Paeonia Bowl of Love

Romantic, elegant and wonderfully distinctive, Paeonia 'Bowl of Love' is an exquisite Japanese-form peony that brings grace and sophistication to the late spring garden. Its large, bowl-shaped blooms feature broad, rich rose-pink outer petals surrounding a spectacular centre of creamy-white to pale yellow petaloids, creating a striking two-tone effect that is both unusual and unforgettable.

Introduced by the renowned Dutch breeder A.P. Saunders in 1963, this exceptional variety has become one of the most admired Japanese-form peonies. The contrasting centre gives each flower an almost anemone-like appearance, adding texture and interest while providing a valuable source of pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.

Held proudly above handsome, deep green foliage, the elegant blooms make outstanding cut flowers and create a stunning focal point in mixed borders and cottage gardens. As with all herbaceous peonies, 'Bowl of Love' becomes increasingly floriferous with age, rewarding gardeners with ever more spectacular displays each spring.

Long-lived, fully hardy and remarkably easy to grow, this beautiful peony can remain undisturbed for decades, becoming a treasured feature of the garden for generations.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Paeonia 'Bowl of Love' from autumn through to spring, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Autumn planting gives the roots the best opportunity to establish before flowering.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in full sun or light partial shade with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Peonies perform best when left undisturbed, so select a permanent planting position.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant with the crown buds no more than 2–3 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. Planting too deeply may reduce flowering.
• Spacing: Allow approximately 75–90 cm (30–36 inches) between plants.
• Soil Prep: Improve the planting area with garden compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Established plants generally only require watering during prolonged dry periods.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed each spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage strong growth.
• Cut stems back to ground level after the foliage has naturally died back in autumn.
• Avoid lifting or dividing established plants unless absolutely necessary.

Top Tip:
The contrasting pink and creamy-white flowers look particularly beautiful planted alongside deep blue salvias, catmint or purple alliums, creating a classic early summer colour combination.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
May – June (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
32–36" (80–90cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun or light partial shade

Hardy Perennial

Lightly Fragrant

Bee & Pollinator Friendly