Kansas Double Peony

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

The Kansas Double Peony, Paeonia Lactiflora Kansas, is a gorgeous showstopper, with large double ruffles in bright watermelon-pink. It is as well-known for its vivid color as it is for its size. Kansas Double Peonies are tall-growing, between 30-36 inches, with very compacted stems that hold massive buds which blossom into dazzling pink flowers by late May. They are favorite cut flowers, and popular in arrangements and bouquets. 

Kansas Doubles are deer and rabbit resistant, cold hardy and very long-lived. Peonies can live for over a century if they are well-tended. Kansas Double buds have a sweet sugary nectar that attracts pollinators of all kinds and are a particular favorite of bees. Their foliage remains an eye-catching shade of green, even after the flower has bloomed. Kansas Double Peonies are generally low-maintenance flowers that require minimal effort to create brilliant, summer blooms. 

Kansas Double Peony Care

Kansas Double Peonies should be planted in the fall in areas where they will receive plenty of sun. Before planting, the soil should be alkaline and enriched with compost and high-phosphorus fertilizer, especially heavy soils. Plants should be set 1 to 2 inches below the surface of the soil. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist and well-drained after planting. Peonies need regular, deep watering, especially during hot summer months. Be sure to support your Kansas Doubles with a cage or stakes to prevent their heads from drooping. 

Your Kansas Doubles should be deadheaded in the late spring. Once the flower is cut, You should leave the stems and foliage until the fall to help nourish the plant for the upcoming growing season. In the fall, after the foliage has started to die down, peonies should be cut to the ground. In the spring, new growth will appear from the roots.

Kansas Double Peony Spacing

Kansas Double Peonies produce gorgeous bunches that are perfect for mixed beds and borders. They also provide beautiful backdrops to shorter spring and summer plants. Peonies are good for mass plantings, and using them as cut flowers in bouquets and arrangements can keep the plants healthy for decades to come. Space these plants at least 18 inches apart, center on center, to create a solid garden border. For mass plantings, space the peonies apart at least 2 feet, center on center.