Red Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Red Sarah Bernhardt'
Red Sarah Bernhardt Peony, Crimson Spring Blooms, #3 Container
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- Deep red double blooms in late spring through early summer
- Deer and rabbit resistant; low-maintenance once established
- Grows 24-36 inches tall and wide; foliage turns bronze-burgundy in fall
About this plant
This herbaceous peony produces deep red double blooms in late spring to early summer, lasting weeks in borders or arrangements. It thrives in full sun and performs best in mixed perennial borders, cutting gardens, cottage gardens, and mass plantings. The plant is generally deer-resistant and foliage turns bronze-burgundy in fall. Mature plants reach 24-36 inches in height and width.
Your #3 container peony arrives established and ready to plant. Choose a spot with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Upon arrival, water thoroughly and plant in the ground rather than a container for best performance. Mulch around the base and continue regular watering through the first season while the plant establishes strong roots.
Red Sarah Bernhardt Peony at a glance
| Botanical name | Paeonia lactiflora 'Red Sarah Bernhardt' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | herbaceous perennial |
| USDA zones | 3-8 |
| Mature height | 24-36 in |
| Mature width | 24-36 in |
| Sun | full sun (6+ hours); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates but blooms best in full sun |
| Water | moderate; regular watering while establishing, then moderately drought tolerant once mature, avoid overhead watering on foliage |
| Bloom time | late spring to early summer (typically May-June, timing varies by zone) |
| Bloom color | red (deep red/crimson double blooms); trade name implies a red counterpart to the classic pink 'Sarah Bernhardt' — see uncertain notes |
| Growth rate | slow to moderate; clumps thicken over several years rather than spreading, roughly a few inches of growth per year until reaching mature spr |
| Deer resistance | good (generally deer and rabbit resistant) |
| Best planting time | fall (preferred, for root establishment) or early spring while dormant |
Container sizes explained
| #3 / 3 Gallon | A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival. |
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Questions before you buy
What size is this peony, and will it fit in a pot?
Your peony arrives in a #3 nursery container, a standard size that fits most garden spaces. While it can survive in a large deep container (15+ gallons), peonies generally perform and overwinter better when planted directly in the ground, where they can develop extensive root systems over several years.
When should I plant my peony after it arrives?
Plant your peony as soon as possible after arrival, ideally within a few days. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first season to help the plant establish a strong root system.
How large does a mature Red Sarah Bernhardt peony grow?
This peony matures to 24-36 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide. Growth is slow to moderate, with clumps thickening gradually over 3-5 years before reaching full mature size. Plan spacing accordingly in borders or mass plantings.
How much sun does this peony need?
Red Sarah Bernhardt blooms best in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot climates, it tolerates light afternoon shade, but full sun produces the most abundant blooms and deepest color.
In which growing zones can I grow this peony?
This peony thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. If you're near a zone boundary, consult your local cooperative extension for site-specific guidance on cold and heat tolerance in your specific location.
What's the best way to care for my peony during its first year?
Water regularly during the first season while the plant becomes established, then reduce watering frequency once mature. Avoid overhead watering on the foliage to minimize disease. Apply mulch around the base, leaving a small gap near the crown. Peonies typically take 2-3 years to produce significant blooms, so patience is key.