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Paeonia 'Bowl of Cream' (Bowl of Cream Peony)
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Perennials

Paeonia 'Bowl of Cream'

Bowl of Cream Peony

Paeoniaceae
Garden hybrid; {Paeonia lactiflora} parentage; bred by Klehm, 1963

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height28-34 inches (70-85 cm)
Width28-34 inches (70-85 cm)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Paeonia 'Bowl of Cream' is a herbaceous garden peony with creamy-white to ivory fully double flowers, growing 28–34 inches (70–85 cm) tall and wide. Large fully double flowers 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) across with a strong sweet fragrance appear in May and June. The creamy-white colour is warm and luminous rather than stark cold white, with a soft ivory undertone that gives the blooms a rich, buttery quality. The double form has densely packed, evenly layered petals that create a full, rounded bloom. Bred by Klehm in 1963, 'Bowl of Cream' has been a long-established white cut-flower peony for more than 60 years. The white colour is sought out for wedding and formal event arrangements, where white peonies command high prices. The strong fragrance carries in arrangements. Sturdy stems support the large flowers reasonably well, though a peony ring is advisable after rain. Dark green glossy compound foliage. Same care as all herbaceous peonies. Plants can live 50+ years. Mildly toxic. Deer avoid the foliage.

Native Range

Garden peonies derive primarily from Paeonia lactiflora, native to central and eastern Asia. 'Bowl of Cream' was bred by Klehm in 1963.

Suggested Uses

Used in cutting gardens, perennial borders, and white-themed gardens. A widely chosen white peony for bridal and formal event arrangements. The warm creamy-white integrates with both cool and warm colour schemes.

How to Identify

Identified by large creamy-white to ivory fully double flowers with densely packed evenly layered petals and strong sweet fragrance. The warm creamy-white (not stark white) colour and the full double form are the key traits. Separated from pure white peonies by the soft ivory undertone.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2'4" - 2'10"
Width/Spread2'4" - 2'10"

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
cream

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

bronze

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Flowering in May and June, approximately 2 weeks. Large creamy-white doubles with strong fragrance.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Creamy-white to ivory, fully double

Foliage Description

Dark green, deeply divided, glossy compound

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Well-drained, humus-rich soil. Set eyes no more than 2 inches (5 cm) deep — deeper planting reduces flowering. Support with a peony ring. Remove spent heads. Leave foliage standing until frost. Mildly toxic if ingested.

Pruning

Remove spent flower heads. Cut all stems to ground level in late October–November.

Pruning Schedule

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fall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Mildly toxic if ingested