Peony ‘Bowl of Beauty’ is a true showstopper — and one of the most recognisable peony varieties for good reason. With large, bowl-shaped blooms that open to reveal soft shell-pink outer petals and a frothy centre of creamy yellow staminodes, it’s the kind of flower that stops you in your tracks.
A mid-season herbaceous peony, it flowers from late May to early June in most UK gardens, and pairs beautifully with roses, alliums, or early-flowering hardy annuals. The blooms are lightly fragrant and make exceptional cut flowers — especially when picked in the marshmallow bud stage for longer vase life.
This peony thrives in full sun or light shade and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Once established, it’s remarkably low-maintenance and will bloom reliably year after year — growing more generous each season.
Whether you’re planting for pollinators, planning bridal blooms, or just want a burst of timeless beauty in the border, Peony ‘Bowl of Beauty’ is a firm favourite — and rightly so.
When to Plant: October – March (bare root) or spring (potted plants)
In colder regions, plant bare-root Peonies in autumn while the ground is still workable, allowing them to establish before the deep freeze. In milder areas, you can plant through to early spring. Avoid planting too deep — the eyes (buds) should sit no more than 3–5 cm below the soil surface or they may not flower.
Classification: Hardy Perennial
Site: Full Sun (they’ll tolerate light shade, but you’ll sacrifice blooms)
Soil: Neutral to slightly alkaline, rich and well-drained
Moisture: Moist but not soggy
Expert Level: Easy to Medium (patience required — they hate being moved)
How to Plant Peonies:
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot with space for airflow. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. If planting bare root, position with the red buds facing upwards, just below soil level. Water in well and mulch lightly. Peonies can take 1–2 years to settle in and bloom — but once they do, they’ll flower more abundantly with each passing year.
Flowering Period: Late Spring to Early Summer
Location: Sunny, sheltered spot with airflow
Maturity: Flowers from year 2–3 onward
Height: 60–90 cm depending on variety
Harvesting: Cut when buds are soft like a marshmallow, showing colour but not yet open.
Vase Life: 5–7 days (up to 10 with floral preservatives)
Cut & Come Again: Single flush — but what a flush it is.