Peonies are not only one of the most beloved flowers among gardeners but also a spectacular display of colors. If you’ve ever wondered what color is peony typically, you’ll be amazed by the wide variety available. This guide will help you understand what color is peony most commonly found in and explain the symbolism behind each shade. Whether you’re planting in your garden or creating floral arrangements, knowing peony colors enhances your appreciation of this stunning flower. For a full selection, check out our peonies plant collection.
What Color Is Peony? Main Shades Explained
If you're wondering what color is peony, the answer is more exciting than you might think. Peonies come in a dazzling range of hues, from soft and romantic to bold and dramatic. Their color variety is one of the many reasons these blooms are so popular in both gardens and floral arrangements. While the most recognized shades include pink, white, and red, modern cultivars have expanded the palette to include coral, yellow, purple, and even burgundy. The exact shade can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and even the stage of blooming:
- Pink Peonies: Pink is the classic peony shade, symbolizing love, grace, and romance. From pale blush to vibrant rose, pink peonies like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Bowl of Beauty’ remain top favorites among gardeners and brides alike.
- White Peonies: White peonies represent purity, elegance, and new beginnings. They’re especially popular in wedding bouquets and minimalist garden designs. Varieties like ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ are loved for their crisp, creamy petals and soft fragrance.
- Red Peonies: Red peonies are bold and striking, symbolizing passion, strength, and respect. Shades range from bright cherry red to rich crimson. Tree peony types often feature these intense red blooms with a velvety texture.
- Yellow Peonies: Once rare, yellow peonies are now more accessible thanks to intersectional (Itoh) hybrids. These cheerful blooms, like ‘Bartzella,’ represent joy and friendship. Their sunny tones can brighten any garden bed.
- Coral Peonies: Coral shades are modern favorites, known for their vibrant, sunset-like tones. ‘Coral Charm’ and ‘Coral Sunset’ are standout cultivars that fade beautifully from bright coral to soft peach as they mature.
- Purple Peonies: While less common, purple peonies add a touch of luxury and mystery. Their shades can range from lavender to deep plum, and they often appear in tree peony varieties with large, ruffled petals.
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Burgundy Peonies: Burgundy peonies exude richness and depth, perfect for dramatic garden borders. These dark-toned blooms, such as ‘Buckeye Belle,’ pair beautifully with lighter-colored companions for contrast.
If you're trying to choose between the different peony color varieties, consider your garden's aesthetic and the symbolism behind each hue. And remember: what color is peony can vary slightly depending on its species and hybrid type.
Peony Color Meaning: What Each Shade Symbolizes
Understanding peony color meaning adds emotional depth to the beauty of this beloved flower. Each hue of the peony flower colors carries symbolism, often used to express feelings in gardens, bouquets, or ceremonies. So, what color is peony and what does it represent:
- Pink peonies symbolize love, tenderness, and romance. They are ideal for weddings and gestures of affection.
- White peonies represent purity and new beginnings. They’re often chosen for weddings or to mark fresh starts.
- Red peonies reflect passion, honor, and deep respect. In some cultures, they also symbolize wealth.
- Yellow peonies are cheerful and warm, representing friendship, joy, and positivity.
- Coral peonies radiate energy and enthusiasm — perfect for uplifting arrangements or spring gardens.
- Purple peonies convey nobility, luxury, and elegance. They are striking both in the garden and in floral design.
If you’ve ever wondered what color is peony best for expressing a particular emotion, this symbolic guide offers a meaningful reference. To find the best color and shade explore our peony color varieties page.
Rare and Unusual Peony Colors
While most gardeners are familiar with classic peony colors, there are also rare and fascinating varieties that make a striking impression. Some hybrid peonies display different colors of peonies that are truly out of the ordinary.
Green-tinged peonies, while subtle, are incredibly unique and often prized by collectors. Some rare hybrids exhibit bluish undertones — though no true blue peony exists, these cool shades appear thanks to crossbreeding and lighting effects. Bi-colored peonies and varieties with iridescent petals that shift under the light are also highly sought after.
These peony colors are not common in traditional gardens and may come at a higher price due to their scarcity and complex breeding. They offer something special for collectors and those who want a standout display of different colors of peonies in their landscape.
Do Peonies Change Color Over Time?
Yes, some peony colors can shift noticeably during the blooming process. This unique trait surprises many gardeners who ask, what color is peony when it matures. Certain varieties open with a vibrant hue and fade as the bloom ages or as temperatures fluctuate.
For example, the popular peony cultivar ‘Bowl of Cream’ may start off with a creamy blush and gradually turn pure white. ‘Coral Charm’ often opens in vivid coral but fades to soft apricot or light peach tones within days. These changes are completely natural and are typically influenced by factors like sunlight exposure, cooler or warmer temperatures, and the age of the flower itself.
So, what color is peony really depends not only on the variety but also on the timing during its bloom cycle. Exploring these evolving peony colors adds a layer of excitement and uniqueness to each flowering season.
Choosing the Right Peony Color for Your Garden or Bouquet
Selecting the right peony flower colors can make all the difference in your landscape design or floral arrangements. Each shade carries symbolic weight and creates a different emotional tone in the garden or bouquet.
For a romantic garden, soft pink peonies like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ bring elegance and tenderness. If you prefer a bold, cheerful look, go for peony flower colors like yellow ‘Bartzella’ or coral ‘Coral Sunset’. White peonies are perfect for serene, minimalist settings or wedding bouquets. Purple and deep red peonies add drama and richness to borders or luxury-themed events.
Understanding peony color meaning also helps in choosing thoughtful gifts — red for admiration, pink for affection, white for new beginnings. Browse the full selection at our peony store to find the perfect color for any occasion or landscape theme.
Conclusion: A Bloom for Every Shade
No matter what color is peony you choose — be it soft pink, sunny yellow, or deep burgundy — each shade brings something special to your garden or bouquet. The wide array of peony flower colors allows for endless creativity in landscape design and floral expression.
Peonies speak their own floral language through color. Whether you're planting for meaning, mood, or pure beauty, there's a peony for every vision. Explore the full range in our full peony collection and find the shade that speaks to you.
FAQs About Peony Colors
What is the most popular peony color?
The most popular peony flower color is pink. Soft pink varieties like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ are especially beloved for their romantic and timeless appeal in gardens and bouquets. This classic shade often leads searches for what color is peony due to its versatility and symbolism of love and grace.
Are there blue peonies?
No true blue peony colors exist. While some hybrids may have purplish or lavender undertones, a genuine blue peony has not been successfully cultivated. If you're wondering what color is peony when it looks almost blue, it's likely a deep violet or cool-toned purple.
Which color of peony blooms the longest?
Bloom time is more about variety than peony flower colors, but lighter-colored peonies, such as pale pinks and whites, may appear to last longer as their fading is less noticeable. Choose early-, mid-, and late-season cultivars to extend bloom time regardless of color.
Can I mix peony colors in one garden bed?
Absolutely! Mixing different colors of peonies adds depth and visual interest to garden beds. Combine bold shades like red or coral with softer hues like white or blush to create a stunning display. Just ensure all varieties share similar sunlight and soil preferences.
Do colors differ between herbaceous and tree peonies?
Yes, tree peonies tend to showcase a wider range of peony colors, including rare purples and bi-tone shades. Herbaceous peonies typically offer the classic reds, pinks, and whites. Both types provide rich options for gardeners asking what color is peony to expect from their plant.