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Paeonia 'Krinkled White' (Krinkled White Peony)
© F. D. Richards from Clinton, MI, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons

Paeonia 'Krinkled White'

Krinkled White Peony

Cultivar of garden origin; garden peonies derive from {Paeonia lactiflora}, native to China, Mongolia, and Siberia; {Paeonia 'Krinkled White'} was bred by Brand in 1928 and is the most famous single white peony, named for the crinkled petal texture that is the cultivar signature

At a Glance

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

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

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

Overview

Paeonia 'Krinkled White' is a single-flowered herbaceous peony bred by Brand in 1928, growing 28-34 inches (70-85 cm) tall and wide. Large pure white single flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) across have a single ring of broad, distinctly crinkled (krinkled) petals surrounding a prominent golden stamen center. The single form is the simplest peony flower type — one ring of petals with a fully visible stamen center — and Paeonia 'Krinkled White' is the most famous single white. The crinkled petal texture adds visual interest and a handmade textured quality that smooth-petaled singles lack. The visible golden stamen center gives pollinators easy access, making single peonies more pollinator-friendly than full doubles that bury the stamens. The single form is also the lightest in weight, so the stems are fully self-supporting — no peony ring is needed. This no-staking quality places Paeonia 'Krinkled White' among the more practical peonies. Early bloom timing — 1-2 weeks before most lactiflora doubles. A light sweet fragrance. Dark green glossy compound foliage. Same care as all herbaceous peonies. Can live 50+ years. Mildly toxic.

Native Range

Garden peonies derive from Paeonia lactiflora. Paeonia 'Krinkled White' was bred by Brand, 1928.

Suggested Uses

Used in perennial borders, naturalistic plantings, and cottage gardens. The single form suits gardeners who prefer simple elegance over double opulence. The self-supporting habit and early bloom extend the peony season. More pollinator-friendly than doubles. The crinkled texture adds character.

How to Identify

Identified by large pure white single flowers with a single ring of crinkled (textured) petals surrounding a prominent golden stamen center. The crinkled petal texture is the cultivar signature — the name describes this trait. The single form with visible stamens and self-supporting stems. Early bloom timing.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Flowering in May to early June, approximately 2 weeks. Early bloom — before most doubles. Self-supporting single flowers with crinkled white petals and golden centers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Large pure white single flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) across with a single ring of broad, distinctly crinkled (krinkled) petals surrounding a prominent golden stamen center

Foliage Description

Dark green deeply divided glossy compound foliage forms a substantial mound through summer

Growing 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
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. Eyes no more than 2 inches (5 cm) deep. No staking needed — the lightweight single form is self-supporting. Remove spent heads. Leave foliage until frost. Mildly toxic.

Pruning

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

Pruning Schedule

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fall

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Mildly toxic if ingested