Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Paeonia lactiflora 'Nippon Beauty'
Nippon Beauty Peony
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Height
- 24–36 inches
- Width
- 24–36 inches
- Flower color
- Deep scarlet-red petals surrounding a central cluster of yellow-tipped red petaloids
- Foliage color
- Deep green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers after blooming and cut back foliage in late fall to prevent disease
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3–7
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies; deer and rabbit resistant
About this plant
Paeonia lactiflora 'Nippon Beauty' is a peony with deep red, semi-double flowers. The blooms have rich red petals, and at the center, there is a cluster of large, yellow stamens that add a touch of brightness and contrast. The rich red petals paired with the prominent yellow stamens give 'Nippon Beauty' a unique and elegant appearance, making it a wonderful addition to any garden.
'Nippon Beauty' is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little care beyond occasional watering during dry spells. The plant's sturdy stems support the large blooms, which don't require staking, and the flowers also make excellent cut flowers that last for days in a vase. With its vibrant color and strong growth habit, 'Nippon Beauty' is an excellent choice for adding both beauty and fragrance to the landscape.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
