Peony Red Charm

Peony Red Charm

Paeonia ‘Red Charm’ is a classic herbaceous hybrid peony with glossy, dark green foliage and large, bomb-type double flowers in rich, saturated crimson-red. It blooms in late spring to early summer and is valued for its bold color, full ruffled flower form, sturdy stems, and excellent cut-flower use. The American Peony Society registry notes that ‘Red Charm’ received the American Peony Society Gold Medal in 1956, and RHS lists it as Paeonia lactiflora × officinalis ‘Red Charm’.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 24–36 in. wide × 30–36 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Upright, rounded clump with strong flowering stems
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil; moderate water, especially during establishment and bud development
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; usually 7–10 days of main bloom, longer in cool weather
Wildlife: Flowers may attract bees and butterflies; generally deer and rabbit resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for perennial borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, formal beds, foundation plantings, and specimen use. The deep red double flowers make a strong focal point and pair well with white peonies, iris, allium, salvia, nepeta, catmint, hardy geraniums, roses, and ornamental grasses. Chicago Botanic Garden describes ‘Red Charm’ as reaching about 2.5 ft. high with deep-red ruffled double flowers from late May into early June.

Care:
Plant crowns shallowly, with eyes about 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Provide full sun, good air circulation, and avoid soggy soil. Stems are stronger than many older double peonies, but light support can still help after heavy rain. Deadhead after flowering, leave foliage through summer to feed the roots, then cut stems to the ground after frost. RHS recommends removing faded flowers and cutting the plant back as foliage dies down. 

Plant type

Perennial

Height

30-36''

Width

24-36''

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Rounded, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No