Itoh peony varieties

Itoh peonies, also called intersectional peonies, are hybrids of a tree peony and a herbaceous peony, as Iowa State Extension and Peony's Envy both describe them. Wisconsin Horticulture notes that their short woody stems die back to the ground in winter. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
10
Height
2–3 ft (56–86 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 4–8
Form

10 Itoh (intersectional)

Compare all 10 side by side

All 10 itoh peony varieties

A Bartzella peony flower up close on the plant Bartzella Itoh peony with semi-double to double lemon yellow flowers and a red center, 34 inches tall, midseason. Early summer3 ft (86 cm)
A Canary Brilliants peony flower up close on the plant Canary Brilliants Itoh peony with semi-double to double creamy yellow flowers, apricot at the center, 28 inches tall, midseason. Early summer (estimated) 2½ ft (71 cm)
A Cora Louise peony flower up close on the plant Cora Louise Itoh peony with semi-double white flowers and deep lavender central flares, 24 inches tall, midseason. Early summer2 ft (61 cm)
A First Arrival peony flower up close on the plant First Arrival Early Itoh peony with semi-double pink to lavender flowers and red flares, 28 inches tall. Late spring (estimated) 2½ ft (71 cm)
A Garden Treasure peony flower up close on the plant Garden Treasure Itoh peony with semi-double yellow flowers and muted red flares, 22 to 24 inches tall, mid to late season. Early summer2 ft (56–61 cm)
A Hillary peony flower up close on the plant Hillary Itoh peony with semi-double creamy red flowers fading to cream around a darker center, 24 to 30 inches tall. Early summer (estimated) 2–2½ ft (61–76 cm)
A Julia Rose peony flower up close on the plant Julia Rose Itoh peony with single to semi-double flowers that open cherry red and fade to orange, then yellow. 28 inches tall. Early summer (estimated) 2½ ft (71 cm)
A Keiko peony flower up close on the plant Keiko Itoh peony with double flowers opening lavender pink and maturing to pale pink, 30 inches tall. Late spring2½ ft (76 cm)
A Morning Lilac peony flower up close on the plant Morning Lilac Early Itoh peony with single to semi-double fuchsia purple flowers, 28 inches tall. Late spring2½ ft (71 cm)
A Scarlet Heaven peony flower up close on the plant Scarlet Heaven Itoh peony with single bright red flowers and yellow stamens, 28 inches tall, midseason. Early summer2½ ft (71 cm)

How to choose

  1. Check the Color column for yellows. Peony's Envy writes that Itoh peonies offer a wide range of yellows and golds, colors that are uncommon in herbaceous peonies.

  2. Compare the Height column. Peony's Envy describes the stems of a mature plant as strong and short enough to hold the flowers without staking.

  3. Look at the bloom time. Peony's Envy says Itoh peonies peak near the end of the herbaceous peony bloom, so they extend the season.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Bartzella Itoh (intersectional) 3 ft (86 cm) 4–8 Early summer Full sun
Canary Brilliants Itoh (intersectional) 2½ ft (71 cm) 4–8 (estimated) Early summer (estimated) Full sun (estimated)
Cora Louise Itoh (intersectional) 2 ft (61 cm) 4–8 Early summer Full sun
First Arrival Itoh (intersectional) 2½ ft (71 cm) 4–8 (estimated) Late spring (estimated) Full sun (estimated)
Garden Treasure Itoh (intersectional) 2 ft (56–61 cm) 4–8 Early summer Full sun
Hillary Itoh (intersectional) 2–2½ ft (61–76 cm) 4–8 Early summer (estimated) Full sun
Julia Rose Itoh (intersectional) 2½ ft (71 cm) 4–8 (estimated) Early summer (estimated) Full sun (estimated)
Keiko Itoh (intersectional) 2½ ft (76 cm) 4–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Morning Lilac Itoh (intersectional) 2½ ft (71 cm) 4–8 Late spring Full sun
Scarlet Heaven Itoh (intersectional) 2½ ft (71 cm) 4–8 Early summer Full sun

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

Do you cut back Itoh peonies in fall?

Partly. White Flower Farm and Peony's Envy both advise trimming the stems to 4 to 5 inches in fall and leaving those stem sections, which may carry buds for next year.

How deep should Itoh peonies be planted?

White Flower Farm says to plant the crown at the same depth as herbaceous peonies, although some stems with buds may stand above the soil. Peony's Envy gives 2 inches in zones 2 to 4, 1 inch in zones 5 to 6 and half an inch in zones 7 to 8.

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