Peony ‘Gardenia’
Description
This variety is very eye-catching from across the garden, with red stems and giant, creamy white flowers. Long stems have a branching habit and multiple flowers open at once, making it perfect for large-scale arrangements. Blousy flowers last a very long time and petal tips have the slightest kiss of cranberry. Blooms smell like old-fashioned party mints. A top favorite!
Details
Type: full double
Bloom time: mid
Site: full sun
Harvesting/Vase Life
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 eye-catching from across the garden, with red stems and giant, creamy white flowers. Long stems have a branching habit and multiple flowers open at once, making it perfect for large-scale arrangements. Blousy flowers last a very long time and petal tips have the slightest kiss of cranberry. Blooms smell like old-fashioned party mints. A top favorite!
Details
Type: full double
Bloom time: mid
Site: full sun
Harvesting/Vase Life
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

Summer Mini Course
Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers
In our three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.