Paeonia 'Best Man'

Paeonia 'Best Man': Regal Blooms with a Bold Heart

Paeonia 'Best Man' commands attention with its deep, romantic colouring and lavish double blooms. Opening in early summer, its rich burgundy-red petals unfurl in densely packed whorls, glowing in the sun with a velvety sheen. The flower’s elegance is matched by its strength—tall, sturdy stems hold the blooms high above lush green foliage, offering garden drama with enduring charm.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 85–95 cm
• Spread: 80–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep burgundy to ruby red; fully double blooms
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-summer
• Foliage: Dark green, glossy and deeply divided
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil; benefits from organic enrichment

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Best Man' is ideal for adding depth and sophistication to sunny borders, wedding-themed plantings, or monochrome garden palettes. Its bold colour stands out against both bright companions and soft pastels, and its blooms make exquisite additions to cut flower arrangements. Long-lived, deer-resistant, and tolerant of cold Canadian winters, it brings structural integrity and seasonal drama to garden beds for years to come.

Companion Plants: Surround Paeonia 'Best Man' with Nepeta 'Purrsian Blue', whose compact form and periwinkle blooms create a calming contrast while drawing pollinators to the scene. Introduce the feathery, bottlebrush texture of Sanguisorba 'Pink Tanna', its dusky rose flowers rising like soft counterpoints to the peony’s bold structure. Ground the planting with Panicum 'Shenandoah', an upright ornamental grass whose wine-red summer hues echo and extend the richness of the peony’s bloom colour.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to partial shade with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Peonies prefer to stay undisturbed, so choose the site carefully. Water regularly during establishment and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Deadhead after bloom and cut back stems after the first frost. Support may be needed during flowering to keep heavy blooms upright. Avoid planting too deep—buds should rest just below the surface.

History: Paeonia 'Best Man' is a modern cultivar celebrated for its rich, saturated colour and strong garden performance. Bred for both cutting and landscape use, it combines traditional peony opulence with robust stems and clean foliage, making it a reliable favourite among collectors and designers alike.

Final Thoughts: With its lush burgundy blooms and commanding presence, Paeonia 'Best Man' brings a sense of drama and devotion to the garden. It's a perennial that makes an entrance—and stays to impress for seasons to come.