Evie Jane™ Itoh Peony

The rich, magenta red blooms of the Evia Jane™ Itoh Peony, set against striking serrated foliage, is just the beginning of the story of this great perennial. A rare hybrid between a tree peony and an herbaceous one, it brings gardeners in colder zones the chance to grow flowers that look like those of the tree peony, and gardeners in warmer zones the chance to grow an herbaceous peony, which usually won’t grow well in hot areas. Forming a rounded bush about 3 feet tall and wide, the striking leaves make it a valuable addition to your beds, even when not in bloom. In spring, though, it turns into a wonder, with large blooms, over 6 inches across, nestling on top of the foliage, their stunning purple-red coloring sure to catch your attention. With ruffled petals swirling around a pale yellow center of stamens, it looks exotic and wonderful, growing among your perennials or shrubs, or as a centerpiece in your Asian-themed garden. The shorter flower stems mean staking isn’t needed, and the many side-buds extend the flowering season by weeks. Step into a new world of peony wonder, with this lovely bloom, and check out our other Itoh Peonies, which are also called ‘intersectional hybrids’.

• Spectacular frilly blooms of rich magenta-red
• Handsome foliage keeps it looking great in your beds
• Treat it just like a regular peony – it’s easy
• Tolerant of both heat and cold, so will grow anywhere
• A special hybrid between a tree peony and an herbaceous one

Grow the Evia Jane™ Itoh Peony in full sun, or with some afternoon shade, which is valuable in hotter zones. The soil should be rich, moist and well-drained, so add plenty of compost when planting, and use more in fall as a mulch. Check when planting that you have the junction between stems and roots about 1 inch below the soil surface, no more, as deep planting delays blooming, sometimes for years. Allow a couple of growing seasons for blooming to become established and profuse. This plant may be exotic, but it needs no special care, growing just like a regular herbaceous peony, and living happily for decades in your garden. It isn’t eaten by deer and normally has no pest or disease problems. As easy for a beginner as it is rewarding for an experienced gardener.