Christmas Velvet Peony

Christmas Velvet is a striking peony prized for its rich, velvety red blooms and timeless, romantic form. The deeply saturated flowers stand beautifully above lush green foliage, creating a dramatic focal point in the late-spring to early-summer garden. Its strong color and classic peony fragrance also make Christmas Velvet a wonderful variety for cutting and bringing indoors.

Peonies are exceptionally long-lived perennials and, once established, can remain in the garden and bloom for decades. Christmas Velvet is beautiful planted in perennial borders, cutting gardens, cottage gardens, or in groups where its deep red flowers can really make an impact.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Height: Approximately 30–36 inches
Flower Color: Deep velvety red
Light: Full sun to light afternoon shade
Hardiness: Zones 3–8
Use: Garden, landscape & cut flower

Planting & Growing Instructions

Plant peony roots in the fall or early spring in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Choose fertile, well-drained soil and avoid areas where water tends to collect.

Dig a wide hole and position the root with the eyes (small pink or reddish growth buds) facing upward. This is especially important with peonies: the eyes should be planted only 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deeply is one of the most common reasons peonies fail to bloom.

Space plants approximately 3 feet apart to allow for mature growth and good air circulation. Water thoroughly after planting and keep newly planted roots consistently moist, but never waterlogged, while they become established.

Peonies can take a little patience. Newly planted roots may produce limited growth or flowers during their first season. Plants typically become larger and more floriferous each year, eventually producing an impressive display with very little maintenance.

After flowering, leave the foliage in place throughout the growing season so the plant can store energy for the following year's blooms. Cut the foliage back to ground level after it has died back in the fall.

Important: Peonies prefer to remain undisturbed once established. Choose their permanent location carefully, and they can reward you with beautiful blooms for decades.