Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Upright herbaceous perennial
  • Typically grows 30–36 inches tall and 24–36 inches wide
  • Forms a dense, long-lived clump with sturdy flowering stems
• Bloom Color:
  • Deep crimson-red outer petals with golden-yellow and red-accented centers
• Fragrance:
  • Light to moderate 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 flowering perennial
  • Traditional peony species have historical herbal uses, though ornamental cultivars are grown primarily for landscape and floral display
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Attracts bees and beneficial pollinators during bloom season
  • Deer resistant
  • Rabbit resistant
  • Generally resistant to pests and diseases once established
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 3–8
• 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

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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 remains after heavy rains.

2. Prepare the Soil

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

3. Prepare the Bareroot

• Inspect the root and locate the visible growth buds ("eyes").
• Soak the bareroot in water for 1–2 hours before planting if roots appear dry.

4. Dig the Planting Hole

• Dig a wide hole and create a small mound of soil in the center.

5. Position the Root

• Spread the roots evenly over the mound.
• Position the eyes facing upward.
• Cover so the eyes sit no deeper than 1–2 inches below the soil surface.

6. Backfill and Water

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

7. Mulch

• Apply a light layer of mulch around the planting area while keeping the crown exposed.

8. Spacing

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

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Overwintering ‘Sword Dance’ Peony

In-Ground Plants

• Fully hardy throughout USDA Zones 3–8.
• Foliage naturally dies back after the first hard frost.
• Cut stems down to 1–2 inches above ground level in late fall.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a light mulch layer after the ground freezes in colder regions.
• Remove excess mulch in early spring before new growth begins.
• Ensure excellent winter drainage to prevent crown rot.
• Avoid planting too deeply, as excessive soil coverage can reduce flowering.

Newly Planted Bareroots

• First-year plants often focus on establishing roots rather than producing abundant blooms.
• Flower production typically improves significantly during the second and third growing seasons.

Container-Grown Plants

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

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‘Sword Dance’ Peony is a truly distinctive heirloom variety that combines rich crimson-red petals with glowing golden centers for a dramatic and unforgettable display. Its unusual flower form, sweet fragrance, and exceptional longevity make it a treasured addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and cut flower gardens for generations to enjoy.