How big does Itoh peony grow?

About 80 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1 m × 0.6–1 m.

What soil does Itoh peony grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Itoh peony flower?

Flowering: May–June, yellow, pink, white, purple, red.

How much water does Itoh peony need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Itoh peony

Paeonia Itoh Group

Itoh peony (Paeonia Itoh Group) is a perennial that reaches 80 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €50.

Illustration of Itoh peony — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A group of hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies ('Bartzella', 'Cora Louise', 'Julia Rose', 'Hillary', 'Kopper Kettle'): it dies back to the ground in autumn like a herbaceous peony but carries the cut foliage and huge, often scented flowers of a tree peony on strong stems that need no staking. Side buds open after the main ones, so it flowers for weeks; colours run from yellow through pink and white to red and coppery orange, and height is 60 to 100 cm depending on the cultivar. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade with the eyes only 3 to 5 cm deep, because it will not flower if set deeper. It is expensive and gives few flowers in the first two or three years, but left undisturbed it lives for decades, so give it a permanent place.

Watch out for

In cool, wet springs botrytis (grey mould) can attack it: shoots and buds turn brown and die. For that reason cut down and remove all foliage from the garden in autumn and plant it where air moves freely. In heavy, waterlogged soil the roots and crown rot, and overwatering is the most common cause of failure. If it does not flower it is usually planted too deep, in too much shade, or still young; late spring frost can also take the buds. Ants crawling on the buds are harmless.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, yellow, pink, white, purple, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1 m × 0.6–1 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, yellow, pink, white, purple, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	90 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €50

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Low-maintenance perennials Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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