Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle'

Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle': Velvet Crimson with a Wild Heart

Dramatic and alluring, Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle' is a semi-double standout with rich, velvety crimson petals that surround a bold centre of golden stamens. The contrast is striking, giving each bloom a wild, almost untamed elegance. Blooming earlier than many herbaceous peonies, it offers a vibrant splash of colour and a welcome nectar source to pollinators in late spring.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–85 cm
• Spread: 80–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep crimson red with golden stamens; semi-double form
• Flowering Period: Late spring
• Foliage: Deep green, finely divided foliage with a bushy, upright habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; benefits from compost or organic mulch

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle' adds a bold note to spring borders and cutting gardens with its striking colour and strong stems. Its open form invites bees and early pollinators, while its dark blooms offer a moody, romantic accent in pastel-heavy plantings. As a vigorous grower and award-winning cultivar, it offers reliable performance, dramatic beauty, and a slightly earlier bloom than many peony varieties.

Companion Plants: Pair Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle' with Salvia 'Violet Riot', whose bold purple spikes echo the richness of the peony blooms and extend the colour palette into summer. For a splash of silvery foliage and soft pink accents, add Lamium 'Orchid Frost', which thrives in similar light conditions and provides low-growing contrast. Finish the composition with Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation', a structural grass with blue-green blades that turn wine-red in fall—mirroring the peony’s intensity and adding lasting seasonal interest.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-draining soil. Avoid overly wet conditions and ensure the crown is positioned just below the soil surface. Water consistently during dry spells, especially in the first season. Deadhead spent flowers and cut foliage back in late autumn. Peonies dislike being moved but can be divided in fall if necessary after several years.

History: Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle' is a hybrid peony developed by Walter Mains in the mid-20th century and remains one of the most celebrated red semi-doubles. It was awarded the American Peony Society Gold Medal and continues to captivate with its dramatic form and vivid colour.

Final Thoughts: Bold and romantic, Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle' brings richness and intensity to the spring garden. Its distinctive colour and timeless silhouette make it a centrepiece worthy of admiration, season after season.