Paeonia 'Julia Rose'

Paeonia 'Julia Rose': A Watercolour Bloom in Motion

Subtle and ever-changing, Paeonia 'Julia Rose' opens in rich rose-coral and gradually softens to apricot, peach, and creamy yellow as the blooms age—often displaying multiple hues on a single plant. Its semi-double flowers are large and gently fragrant, perched on sturdy stems above finely divided foliage. As an Itoh hybrid, it offers the best of both worlds: bold beauty and dependable structure.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–85 cm
• Spread: 85–95 cm
• Flower Colour: Coral rose fading to peach, apricot, and soft yellow; semi-double
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Dark green, finely cut, with excellent midsummer texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil; benefits from compost-rich amendments

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Julia Rose' brings colour, movement, and form to mixed borders, modern perennial beds, and feature plantings. With blooms that shift hue over time, it offers multi-layered interest across its flowering window. Sturdy stems resist flopping even in wind or rain, and the foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season. Ideal for adding a painterly touch to warm-toned planting schemes or as a subtle focal point in pastel combinations.

Companion Plants: Pair Paeonia 'Julia Rose' with Salvia 'Pink Profusion', whose soft rose spires reflect the peony’s early tones and bloom through summer. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon' to extend the sunny notes and introduce bold, flat-topped texture. Complete the picture with Panicum 'Prairie Sky', an airy ornamental grass with blue-green foliage that adds cool contrast and vertical rhythm to the planting.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or light shade with rich, well-draining soil. Water deeply during establishment and mulch in spring to retain moisture. Deadhead spent blooms to maintain a fresh look. In fall, cut stems to ground level and remove debris. 'Julia Rose' is a low-maintenance, long-lived Itoh peony that rarely needs division and improves with age.

History: Paeonia 'Julia Rose' is a Roger Anderson introduction from the pioneering early days of Itoh peony breeding. Celebrated for its shifting colours and elegant structure, it continues to be a favourite among collectors and designers seeking something truly unique for the spring garden.

Final Thoughts: With blooms that evolve like a sunrise, Paeonia 'Julia Rose' brings artistry and grace to the garden—its every flower a living brushstroke of seasonal beauty.