Jesse Saylor
Family
Paeoniaceae
Botanical Name
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Plant Common Name
Herbaceous Peony, Sarah Bernhardt Garden Peony
General Description
Bearing large double pink blooms toward the end of peony season, 'Sarah Bernhardt' has remained a garden favorite since its introduction in 1906. It is a selection of Paeonia lactiflora, a large, bushy, tuberous perennial from East Asia that has been bred, cultivated, and treasured for thousands of years.
The moderately fragrant, dome-shaped blooms of this heirloom peony appear on tall stems in late spring to early summer. Each blossom has a collar of large soft-pink petals surrounding a central mass of ruffled, petal-like segments that shade to rose-pink at the flower's center. Bees, ants, and the occasional butterfly visit the blooms. The bold, divided, dark green leaves turn maroon in fall.
Peonies grow best in full to partial sun and well-drained, fertile soil. The tall stems of this cultivar may flop if not staked. These old-fashioned perennials are very long-lived and have been known to survive in gardens for over 100 years. Plant them in foundation plantings or any floral border. Peony blooms make outstanding cut flowers.
Divide plants in early autumn or as shoots break ground in spring. Divide every 3 to 4 years to keep plants vigorous. Plant divisions at a finger's-width depth; plants set too deep will not flower.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
34"-40" / 86.4cm - 101.6cm (36)
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Eastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Light Pink, Burgundy, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green, Burgundy, Bronze
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
