For gardeners in the northern United States (USDA Hardiness Zones 3-5), selecting peony varieties that can withstand deep winter freezes is paramount. The good news is that many peonies are exceptionally cold-hardy, thriving in the distinct seasonal changes of these regions. The key is to choose plants bred for or proven in such climates.
Herbaceous peonies are the most common type, dying back to the ground each winter. Their root systems are supremely adapted to survive frozen soil. For northern states, focus on varieties known for strong stems that support their blooms against spring rains and wind.
‘Sarah Bernhardt’ (Paeonia lactiflora): A quintessential late-season double peony with enormous, soft pink, fragrant blooms. It is one of the most reliable and widely grown cultivars globally, performing superbly in cold winters and returning vigorously each spring.
‘Karl Rosenfield’ (Paeonia lactiflora): A classic double peony with stunning deep crimson-red flowers. It is exceptionally hardy (to Zone 3), vigorous, and produces strong stems that reliably hold up its large, showy blooms.
‘Festiva Maxima’ (Paeonia lactiflora): An heirloom variety from the 1850s, prized for its pure white double blooms flecked with crimson-red streaks. It is intensely fragrant and possesses excellent cold tolerance, making it a timeless choice for northern gardens.
Intersectional hybrids are a cross between herbaceous and tree peonies. They inherit the die-back habit and cold hardiness from their herbaceous parent and the extravagant flower form and strong stems from their tree peony parent. They are exceptionally robust and bloom over a longer period.
‘Bartzella’: A spectacular award-winning variety with massive, fragrant, lemon-yellow double flowers that can reach up to 8 inches across. It is extremely cold-hardy (Zone 4a) and produces a multitude of blooms on sturdy, self-supporting stems.
‘Garden Treasure’: Another superb yellow Itoh peony, known for its profuse blooming and vigorous growth habit. Its semi-double to double flowers are a bright yellow with hints of red at the base. It is robust and well-suited for cold climates.
These are wild species or their direct hybrids, often possessing a simpler flower form but unparalleled toughness and resilience. They are often among the first to bloom in spring.
Paeonia tenuifolia (Fernleaf Peony): This unique species features fine, feathery foliage and single, deep red-crimson flowers. It is one of the earliest bloomers and is incredibly cold-tolerant, thriving even in Zone 3 with excellent drainage.
Paeonia officinalis ‘Rubra Plena’: The old-fashioned "double red" peony is a tough, early-blooming variety with globular, magenta-red flowers. It is a resilient plant that can handle the harsh winters of Zone 3 with ease.
