We are the Itoh peony, a hybrid born from the union of your beloved herbaceous peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) and the majestic tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa). This cross, first successfully achieved by Dr. Toichi Itoh, grants us the finest qualities of both our parents. From our tree peony lineage, we inherit enormous, long-lasting flowers and incredibly strong stems that do not require staking. From our herbaceous side, we receive the trait of dying back to the ground in winter, making us surprisingly cold-hardy and easy to manage. Our unique classification as "intersectional" peonies signifies this perfect blend of characteristics.
To thrive, we require a specific home from the very beginning. The most crucial factor is our "eyes," or growth buds. When you plant us, these buds must be positioned no more than 2 inches (5 cm) below the soil surface. Planting us too deeply is the primary reason we may fail to flourish. We demand a location with excellent drainage; waterlogged soil will cause our roots to rot. Choose a spot that receives a minimum of 6 hours of full sun daily. While we appreciate sunlight for energy, in very hot climates, a site with light afternoon shade will protect our beautiful blooms from scorching.
We are not heavy feeders, but we do appreciate consistent care. After planting, water us deeply to settle the soil around our roots. For the first growing season, maintain even moisture to help us establish a strong root system. Once mature, we are quite drought-tolerant but will perform best with deep, infrequent watering during extended dry periods. In early spring, as we emerge from the ground, a gentle application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or a top-dressing of compost will provide the nutrients we need to support our spectacular floral display.
Our lifecycle is a beautiful annual event. We emerge from the ground in spring, grow rapidly, flower profusely from late spring to early summer, and then spend the remainder of the season building energy reserves in our roots. After the first hard frost, our foliage will die back. You can help us by cutting our stems down to ground level and removing this foliage to prevent any overwintering diseases. Do not be alarmed by our disappearance; we are merely resting underground. A layer of mulch applied after the ground freezes will protect our roots from fluctuating temperatures, ensuring we emerge healthy and vigorous when the weather warms again.
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about us is our need for patience. Unlike many perennials, we are slow to establish. It is perfectly normal for us to spend our first year or even two focusing entirely on developing a robust root system underground, with very little growth visible above. We ask you to trust the process. This investment of time is what allows us to become incredibly long-lived and reliable plants. Once settled, we will reward your patience for decades with a breathtaking display of flowers that are the envy of the garden.
