Peonies are beloved not only for their stunning blooms but also for their elegant, bushy form. However, how big do peony plants get can vary significantly depending on the type and variety you choose. Whether you’re planning a formal border or a casual cottage garden, understanding their potential height and spread is crucial for smart garden planning.
In this peony size guide, we’ll explore the average dimensions of different peony types — herbaceous, tree, and Itoh hybrids — and explain how to use this information when deciding where and how to plant them.
To explore specific peony varieties and their growth characteristics, visit the peony varieties catalog, where you’ll find detailed descriptions for each type.
Peony Size Overview: What to Expect
When planning your layout, it helps to know what kind of space your peonies will need. While there’s some variation depending on the cultivar, most peonies grow into compact, rounded shrubs with substantial foliage and blooms.
Average Size of Peony Plants:
Most herbaceous peonies reach 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) in height.A mature peony bush can spread 90–120 cm (3–4 feet) across.
This makes them excellent mid-border plants or focal points in smaller garden beds. Keep in mind that how big do peony plants get also depends on their type:
- Tree Peonies are the largest, often growing up to 150 cm (5 feet) tall and wide. Their woody stems remain year-round.
- Itoh Peonies, or intersectional hybrids, generally reach 75–90 cm (30–36 inches) in height and width. They offer a sturdy structure and long-lasting blooms.
- Herbaceous Peonies are the most compact, with neat mounds typically around 60–90 cm tall and wide.
These size differences are essential when placing peonies near other perennials, along pathways, or against structures. Larger types like tree peonies are perfect for the back of the border, while smaller herbaceous types can fill the middle layer.
If you're planning a layered garden design or want to match peony height with other plants, consult our full peony size guide for inspiration and recommendations.
How Tall Do Peonies Grow by Type?
If you're asking yourself, how tall do peonies grow, the answer depends on the specific type of peony you’re planting. Each peony category — herbaceous, tree, and Itoh hybrids — has its own typical size range and growth habit. Understanding these differences helps gardeners make better placement decisions and create balanced plantings.
Herbaceous Peonies
These classic garden favorites grow to an average height of 60–90 cm (24–36 inches). They die back completely in winter and return in spring with lush foliage and large blooms. Their compact size makes them perfect for mixed borders and smaller garden spaces.
Tree Peonies
Tree peonies are the tallest of the three types, typically reaching 90–180 cm (3–6 feet) in height. Their woody stems stay above ground year-round, and they produce massive, early blooms. Their size and structure make them excellent statement plants for the back of a border or as a standalone shrub.
Itoh Hybrids
Itoh peonies, or intersectional hybrids, generally reach 60–90 cm in height, similar to herbaceous types. However, they tend to be more spreading and structurally full, making them appear larger overall. They combine the hardiness of herbaceous peonies with the exotic flower form of tree peonies.
Each type has unique advantages depending on your garden design. For more details on choosing the right kind for your space, explore our full Peony Types guide(https://yourdomain.com/peony-types), which covers characteristics and care tips for all three types.
So, whether you’re designing a compact border or planning around taller shrubs, knowing how tall do peonies grow ensures a harmonious garden layout tailored to your needs.
Peony Growth Chart: Height and Spread by Popular Varieties
Wondering how big do peony plants get? While size can vary slightly depending on care and growing conditions, most popular peony varieties have well-documented average heights and spreads. This peony growth chart in list format will help you choose the right varieties for your garden space:
- Sarah Bernhardt – Herbaceous. Grows to about 90 cm (3 feet) in height and spreads around 90 cm (3 feet). Known for its large, double pink blooms.
- Festiva Maxima – Herbaceous. Reaches up to 85 cm (2.8 feet) tall with a spread of 100 cm (3.3 feet). Offers classic white blooms with crimson flecks.
- Coral Charm – Herbaceous. Stands at about 75 cm (2.5 feet) with a spread of 90 cm (3 feet). Notable for its changing coral-to-peach petal color.
- Bartzella – Itoh Hybrid. Grows to 75 cm (2.5 feet) in height and spreads about 100 cm (3.3 feet). Bright yellow blooms and a strong, compact structure.
- Garden Treasure – Itoh Hybrid. Typically reaches 80 cm (2.6 feet) in height with a spread of 110 cm (3.6 feet). Lush foliage and golden blooms.
- Kamata-nishiki – Tree Peony. Can grow up to 150 cm (5 feet) tall with a spread of 120 cm (4 feet). Produces large, vibrant flowers.
- Shima Nishiki – Tree Peony. One of the taller varieties at 160 cm (5.2 feet), spreading around 130 cm (4.2 feet). Known for its striking variegated petals.
As you can see, how big do peony plants get varies by variety and type. Planning for the full mature size ensures healthy growth and a beautiful layout.
To browse more options with detailed specs, visit our peony varieties catalog and find the perfect fit for your garden.
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How to Control or Support Peony Plant Size in the Garden
Understanding how big do peony plants get is the first step to maintaining a balanced and healthy garden. Proper care and spacing ensure your peonies don’t overcrowd each other and remain structurally sound throughout the growing season. Here’s how to manage peony plant height and spread effectively:
- Plant with the Right Spacing: Always leave 90–120 cm (3–4 feet) between plants. This gives each peony enough room to grow without competing for nutrients or air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
- Use Support Structures for Tall Varieties: For herbaceous peonies and taller cultivars, consider using hoops, stakes, or cages. These supports keep heavy blooms from bending or snapping stems, especially after rain.
- Cut Back Dead Stems Annually: At the end of the growing season, remove all dead or diseased stems to promote healthier, more compact regrowth the following spring.
- Avoid Excess Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong stems and blooms while managing plant size.
For a complete breakdown of plant sizes and spacing needs, refer to our detailed peony growth chart. These best practices ensure your garden remains both beautiful and manageable, no matter how big your peony plants get.
Conclusion: Know Your Peony's Potential Size Before You Plant
To design a cohesive and low-maintenance garden, it's important to ask early: how big do peony plants get? As we've seen, peony size depends on type and cultivar. Herbaceous, tree, and Itoh varieties all differ in plant height, spread, and growth habit.
By understanding these traits through a reliable peony size guide, you can space your plants wisely, choose appropriate supports, and ensure proper care from day one. This foresight helps prevent overcrowding and makes your peony garden easier to maintain.
Ready to get started? Browse our peony roots by size to select varieties that suit your garden's scale and layout — because knowing how big do peony plants get is the key to growing them successfully.
FAQs About Peony Size and Growth
What is the maximum height of a peony?
Tree peonies can reach up to 180 cm (6 feet), especially in optimal conditions. Herbaceous and Itoh peonies usually stay between 60–90 cm, depending on the variety and care.
Do peonies get bigger every year?
Yes. Peonies are perennials that gradually mature. Their foliage and blooms increase in size and number for the first 3–5 years until they reach their full growth potential.
How wide do peony plants grow?
On average, peony plants spread 90–120 cm (3–4 feet). Tree peonies may become wider with age, while compact varieties remain tighter in form.
Can I keep peonies small?
While you can't shrink a variety's natural size, you can select dwarf or compact cultivars and control spread with pruning and proper planting density.
Are tree peonies larger than herbaceous ones?
Yes, tree peonies are typically both taller and broader. Their woody structure allows them to reach greater peony plant height and maintain form year-round, unlike herbaceous types that die back in winter.