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Fragrant peonies are a whole group of different varieties with an attractive scent. Usually they produce large inflorescences of white, pink, yellow and even dark burgundy. As a rule, the smell is very strong and pronounced, but there are also representatives with a subtle aroma. A description of the most popular colors is presented in the article.
What is the scent of peonies?
Many peonies do not produce a scent that is strong enough to be felt. But there are several dozen varieties whose inflorescences smell very pleasant. The aroma can mainly be described as typical floral. In some cases it is quite subtle, but often rich.
You can also catch other shades in the bouquet:
- fruity tones;
- lilac;
- vanilla;
- sharp and even bitter notes.
Varieties of peonies with a strong aroma
Among the most fragrant peonies, several varieties can be distinguished. Almost all varieties have high winter hardiness and are undemanding to care. At the same time, they grow well only in a sunny area, although weak partial shade is also allowed.
Kansas
The Kansas variety is a peony with a very strong aroma that is clearly noticeable even from a distance. The shrub is herbaceous, perennial, average height - from 80 to 100 cm.The flowers are very large, up to 20 cm in diameter. The petals are round in shape and arranged in several rows, so the inflorescence is of the terry type.
The foliage of this fragrant peony is dark green in color and strongly dissected in shape. They create a beautiful background against which large pink flowers look even more vibrant.
The aroma of Kansas peony is rich, with fruity undertones.
Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple is another fragrant peony. The variety produces large double inflorescences with diameters up to 18 cm. They appear already in the second half of May, the flowering period is early. The plant is very winter-hardy, can withstand up to -40 degrees. The peduncles are straight, low, reaching 70-80 cm, and quite strong.
The color of the flower of this fragrant peony is soft pink, becoming pure white as it blooms. The shape is spherical, the type of inflorescence is double, it looks very voluminous, reminiscent of a rose. The buds last up to three weeks after blooming and are stored for a long time when cut. The flowers are fragrant, the smell is strong, but distinctive. Some call it very attractive, others note harshness and even bitterness.
The flowering period of this fragrant variety lasts up to three weeks.
Nightlife
Nightlife is a unique peony variety in its own way. It has another more common name, Black Beaty, which translates as “black beauty.” The fact is that the plant produces dark burgundy flowers, which from a distance look almost black. They grow well in a sunny area, but can tolerate partial shade.
The shrub is not tall, it can grow for several years in the same place, the shoots do not spread out, which makes it possible to plan both dense and looser planting. The flowers are fragrant, with a fruity tint. The variety is highly decorative, especially for lovers of dark tones.
Flowers of the Nightlife variety give an interesting dark burgundy color
Sarah Bernard
Sara Bernard is a fragrant peony variety with large flowers reaching 20 and even 25 cm in diameter. The smell has classic floral tones; we can say that the flower will be pleasant for everyone. Buds appear in large quantities, but flowering is later, occurring in June-July.
The peduncles are straight and quite tall, reaching 100 cm. They are abundantly covered with both flowers and dark green leaves. The shape of the flowers is spherical, double, some buds resemble roses. Flowering lasts from 1 to 3 weeks. The plant is winter-hardy, often found in the wild in Siberia, and can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees.
The flowers of the fragrant peony Sarah Bernard are soft pink in color.
Baroness Schroeder
Baroness Schroeder is a pure white peony with fragrant flowers. Gives a subtle, barely perceptible, but very pleasant smell. This unpretentious and winter-hardy variety can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees and grows well even in drought conditions. It is characterized by long flowering, which lasts 2-3 weeks and occurs in the summer months.
The peduncles are strong and tall, reaching 110 cm. At first the color of the inflorescence is pinkish, but after a few days it becomes pure white. It lasts a long time both on the bush and when cut, so it is well suited for bouquets.To keep the buds as long as possible, it is recommended to first place the bouquet in warm water and allow the liquid to gradually cool to room temperature.
The Baroness Schroeder variety produces large fragrant flowers with a diameter of up to 16 cm
Casablanca
Another snow-white, fragrant peony variety with double, spherical inflorescences is Kasablanka. After blooming, the buds become very large, their diameter reaches 19 cm. The flowering period is late, occurring in June-July. The inflorescences give off a faint but rather pleasant smell. Since the petals are white, they look beautiful in contrast to the dark green background.
The stems are quite strong, growing up to 100 cm. The shrub is compact and does not spread, so dense planting is allowed. In this case, the place should be sunny or with weak partial shade.
The Casablanca variety produces fragrant white peonies
Etched Salmon
The Etched Salmon variety produces very beautiful pale pink flowers with a peculiar lemon aroma. The foliage is wide, the color is green, but not very rich. The stems are quite strong, hold up well even in the wind, and do not scatter to the sides. The bushes are compact and low, reaching an average height of 80 cm.
Flowering dates are mid-early, occurring in June, usually 2-3 weeks. Flowers last a long time (including cut flowers) due to large and dense petals. They reach 16 cm in diameter and have an interesting round shape, which is why they are often used in bouquets.
The shape of the flowers of the fragrant variety Etched Salmon resembles a rose
Coral Sunset
Coral Sunset produces semi-double and double fragrant inflorescences of an interesting coral shade. Moreover, the core is bright yellow, reminiscent of the sun that goes beyond the horizon. Therefore, the name of this variety can be translated as “coral sunset”.
The bushes are compact, with dark green leaves. The peduncles are straight and strong, reaching 90 cm. Flowering is very early, occurring in mid-May. The plants are winter-hardy, can withstand in open ground down to -40 degrees.
Beautiful fragrant inflorescences of Coral Sunset reach a diameter of 18 cm
Moon River
The fragrant peony variety Moon River produces pure white flowers with a pinkish center. We can say that its smell is unique, with hints of barberry, plum and cherry. Another plus is the beautiful rounded shape and graceful petals with wavy edges.
The peduncles are straight, up to 90 cm high. The flowers are quite large with a diameter of up to 18 cm. The buds appear in June-July. Once fully opened, they last from 1 to 3 weeks, and can be stored for a long time when cut. The variety is not only winter-hardy, but also drought-resistant, so even a novice gardener can cope with cultivation.
Garden Treasure flowers open well in sunny weather
Garden Treasure
Garden Treasure or Garden Treasure is a classic variety of yellow peonies. It produces semi-double, round-shaped flowers with fairly large petals (about 50 in total). The color is golden yellow, with a scarlet spot in the center. The bushes are low, up to 80 cm, and can spread up to 1.5 m. The stems are strong, there are a lot of leaves - it is in their shade that the inflorescences often hide.
The inflorescences are quite fragrant, the smell is rich, with fruity undertones. When growing, it is worth considering that the winter hardiness of this variety is slightly lower than others - the bushes can withstand up to -34 degrees. Therefore, after pruning, the roots are carefully mulched.
Conclusion
Fragrant peonies come in different varieties, so the choice is quite wide.Most often, gardeners create flower beds from different representatives, which results in beautiful compositions. But you can also do a single planting so as not to mix colors and smells.
Reviews of fragrant peonies
