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Paeonia 'Best Man'
Best Man Peony
Cultivar of garden origin; garden peonies derive from {Paeonia lactiflora}, native to China, Mongolia, and Siberia where the wild species grows in meadows, scrub, and open woodland; {Paeonia 'Best Man'} is a cultivated garden selection bred for the deep crimson-red double flower color, named for wedding-party association
Overview
Paeonia 'Best Man' is a herbaceous garden peony with deep crimson-red double flowers, growing 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) tall and wide. The fully double deep red flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) across with a moderate sweet fragrance appear in May and June. The deep crimson-red is darker than the common pink peony palette, adding a formal rich color that suits traditional garden design and event floral work. The cultivar name suggests wedding and formal event use, and the deep red color is widely used in bridal arrangements, especially for fall-themed weddings using spring-harvested peonies. Red peonies tend to have sturdier more self-supporting stems than many pink and white double cultivars, reducing the need for staking — though support is still advisable in windy sites or after rain. Dark green glossy compound foliage forms a substantial mound through summer. Fall foliage turns bronze-red, echoing the flower color. Spring shoots emerge ruby-red. The same cultural requirements as all herbaceous peonies apply: shallow planting (eyes 2 inches / 5 cm deep), well-drained soil, and patience for 3-5 years to reach full bloom production. Peonies can live 50+ years. Mildly toxic if ingested. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
Garden peonies derive from Paeonia lactiflora, native to China, Mongolia, and Siberia. Paeonia 'Best Man' is a cultivated garden selection.Suggested Uses
Used in perennial borders, formal gardens, and cutting gardens. The deep red adds a rich formal color to garden schemes and floral arrangements. Pairs with white and pale pink peonies for a mixed peony border. The sturdy stems may need less support than lighter-colored doubles.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 3'
Width/Spread2'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering in May and June, approximately 2 weeks. Deep crimson-red double flowers with moderate fragrance.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep crimson-red to dark red fully double flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) across with a moderate sweet fragrance; the deep red color is darker than the common pink peony palette and reads as formal and richFoliage Description
Dark green deeply divided glossy compound foliage forms a substantial mound through summer; spring shoots emerge ruby-red and fall foliage turns bronze-red, echoing the flower colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Well-drained humus-rich soil. Eyes no more than 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Support with a peony ring if needed. Remove spent heads. Leave foliage until frost; cut to ground in late fall. Mildly toxic.Pruning
Remove spent flower heads. Cut all stems to ground level in late October-November after frost.Pruning Schedule
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