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Work in compost and, if your soil is heavy clay, some coarse grit or pea gravel to improve drainage. Peonies are heavy feeders once established, but at planting time, avoid overly nitrogen-rich amendments, which push foliage at the expense of blooms. A low-nitrogen, phosphorus-forward fertilizer (or bone meal worked into the backfill) supports root development and future flowering. The ideal planting window in Kitsap County is fall — September through October — which gives roots time to establish before the ground cools. Container-grown peonies can be planted in spring, though they may take an extra year to settle in. Caring for Peonies Through the Year Once established, peonies are genuinely low-maintenance. Here's what the seasonal calendar looks like in Kitsap County: Spring: As shoots emerge, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer around the drip line (not directly on the crown). Set up supports for double-flowered varieties before stems get tall — it's much easier to grow into a support ring than to fix a flopped plant after rain. Watch for botrytis in cool, wet conditions; good airflow and avoiding overhead watering are your best defenses. Late spring/early summer: Enjoy the blooms. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to keep the plant tidy and prevent seed formation, which drains energy. Cut flowers early in the morning when buds are just beginning to open for the best vase life. Summer: The foliage remains attractive through the season. Water during any extended dry spells, especially in the first few years. Our summers have been trending drier, and young peonies benefit from consistent moisture during establishment. For tips on managing summer watering needs across your garden, see our guide on summer watering tips for Kitsap County gardens. Fall: After the first hard frost, cut herbaceous peony foliage back to the ground and remove it from the garden entirely — don't compost it if you've had any botrytis, as spores can overwinter. Mulch lightly around (not over) the crown. Tree peonies and Itohs: leave woody stems intact, just remove dead leaves. Winter: Peonies need this dormancy period. The cold is not a problem — it's a requirement. Don't be tempted to protect them excessively. A light mulch of straw or leaves around (not mounding over) the crown is sufficient protection on the coldest nights. A Note on Ants Almost every gardener who grows peonies notices ants crawling all over the buds. There's a persistent myth that peonies need ants to bloom. They don't. The ants are attracted to a sweet nectar secreted by the buds and do no harm. You don't need to treat for them or worry about them. They'll leave on their own once flowering is complete. Integrating Peonies Into a Productive Garden Peonies make excellent companions at the edges of vegetable beds, along pathways, or anchoring mixed borders. Their foliage remains handsome and full long after blooms have finished, providing structure and ground coverage that suppresses weeds. If you're thinking about how ornamental plants and food gardens can share space beautifully, our article on dahlias in the Kitsap County garden covers some of the same territory — dahlias and peonies actually make wonderful neighbors, as they bloom in sequence from late spring into fall. For a garden that is both productive and visually stunning through every season, consider pairing early-blooming peonies with later ornamentals and edible plantings that carry interest forward. Attracting pollinators is easier when you have generous blooms early in the season — and peonies, especially single and Japanese forms, are reliable early-season pollinator plants. Where to Source Peony Varieties in the Pacific Northwest Bare-root peonies are widely available in fall from Pacific Northwest specialty nurseries, mail-order growers, and garden centers. Look for reputable sources that sell named varieties with clear descriptions — unnamed "mixed" peonies are a gamble on flower color and form. A. & D. Peony & Perennial Nursery in Snohomish, Washington, is one of the most respected peony specialists in the region and ships bare-root divisions throughout the Pacific Northwest. Local garden centers in Kitsap County typically carry a solid selection of container-grown peonies in spring. When purchasing, look for roots with at least three to five healthy eyes. Larger divisions establish faster but cost more. A two- to three-eye division is perfectly viable — it just takes a year longer to reach full bloom. The Long View There's something profoundly right about planting a peony. You're not planting for instant gratification. You're planting something that may outlive you, that will bloom every May for the next half-century, that will become part of the story of a place. That's the spirit behind everything Roots and Wings Gardening does — not quick fixes, but lasting roots. Not just one season, but a relationship with the land that deepens over time. Plant a peony this fall. Give it a good start, be patient through its first quiet year or two, and then stand back. Kitsap County gardens, with their cool winters and soft spring light, are exactly where these magnificent flowers want to be.