Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Upright, bushy intersectional (Itoh) perennial
  • Typically grows 28–36 inches tall and 30–36 inches wide
  • Strong stems support large blooms without staking
• Bloom Color:
  • Creamy white to ivory flowers with bold lavender-purple centers and golden stamens
• Fragrance:
  • Light, sweet floral fragrance
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • No significant culinary uses
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Primarily cultivated as an ornamental perennial
  • Traditional peony species have a history of use in herbal medicine, though Itoh hybrids are grown almost exclusively for ornamental value
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators during bloom season
  • Deer resistant
  • Rabbit resistant
  • Highly resistant to most pests and diseases
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 4–9
• Sun Preferences:
  • Full sun to light partial shade
  • Best flowering occurs with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Drought Tolerance:
  • Moderate once established

Planting Instructions (From a Bareroot into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a location with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation.
• Avoid areas where water stands after heavy rain.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 12–18 inches deep.
• Incorporate compost or aged organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

3. Prepare the Bareroot

• Inspect the root and identify the visible growth buds ("eyes").
• If the roots appear dry, soak the bareroot in water for 1–2 hours before planting.

4. Dig the Planting Hole

• Dig a hole wide enough to comfortably spread the roots.
• Form a small mound of soil in the center of the hole.

5. Position the Root

• Spread the roots evenly over the mound.
• Position the eyes facing upward.
• Plant with the eyes no deeper than 1–2 inches below the finished soil surface.

6. Backfill and Water

• Backfill with soil and gently firm around the roots.
• Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.

7. Mulch

• Apply a light layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the crown.

8. Spacing

• Space plants 30–36 inches apart to allow for mature growth and proper air circulation.

Overwintering Cora Louise Itoh Peony

In-Ground Plants

• Fully hardy throughout USDA Zones 4–9.
• Foliage naturally dies back after the first hard frost.
• Cut stems back to 2–3 inches above ground level in late fall.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes, especially in colder climates.
• Remove excess mulch in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge.
• Ensure excellent drainage throughout winter to prevent crown rot.
• Avoid disturbing established plants, as Itoh peonies often perform best when left undisturbed for many years.

Newly Planted Bareroots

• First-year plants may focus primarily on root establishment.
• Flowering typically increases significantly during the second and third growing seasons as the plant matures.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move containers to a protected location during winter.
• Protect roots from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Water sparingly while the plant is dormant.

Cora Louise Itoh Peony is one of the finest intersectional peonies available, producing breathtaking ivory blooms highlighted with rich lavender centers and supported by exceptionally strong stems. Its elegant flowers, lush foliage, dependable flowering, and outstanding longevity make it a spectacular addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and premium cut flower gardens for decades of enjoyment.