Peony Sarah Bernhardt
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
A legendary herbaceous peony that has been the gold standard for over 100 years, producing enormous double blooms in the most perfect shade of soft pink. The fragrant flowers can reach 8 inches across and are beloved by florists and gardeners alike for their romantic, ruffled petals and incredible longevity in both the garden and vase. This reliable bloomer returns year after year, becoming more spectacular with age.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
pay-OH-nee-ah
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
1-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Peony Sarah Bernhardt in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Peony Sarah Bernhardt · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: pay-OH-nee-ah. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Water: Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Plant Walls and Hedges Rock & Water Garden Reynolda Gardens Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Front Shade Garden Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Muscadine Bed Backyard Patio. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Grafting. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are semi-dry follicles with a suture that split open (dehiscing) to release a few fleshy, black seeds.
Color: Black. Type: Follicle. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Plant Walls and Hedges Rock & Water Garden Reynolda Gardens Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Front Shade Garden Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Muscadine Bed Backyard Patio
Storage & Preservation
Fresh cut Sarah Bernhardt peonies last 7-10 days in clean, cool water with flower food. Change water every 2-3 days and recut stems underwater. Store unused cut stems in the refrigerator wrapped in damp newspaper for up to one week.
For year-round enjoyment, dry petals by spreading them on screens in a dark, well-ventilated area. Properly dried petals retain their pink color and fragrance for potpourri blends. Harvest petals just as blooms reach full opening for best color retention.
You can also preserve whole blooms using silica gel desiccant. Layer blooms face-up in airtight containers with silica gel for 4-7 days. These maintain their shape beautifully for dried arrangements, though they become quite fragile.
History & Origin
Origin: Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Plant Walls and Hedges Rock & Water Garden Reynolda Gardens Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Front Shade Garden Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Muscadine Bed Backyard Patio
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Poor Soil, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in., Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies and pollen-eating beetles.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Repels ants and aphids while attracting beneficial pollinators
Catmint
Deters aphids and ants that farm them on peony buds
Alliums
Repel aphids, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects
Marigolds
Deter nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Roses
Similar care requirements and bloom sequence extends garden color
Clematis
Provides vertical interest and blooms after peonies fade
Hosta
Fills space as peony foliage dies back, complementary textures
Iris
Blooms before peonies, similar soil and sun requirements
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that stunts peony growth and causes yellowing
Dense shrubs
Restrict air circulation leading to increased fungal diseases like botrytis
Shallow-rooted annuals
Competition for surface nutrients and disturbance of sensitive feeder roots
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance when properly planted
Common Pests
Ants (beneficial), thrips, nematodes
Diseases
Botrytis blight, leaf blotch, stem rot if planted too deep