Fragrance can be characterized by it’s relative strength in addition to it’s types of fragrance odors. In the garden a strongly scented peony will allow you to enjoy the fragrance at a normal viewing distance, while some peonies require you to get right up close to enjoy what may be a heavenly but more moderate in strength fragrance. These moderately fragrant varieties are sometimes more appropriately used indoors without worrying about the fragrance being overpowering. The more strongly fragrant varieties can be used in moderation in the vase to good effect with those less fragrant but lovely varieties you grow. Fragrance changes during the day and can be dependant on temperature and humidity as well as the age of the flower. The blossoms just being warmed by the early morning sun upon first opening are often at their peak of fragrance and later in the heat of the day may be only moderately fragrant or not significantly at all.
Having grown many hundreds of varieties of peonies I can tell you that ALL peonies are fragrant. Some peonies have the fragrance of roses or a pleasant citrus spice or a fish that has been sitting in the bottom of a boat in the sun for way to long! Some find the sharp fragrance emitted by the pollen of single and semi-double flower formed peonies pleasing while others wrinkle up their nose in disgust. They are sometimes described as being medicinal in fragrance. While not all single flower forms have an objectionable fragrance, generally as the pollen dries on the single flower forms the sharp fragrance becomes less noticeable or one might say less objectionable. For display in the garden this fragrance is not detrimental at all unless you have your nose right in the bloom. To dismiss the single flower form peonies though would be a great mistake as some do indeed have a pleasing smell.
While no two people perceive fragrance the same or even agree 100% which ones are the most agreeably fragrant some peonies are at least recognized as pleasing to most gardeners. At Hidden Springs Flower Farm we try to make it as easy as possible for you to find those varieties by giving them their own separate pages. If we have noted a good fragrance we will also point it out in the description.
The following not only are some of the most fragrant but also superb for cutting and bringing indoors. Duchesse de Nemours holds it‘s sweet fragrance throughout the life of the flower, Baroness Schroeder noted for it‘s rose fragrance, Kelway’s Glorious which has a marvelous rose fragrance almost identical to Mme. De Verneville. Mme. Emile Lemoine has a pleasant sweet fragrance with what I would call a crisp citrus fragrance undertone. Philomele, a wonderful French variety from the Victorian Era is a tri-colored peony described as having a mock orange fragrance to it. The true Festiva Maxima has a distinct rose fragrance too, although not as fragrant as some of the above mentioned varieties. Unfortunately it is difficult to find this as the true variety as many low budget discounters will try to pass off any white double with a little splash of red in the center, of which there are many, as Festiva Maxima. The real thing grown next to imposters is easily identified as a truly wonderful variety. Other varieties noted for a fragrance similar to roses are; the enormous double white, Ann Cousins which is a very impressive well formed double with good healthy foiliage all season. It’s size does require that it be given some support in the garden but is well worth the 15 seconds needed to place a support hoop each spring as the plants emerge. Mandaleen a double pink variety was introduced by Lins and avidly sought out by peony collectors.
Anyone who cares to take the time and sniff a great number of peonies will find that their list grows longer in the color range of white, blush and pink varieties well ahead of the red varieties which are more often noted for having stronger, not quite pleasant undertones. Among the pinks we have; Mons Jules Elie, Alexander Fleming, Doris Cooper, Mister Ed, Miss Eckhardt, Princess Margaret, Myrtle Gentry, August Dessert, Bess Bockstoce, and Chestine Gowdy has an excellent fragrance. When one does find a red double with good fragrance it is worth noting and adding to your collection for the variety of bloom color and since many bloom just ahead of the double pinks and whites.
Fragrant Peony Lists
Let your imagination run wild and choose fragrant peonies in more than just one color or form that appeal to you. You will find in our peony list many rare, difficult to find, new and antique varieties at very reasonable prices.
Very Fragrant Peonies will fill a garden with the wonderful fragrance so many associate with the Victorian and Cottage Gardens of years gone by. Chestine Gowdy, Cora Stubbs, Diana Parks, Duchesse de Nemours, Henry Bockstoce, Hermione, Myrtle Gentry, Madame Calot, Marie Jacquin, Philomele, and Postillon.
Pleasantly Fragrant PeoniesSome of the newest varieties introduced in the last few years have a claim to being wonderfully fragrant as some of the new intersectionals are such as Hillary, Garden Treasure, Prairie Charm and Bartzella. Other varieties with excellent fragrance are; Accent, Alexander Fleming, Bartzella, Baronesse Schroeder, Burma Ruby, Casablanca, Charm, Comanche, Doris Cooper, Elsa Sass, Frances Willard, Garden Treasure, Honey Gold, June Rose, Lady Alexandra Duff, Laura Dessert, Madame Emile Lemoine, Madylone, Mandaleen, Merry Mayshine, Mary Brand, Miss Eckhardt, Mons Jules Elie, Moonstone, Mrs. A.M. Brand, Mrs. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Mrs. J. V. Edlund, Mother's Choice, Myra MacRae, Pink Derby, Pink Hawaiian Coral, Pink Pom Pom, Prairie Charm, Princess Margaret, President Roosevelt, Raspberry Sundae, White Frost, and Yellow Crown.
Lightly Fragrant Peonies The following peonies can be counted on to provide a very pleasant fragrance without being overpowering. Ann Cousins, Auguste Dessert, Butter Bowl, Carol, Claire de Lune, Doreen, Gardenia, Gay Paree, Goldilocks, Illini Warrior, Longfellow, Lotus Queen, Mahogany, Mister Ed, My Love, Red Red Rose, Red Grace, Scarlet O Hara, Sea Shell, Shirley Temple and Smouthii.
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