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Key characteristics

Height: 24–30 inches tall
Width: 24–36 inches wide
Flower color: Cherry-rose semi-double blooms that age to pale peach-pink
Foliage color: Glossy medium green, divided foliage
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low, remove spent blossoms and cut foliage to ground after frost; sturdy stems often don’t require staking
Growing zone: USDA zones 4–8
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and other pollinators; deer- and rabbit-resistant

Perennials

Paeonia × lactiflora 'Cytherea'

Cytherea Peony

Paeonia × lactiflora 'Cytherea' produces semi-double, coral-rose blossoms in mid- to late spring, that soften to a peachy-pink as they mature. The bowl-shaped flowers feature a golden cluster of stamens at the center, adding warmth to the display. Their fragrance and strong stems make them well suited for cutting, while the plant's glossy, dark green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.

Originating in the mid-20th century, 'Cytherea's name references the Greek island of Cythera, traditionally associated with the goddess of love and beauty.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.