Add lasting color to your late-spring garden with Paeonia × 'Itoh 'Scarlet Heaven', commonly sold as Itoh Peony 'Scarlet Heaven'. This intersectional peony combines the lush presence of garden peonies with the strength and flower power associated with tree peony heritage, producing showy, wide single blooms in rich crimson-red with bright yellow centers.
Plant it where you can enjoy the blooms up close, and give it time to settle in; peonies often improve year after year when left undisturbed. Expect a sturdy, upright clump about 24-36 inches tall, with handsome green foliage that stays attractive well after flowering and helps the plant store energy for next season.
For best results, choose fertile, humus-rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Provide full sun for maximum flowering, though partial shade is acceptable, especially where afternoons are hot. Water deeply during dry spells, then let the surface dry slightly between waterings; avoid soggy conditions that can stress crowns and roots.
After bloom, remove spent flowers for a tidy look. In autumn, cut back dead foliage and dispose of it to help keep the planting area clean. With good spacing and simple seasonal care, this Itoh peony can become a long-lived focal point in borders and mixed beds.