The six peony flower forms
When you think of peonies, my guess is that you picture the big gorgeous blooms of a double peony.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s the only type! Peonies come in six different forms that are recognized by the American Peony Association.
Which is your favorite? That’s the hard part.
More than the big and beautiful doubles that you probably most know and love as peonies, the American Peony Society actually recognizes six different forms of our favorite flower.
There are growers and organizations who have expanded to using some additional forms, but they aren’t recognized as official so we’ll just stick to the six.
Each form will speak to different people. Bryan loves the classic doubles and bombs. The bigger the better.
I’m partial to the singles and consider them highly underrated!
Read below and let me know which you’re drawn to!
DOUBLE
The classic peony form where all flower stamens have been transformed into petals.
Pictured: Joker
Other Notable Varieties: Sarah Bernhardt, Monsieur Jules Elie, Festiva Maxima, Duchesse de Nemours, Edulis Superba, Alexander Fleming and thousands of others!
BOMB
Sometimes called a bomb double, one or two rows of large petals surround a cluster of smaller petals of the same color that form a mound, or bomb shape.
Pictured: Fragrans
Other Notable Varieties: Red Charm, Raspberry Sundae, Mary Jo Legare, Top Brass, Henry St. Claire, Big Ben, Shawnee Chief
SEMI-DOUBLE
Several rows of large petals surrounding a stamens that form a distinctly yellow center.
Pictured: Lemon Chiffon
Other Notable Varieties: Coral Charm, Coral Sunset, Pink Hawaiian Coral, Bartzella, First Arrival, Nice Gal, Paula Fay, Buckeye Belle, Alexander Woolcott
SINGLE
One or two rows of large petals that surround yellow stamens with carpels and stigma in the very center.
Pictured: Color Magnet
Other Notable Varieties: Krinkled White, Blaze, Athena, Requiem, Sugar ‘n Spice, Prairie Moon, P. Tenuifolia (fern leaf), Polly Sharp, Early Scout
JAPANESE
Similar to a single, but the stamens in the center have transformed into more of a petal, but retain some of the yellow color.
Pictured: Nippon Beauty
Other Notable Varieties: Ada Niva, Jan Van Leeuwen, Bowl of Beauty, Petite Renee, Lemon Queen, Mandarin’s Coat, Spiffy, John Gardner, Mary Elizabeth
ANEMONE
Similar to singles and Japanese forms but the center yellow stamens have transformed into slender petals, called pelatodes.
Pictured: Bouquet Perfect
Other Notable Varieties: Gay Paree, White Cap, Belleville, Greta Kessenich, Philomele, Pink Pom Pom, Promavere, Cora Stubbs, Romantic Lace
So there you have it, the six peony flower forms! Have you picked a favorite yet?