Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt': The Grande Dame of the Garden

Elegant, abundant, and timeless, Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt' produces lavish, fully double blooms in soft shell pink with occasional hints of raspberry and silvery edges. Fragrant and enduring, each flower nods gracefully atop strong stems, recalling the classic beauty of the variety’s namesake. Blooming in early summer, it remains one of the most adored peonies in gardens around the world.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 85–95 cm
• Spread: 80–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Light pink with rose and silver overtones; fully double
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-summer
• Foliage: Deep green, bushy, and full; excellent garden structure
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt' is the quintessential choice for romantic borders, cutting gardens, and refined foundation plantings. With its long bloom time, sweet fragrance, and reliable performance, it offers beauty and grace year after year. The blooms are particularly valued by florists for their soft colour and classic form, making them a staple in spring bouquets. Whether planted in drifts or showcased as a specimen, it delivers drama with sophistication.

Companion Plants: Pair Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt' with Geranium 'Spessart', whose white-and-pink veined blooms mirror the peony’s soft tones and create a charming ground layer. Add Salvia 'Pink Profusion' for its vertical accents and pollinator-friendly blooms in a harmonious hue. Frame the planting with Miscanthus 'Morning Light', a graceful ornamental grass that offers contrast and motion while enhancing the peony’s formal elegance.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or part shade in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid planting the crown too deep—buds should sit just below the surface. Water during dry spells and mulch in spring to retain soil moisture. Deadhead after blooming and cut stems back in fall. Peonies are long-lived and do best when left undisturbed, improving in bloom and form with each passing year.

History: Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt' was introduced in 1906 by French breeder Lemoine and named after the famed actress. Over a century later, it remains one of the most planted and celebrated peonies in the world, admired for its breathtaking blooms and enduring performance.

Final Thoughts: Classic and captivating, Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt' embodies timeless garden elegance—its blooms unfolding like silk with every return of spring.