Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Paeonia 'Hephestos'
Hephestos Tree Peony
- Height
- 24 to 36 inches tall
- Width
- 24 to 36 inches wide (forms an upright shrub)
- Flower color
- Deep brick‑red to dark crimson double blooms
- Foliage color
- Glossy deep green leaves
- Bloom time
- May to early June
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent blooms; prune in late season; strong, sturdy stems usually need no staking
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; deer- and rabbit-resistant
About this plant
Paeonia 'Hephestos' is a hybrid tree peony with large, double brick-red blooms that appear in late spring. The lotus-shaped flowers have lightly ruffled, pointed petals and a soft, citrus-like fragrance. Held upright on woody stems, the blooms maintain their shape well and offer a bold presence in both gardens and floral arrangements.
Bred by George Daphnis and introduced in 1977, 'Hephestos' is a Lutea hybrid valued for its strong stems, reliable bloom, and rich color. It has received the American Peony Society Gold Medal and performs well in mixed borders, adding depth and seasonal interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Thyme · Switch grasses · Catmint · Penstemons · Coreopsis · Blanket flower
Design tip
Give ‘Hephestos’ enough space for its upright, shrubby form and large flowers to be a focal point rather than becoming lost among surrounding foliage. Its sturdy stems hold the heavy double blooms upright without staking, helping preserve a clean, structured appearance during flowering.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Adelman Peony Gardens.
