These exuberant and decadent flowers come into their own at the end of May. Shades range from powder-puff pink to deep red, and some peonies are very fragrant, which adds to their appeal as a cut flower.

Click here to visit our beautiful peonies gallery.

PEONY VARIETIES
• Single-flowered varieties have one row of petals with a central boss of stamens. The petals of Paeonia 'Pink Princess' appear pale pink but are actually heavily speckled pink on skirts of white.
• Semi-double varieties lie somewhere between singles and the large pom-pom flowers characteristic of true doubles. Examples include P. 'Carol', whose velvety scarlet petals are particularly rose-like.
• Japanese-style peonies are similar to singles but have an almost furry, broad inner clutch of narrow, ragged petaloids, often in a contrasting shade, which brings a touch of the exotic to the family. They range from the pale P. 'Honey Gold', to the rich red and gold P. 'Midnight Sun'.

WHERE TO SEE AND BUY PEONIES
• Claire Austin Hardy Plants, Edgebolton, Shawbury, Shropshire, SY4 4EL.
• Kelways, Barrymore Farm, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9EZ.
• Penshurst Place Gardens, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8DG.
• West Green House Garden, near Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8JB.

Want to see more? Visit our beautiful peonies gallery.

WORDS AND STYLING JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT
MAY 2006