Peony (Itoh) Hybrid

The Itoh peony flower is a hybrid of common herbaceous peonies and tree peonies, also known as the intersectional peony. Combining the best qualities of its parent plants, the Itoh peony is hardy to a variety of climates from USDA Zones 3a to 8a. These flowers have enormous, long-lasting blooms and strong stems, as well as dark green, lush, deeply lobed foliage that lasts until autumn. With blooms that can spread up to 8 inches across, Itoh peonies are available in a variety of vibrant colors including yellow, coral, pink, red, and white.

Although the foliage grows fairly quickly, these are relatively slow-maturing plants, and seedlings may require three or four years before they begin to bloom. However, potted nursery plants are usually at least two years old before they are sold, and a good healthy one-gallon nursery specimen may provide you with blooms in its first year. If you are buying mail-order bare roots, expect rather slow growth in the first year or two.

These plants are largely trouble-free once established, though they do need regular feeding. Since Itoh peonies have inherited the tree peony’s strong stems, gardeners don’t have to worry about staking since they are unlikely to bend over in wind and rain. They are also somewhat resistant to the various types of peony blight (botrytis and phytopthora) that are sometimes problems with herbaceous peonies. (Source: The Spruce)

Additional Plant Info & Care