Images Depict Mature Plants
Shirley Temple Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'
Peony Shirley Temple is a beloved perennial known for its large, fragrant, blush-pink double blooms that mature to creamy white, adding romantic elegance to spring gardens. Ideal for borders, foundation plantings, and cutting gardens, it provides long-lasting beauty, deer resistance, and stunning floral displays year after year.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Shirley Temple Peony Plants
Shirley Temple Peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’) is a classic, heirloom perennial prized for its romantic, double blooms in soft blush pink that gradually mature to creamy white. This herbaceous peony produces large, fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer, creating a stunning focal point in perennial borders, cottage gardens, or foundation plantings. Its lush, dark green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for the blooms and remains attractive even after the flowering season ends.
Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, Shirley Temple Peony thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Once established, it’s remarkably low-maintenance and long-lived, often thriving for decades with minimal care. This variety is deer and rabbit resistant, making it a dependable choice in landscapes where browsing is a concern. Its strong stems help support the large, ruffled flowers, making them excellent for cutting and bringing their sweet fragrance indoors.
Whether used as a single specimen or massed in garden beds, Shirley Temple Peony adds timeless elegance, fragrance, and soft color to spring landscapes. Plant it alongside roses, irises, or delphiniums for a romantic floral display, or use it as a graceful border accent. With its show-stopping blooms and reliable performance, this beloved peony cultivar continues to be a favorite for both seasoned gardeners and newcomers alike.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 30 to 36 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 30 to 36 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Flower Color: | Soft pink almost white double form |
| Bloom Season: | May |
| Details: | Red flowers, fragrant, good cut flower, attracts butterflies |
How to Care for Shirley Temple Peony
Before you buy Shirley Temple Peony, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
-v1745510956228.png?92x91){kind=icon}
How should I Plant My Shirley Temple Peony Plants?
To plant your Shirley Temple Peony successfully, choose a location that receives full sun to light afternoon shade and features rich, well-drained soil. Peonies prefer a permanent spot, as they do not like to be disturbed once established. Dig a hole about 12–18 inches wide and deep, and amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure for improved fertility and drainage. When planting bare root peonies, position the eyes (buds) no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface—planting them too deep can prevent blooming. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. For container-grown Shirley Temple Peonies, plant at the same soil level as in the pot, and gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the ground. Space plants 3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and full, mature growth. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot. Once planted properly, Shirley Temple Peonies will establish strong roots and reward you with lush foliage and spectacular blooms each spring, making them an ideal choice for perennial beds, foundation plantings, or classic cottage gardens.
-v1745510992912.png?89x84){kind=icon}
How should I Water My Shirley Temple Peony Plants?
Watering Shirley Temple Peony plants properly is key to supporting healthy root development and ensuring vibrant, full blooms in the spring. During the first growing season after planting, water deeply once or twice a week to help establish a strong root system. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as peonies dislike soggy conditions that can lead to root rot. It's best to water at the base of the plant rather than overhead, which helps prevent fungal issues on the foliage. Once established, Shirley Temple Peonies are relatively drought tolerant and typically only need supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat. During active growth and bloom time in spring and early summer, continue to monitor soil moisture, especially in sandy or fast-draining soils. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and keep roots cool, but avoid piling mulch directly against the stems. With proper watering, your Shirley Temple Peony will thrive, producing lush foliage and exquisite, fragrant blooms year after year in perennial borders and classic garden settings.
-v1745511009717.png?90x89){kind=icon}
How should I Fertilize My Shirley Temple Peony Plants?
Fertilizing Shirley Temple Peony plants helps encourage strong root development, lush foliage, and abundant blooms. For best results, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 formula—in early spring when new shoots begin to emerge. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the drip line of the plant, being careful to avoid direct contact with the crown, and water thoroughly to help nutrients reach the root zone. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms, so a light, even application is all that’s needed. You can also improve soil fertility by top-dressing with compost or well-aged manure each spring, which adds nutrients gradually and helps improve soil structure. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they may delay blooming or promote weak stems. A second light feeding after the bloom period can support root strength going into the next season. With the right fertilization routine, your Shirley Temple Peonies will reward you with stunning, fragrant blooms and healthy growth, making them a standout feature in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and classic landscape designs.
How and When should I Prune My Shirley Temple Peony Plants?
Pruning Shirley Temple Peony plants is essential for maintaining plant health, promoting beautiful blooms, and preventing disease. The most important time to prune is in the fall after the foliage has died back and turned yellow or brown—usually following the first frost. At this point, cut the stems down to just above ground level using clean, sharp pruners. Removing dead foliage helps prevent overwintering pests and fungal diseases such as botrytis, ensuring a healthy start for the next growing season. In spring and early summer, minimal pruning is needed beyond deadheading spent blooms to encourage a tidy appearance and redirect energy back to the roots. If stems become too heavy and start to droop, you can lightly stake or support them rather than prune mid-season. Avoid cutting back peonies in spring before they’ve bloomed, as this will reduce the flowering potential. With proper pruning at the right time, your Shirley Temple Peonies will remain vigorous, disease-free, and ready to deliver their signature romantic blooms year after year in borders, cutting gardens, or formal landscapes.
