Our vase this week will feature our first peony to bloom. We have really fallen in love with Itoh peonies, and ‘ Keiko’ is one of our favorites. Itoh peonies are expensive but I think they are worth it. They are a cross between a traditional peony and a tree peony. They put out huge blooms, stand tall without staking, and, in a word, are beautiful.
View from overhead:
And as seen in the garden:
The invitation to share what is blooming in our gardens in a vase each week comes from Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. Please visit her and see what she and others are sharing with us this week.
A Walk in the Garden 
I’ll have to look into these Itoh peonies with flowers that don’t droop!
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Our very favorite so far is ‘Bartzella,’ a beautiful yellow. You should see it soon here after it starts blooming. The April issue of Fine Gardening recommends ‘Cora Louis.’
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Oh so pretty John – how long do you think they will last once they have been cut? Thanks for extolling their virtues
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Thanks, Cathy. I will have to report on its lasting power when the end is near.
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Oh what a beautiful pink peony….love the color….perfect for your vase! Mine will flower in early June! I have not grown any Itoh, but may have to after seeing this one! Do they also have a scent like the old-fashioned peony?
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They do have a fragrance, similar to herbaceous peonies.
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How lovely
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What a fine presentation! Thanks for another tip on a favorite plant.
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Thank you, Lindy. See my first comment above.
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Love the peonies. Beautiful arrangement! 🙂
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Thanks, Amy. Keiko is my first one to bloom, but many are on the way.
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Such a beautiful color. Just saw Itoh peonies at NC Museum of Art in an outdoor display. Hadn’t realized before how special they are. Gorgeous way to display them.
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Thanks, Susie. I am becoming a real cheerleader for Itoh peonies.
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I’m incredibly jealous. I’ve had that very same peony in my back garden for 3 years now and it bloomed once – the year I purchased the plant. Between the heat and our water restrictions, it doesn’t appear to like coastal Southern California very much but I haven’t given up (and dug it up) yet.
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Stay with it, Kris. I have two new Itoh peonies this year that came up beautifully but have no buds on them. Based on previous experience, they should be great next year. I think they are worth the wait….but it is frustrating. Good luck with yours.
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Are they fragrant?
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Yes, Marian. They have a fragrance, but not something outstanding.
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Just adore peonies – thank you for sharing!
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They are some of our favorites.
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Pretty color. We have a bit of a wait for peonies here.
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Thank you, Donna. Mine are just starting to open. The next few weeks will be glorious.
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‘Keiko’ is a sumptuous peony!
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It is indeed, Jason. Thanks.
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