Double peony varieties

Double peonies are those in which all stamens and carpels are transformed into petals, as the American Peony Society defines the type. The society allows some stamens, provided they are obscure and can barely be seen without parting the petals. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
9
Height
2½–3 ft (76–91 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–8
Form

9 Herbaceous

Compare all 9 side by side

All 9 double peony varieties

A Dr. Alexander Fleming peony flower up close on the plant Dr. Alexander Fleming Herbaceous peony with 6-inch deep rose to salmon pink double flowers and many side buds. Late spring3 ft (86 cm)Herbaceous
A Duchess de Nemours peony flower up close on the plant Duchess de Nemours Heirloom herbaceous peony with double white flowers on sturdy 34-inch stems, RHS AGM. Late spring, Early summer3 ft (86 cm)Herbaceous
A Gardenia peony flower up close on the plant Gardenia Herbaceous peony with double blush white flowers and golden stamens in the center, Lins 1949. Late spring, Early summer3 ft (86 cm)Herbaceous
A Kansas peony flower up close on the plant Kansas Rose-type double lactiflora peony in watermelon red, midseason, APS Gold Medal 1957. Late spring, Early summer3 ft (91 cm)Herbaceous
A Karl Rosenfield peony flower up close on the plant Karl Rosenfield Double red lactiflora peony from 1908, midseason bloom, 30 to 36 inches tall. Late spring, Early summer2½–3 ft (76–91 cm)Herbaceous
A Old Faithful peony flower up close on the plant Old Faithful Double dark velvet red herbaceous hybrid peony, midseason, APS Gold Medal 1997. Late spring, Early summer (estimated) 3 ft (91 cm)Herbaceous
A Paul M. Wild peony flower up close on the plant Paul M. Wild Fully double ruby red lactiflora peony, late midseason, 32 to 36 inches tall. Early summer2½–3 ft (81–91 cm)Herbaceous
A Raspberry Sundae peony flower up close on the plant Raspberry Sundae Herbaceous peony with double cream and raspberry pink flowers on 36-inch stems, Klehm 1968. Late spring3 ft (91 cm)Herbaceous
A Shirley Temple peony flower up close on the plant Shirley Temple Herbaceous peony with fully double light rose blooms that fade to white, 30 to 32 inches tall. Late spring2½ ft (76–81 cm)Herbaceous

How to choose

  1. Look at the bloom time to spread flowering across the peony season.

  2. Compare the zones in the Hardiness column with your own before ordering.

  3. Use the color filter to narrow the list to the shades you want.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Dr. Alexander Fleming Herbaceous 3 ft (86 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Duchess de Nemours Herbaceous 3 ft (86 cm) 3–8 Late spring, Early summer Full sun
Gardenia Herbaceous 3 ft (86 cm) 3–8 Late spring, Early summer Full sun
Kansas Herbaceous 3 ft (91 cm) 3–8 Late spring, Early summer Full sun
Karl Rosenfield Herbaceous 2½–3 ft (76–91 cm) 3–8 Late spring, Early summer Full sun
Old Faithful Herbaceous 3 ft (91 cm) 3–8 (estimated) Late spring, Early summer (estimated) Full sun (estimated)
Paul M. Wild Herbaceous 2½–3 ft (81–91 cm) 3–8 Early summer Full sun, Part shade
Raspberry Sundae Herbaceous 3 ft (91 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Shirley Temple Herbaceous 2½ ft (76–81 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a double and a bomb peony?

The American Peony Society describes a bomb as a flower whose inner segments have grown into inner petals, almost always the same color as the outer guard petals. In a full double, the stamens and carpels are transformed into petals.

How is a semi-double peony different?

The American Peony Society says semi-doubles keep prominent stamens, while in a double the stamens are hidden or absent.

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