An overhead of Peony Buckeye Belle

Peony ‘Buckeye Belle’

Features

  • Fragrant
  • Pollinator-friendly

Description

This variety is very striking and early to flower. Semi-double blooms are oxblood red with creamy yellow-and-red-streaked pollen anthers. Its center ring of petals is shorter and ruffled. This variety holds well in storage and is lightly scented.

Details

Height: 30 in
Type: semi-double
Bloom time: very early
Site: full sun

Harvesting/Vase Life

For the best vase life, harvest peonies while in bud or “soft marshmallow” stage. Gently squeeze each flower bud, feeling for sponginess. If buds are still hard, then leave them to ripen longer, but if they feel soft—similar to a marshmallow—pick them. When harvesting, be sure to leave at least 2 sets of leaves on the stem so that the plant can continue to grow and store food over the summer.

Cut stems can also be stored for later use; they will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. When storing, remove almost all of the leaves; bunch the stems together, and slip them into a plastic bag with a few paper towels inside to absorb any excess moisture. Lay them flat on the shelf in the produce area of the fridge and then check every few days for signs of mold. Discard any that begin to rot. Upon removal, the flowers often look limp but don’t worry. Recut the stems and place them immediately in warm water with flower preservative. The buds will open within 24 hours, and the blooms will last a good week in the vase.

Details

Description

This variety is very striking and early to flower. Semi-double blooms are oxblood red with creamy yellow-and-red-streaked pollen anthers. Its center ring of petals is shorter and ruffled. This variety holds well in storage and is lightly scented.

Details

Height: 30 in
Type: semi-double
Bloom time: very early
Site: full sun

Harvesting/Vase Life

For the best vase life, harvest peonies while in bud or “soft marshmallow” stage. Gently squeeze each flower bud, feeling for sponginess. If buds are still hard, then leave them to ripen longer, but if they feel soft—similar to a marshmallow—pick them. When harvesting, be sure to leave at least 2 sets of leaves on the stem so that the plant can continue to grow and store food over the summer.

Cut stems can also be stored for later use; they will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. When storing, remove almost all of the leaves; bunch the stems together, and slip them into a plastic bag with a few paper towels inside to absorb any excess moisture. Lay them flat on the shelf in the produce area of the fridge and then check every few days for signs of mold. Discard any that begin to rot. Upon removal, the flowers often look limp but don’t worry. Recut the stems and place them immediately in warm water with flower preservative. The buds will open within 24 hours, and the blooms will last a good week in the vase.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.