Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Upright, rounded intersectional (Itoh) perennial
  • Typically grows 28–36 inches tall and 30–36 inches wide
  • Strong stems support large blooms without staking
• Bloom Color:
  • Opens cherry-red to raspberry, maturing through coral, apricot, peach, and creamy yellow
• Fragrance:
  • Light, sweet citrus-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 historical uses in herbal medicine, though Itoh hybrids are grown for their ornamental beauty
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators
  • 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 site 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 locate the visible growth buds ("eyes").
• Soak the bareroot in water for 1–2 hours before planting if the roots appear dry.

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 so the eyes are no more than 1–2 inches below the finished soil surface.

6. Backfill and Water

• Fill the hole 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 planting area, keeping it away from the crown.

8. Spacing

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

Overwintering Julia Rose 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 approximately 2–3 inches above ground level in late fall.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a light mulch layer after the ground freezes, especially in colder climates.
• Remove excess mulch in early spring before new growth emerges.
• Ensure excellent winter drainage to prevent crown rot.
• Avoid disturbing established plants, as Itoh peonies become more impressive with age.

Newly Planted Bareroots

• First-year plants typically devote most of their energy to root establishment.
• Flower production usually increases dramatically during the second and third growing seasons.

Container-Grown Plants

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

Julia Rose Itoh Peony is one of the finest intersectional peonies available, offering extraordinary color-changing blooms, sturdy stems, and exceptional garden performance. Its ever-changing palette of reds, corals, peaches, and buttery yellows, combined with lush foliage and outstanding longevity, makes it a stunning centerpiece for perennial borders, cottage gardens, and premium cut flower arrangements.