Paeonia Peter Brand

Rich, luxurious and one of the finest red peonies ever introduced, Paeonia 'Peter Brand' is renowned for its enormous, fully double blooms of intense velvety crimson-red. The sumptuous flowers are packed with silky petals that retain their rich colour exceptionally well, creating a spectacular focal point in the late spring and early summer garden.

Introduced by the Dutch breeder Boerner in 1937, 'Peter Brand' has become a classic herbaceous peony, admired for both its exceptional flower quality and strong, upright stems. Unlike many large double peonies, its sturdy stems rarely require staking, allowing the magnificent blooms to be displayed proudly above the handsome, glossy green foliage.

Flowering from late spring into early summer, the richly coloured blooms are lightly fragrant and make superb cut flowers, lasting well in the vase while adding elegance and drama to floral arrangements. Their deep ruby-red tones combine beautifully with white, soft pink or purple perennials, making 'Peter Brand' a standout choice for cottage gardens, herbaceous borders and formal planting schemes alike.

Exceptionally hardy and incredibly long-lived, this award-winning peony becomes increasingly floriferous as it matures. Left undisturbed in a sunny position, it will reward gardeners with breathtaking displays for decades.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Paeonia 'Peter Brand' from autumn through to spring, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Autumn planting gives roots the longest time to establish before flowering.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Peonies perform best when planted in a permanent position where they can remain undisturbed for many years.

How to Plant:

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

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Once established, plants are relatively drought tolerant but benefit from watering during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Remove faded flowers after blooming.
• Cut stems back to ground level once the foliage has naturally died back in autumn.
• Leave plants undisturbed wherever possible, as flowering improves significantly with age.

Top Tip:
One of the best red peonies for the garden, 'Peter Brand' looks magnificent planted alongside white peonies, blue Delphiniums or silver foliage plants. Its naturally strong stems also make it an outstanding variety for cut flowers.

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

RHS Award of Garden Merit