Product Description
Paeonia 'Kansas' (10) Plants
Flower type: Double.
Zones: 3 to 8
Full sun to part shade.
Bloom time: Mid season
Height: 32 Inches Spread: 20 Inches
Large, bright watermelon red flowers which are fully double appear on strong, dark green stems in early summer. The color is sunfast, ensuring top performance, and it contrasts well with the mid-green foliage. After 60 years and 'Kansas' still widely considered one of the very best double reds. Cut a few stems to bring the lovely scent of the blossoms inside.
Paeonia 'Kansas' is a classic and beloved peony cultivar, known for its vibrant blooms and reliable performance. Here is a breakdown of what makes it so popular:
Appearance:
- Double, rose-shaped flowers: 'Kansas' produces large, fully double flowers with a classic rose shape. The petals are a rich, vibrant shade of carmine-red, often described as a bluish-red, that holds its color well even in full sun.
- Strong stems: It has strong, sturdy stems that hold the heavy blooms upright without the need for staking, a desirable trait in peonies.
- Lush foliage: The plant features a lush, bushy mound of glossy, dark green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season, even after the flowers have faded.
Growing Conditions:
- Sun lover: 'Kansas' thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in very hot climates, it may appreciate some afternoon shade.
- Well-drained soil: It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness: This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Uses:
- Specimen plant: Its striking blooms and strong stems make it a beautiful focal point in the garden.
- Borders and beds: 'Kansas' adds a splash of color and interest to borders and flower beds.
- Cut flowers: The long-lasting flowers are excellent for cutting and bringing indoors, filling the home with their beauty and fragrance.
Benefits:
- Vibrant blooms: The carmine-red flowers are a standout feature in the garden.
- Strong stems: The sturdy stems eliminate the need for staking, making it a low-maintenance choice.
- Long-lasting flowers: The blooms hold their color well and last for a long time, both on the plant and in bouquets.
- Deer resistant: Deer tend to avoid peonies.
Things to keep in mind:
- Planting time: The best time to plant peonies is in early fall, so they have time to establish their roots before winter.
- Patience: Peonies can take a year or two to start blooming after planting, so be patient and do not be discouraged if you do not see flowers right away.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production.
Overall, Paeonia 'Kansas' is a beautiful and reliable peony cultivar that is sure to bring joy to any garden with its vibrant blooms, strong stems, and long-lasting flowers. It is a classic choice that has been loved by gardeners for generations.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
