Buckeye Belle Peony

This Belle shows up early in the peony season with a romantic look. Its indulgent, rich-hued flowers are gilded in golden staminodes, intertwined with petals in the center. The dramatic colors and double flower form make a bouquet of Buckeye Belle look like it's been plucked from a classical painting—the perfect centerpiece for the tablescape at your next dinner party. The compact habit is very useful in landscaping—growing around 2-3' tall, this shrub doesn't require a wide space at the back of your border. The lush leaves make a consistent backdrop for flowers from spring to fall. Also, since peony blooms are so curvaceous, they'd normally need some help from staking. However, the compact habit keeps these flower stems from drooping. Paeonia x lactiflora 'Buckeye Belle'

Peonies have few requirements: give them a sunny well-drained location, plant 2-4' apart, with the eyes (new buds at the crown) no more than 2" below soil level and apply fertilizer or compost in spring. They take a while to establish, often 3 years before the first bloom—but the wait is worth it. They are heirloom quality. Let them grow undisturbed and they will bring joy to you and your loved ones through the decades.