THE HANDBOOK
FOUNDATIONS OF THE PEONY GARDEN
Steeped in antiquity, the Peony, botanically known as Paeonia, remains a magnificent living artifact of myth and medicine. From the imperial courts of ancient China to the legend of Paeon, the physician saved by Zeus, this bloom carries an unrivaled historical weight. Whether inspired by Greek lore or the storied transformation of the nymph Paeonia, its journey spans centuries of Japanese and European cultivation. As a perennial of remarkable endurance, a single peony can grace a garden for a century, offering generations of timeless beauty.
THE FABLES SERIES
HEIRLOOM
Nostalgic, often fragrant varieties that have been passed down through generations. These "Grand Dames" of the garden are beloved for their romantic blooms and historic charm.​
​
BEST FOR
Traditionalists and those seeking that iconic peony scent.
ARTISAN
Sought-after modern hybrids and collector varieties featuring unique colors and unconventional forms. Bred for excellence, these selections often boast exceptionally strong stems and an extended vase life.
​
BEST FOR
Floral designers and those who love a pop of the unexpected.
RARE
Our most elusive treasures. These slow-to-multiply varieties are available in very limited quantities, offering a rare opportunity to own a true piece of botanical art.
​
BEST FOR
Serious collectors and those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind garden treasure.
EXPLORE THE FULL CURATION
PEONY CLASSIFICATIONS
While the American Peony Society recognizes an extraordinary lineage of over 6,500 cultivars, the world of peonies is divided into three primary families: herbaceous, tree, and intersectional. Each variety dances to its own seasonal rhythm, offering a distinct silhouette and bloom window. By curating a thoughtful blend of these types, one can orchestrate a continuous symphony of blossoms that graces the garden for many weeks. At Fables Farms, while majestic tree peonies anchor our permanent landscaping, our fields are dedicated to herbaceous and intersectional varieties.
the
HERBACEOUS PEONY
The Well-Loved Garden Variety
The herbaceous peony is a resilient perennial that retreats gracefully into the earth each winter, only to emerge with renewed vigor as the soil warms. At Fables Farms, we curate two distinct lineages within this category: the lactiflora and the hybrid. The Paeonia lactiflora, or traditional Chinese Peony, is the quintessential "heirloom" variety, famed for its intoxicating fragrance, lushly ruffled double blooms, and multiple buds per stem that make it a favorite for the cutting garden. In contrast, hybrids are the result of intentional crosses between species, offering an earlier bloom window and a daringly modern palette of corals, buttery yellows, and intense, true reds. While they often trade the traditional scent for architectural strength, Hybrids boast exceptionally sturdy, upright stems and a cleaner plant habit that remains lush long after the petals have fallen. Whether you seek the fragrant, mid-to-late season romance of the lactiflora or the structural brilliance of the early-blooming hybrid, both varieties remain sophisticated spring garden fixtures.
Named for the visionary breeder Toichi Itoh, Intersectional peonies are a masterwork of horticultural artistry. By crossing the woody structure of a tree peony with the hardy nature of a herbaceous variety, the Itoh offers the best of both worlds: massive, complex blooms and exquisite foliage on stems that never require staking. These "bridge" varieties are prized for their extended blooming period and their ability to remain lush and emerald-green until the first hard frost, lending a sense of refined, lasting structure to the garden long after the traditional spring bloom has faded.
the
INTERSECTIONAL PEONY
THE INTENTIONAL GARDEN
While the peony is often celebrated for its singular, fleeting beauty, its true grace lies in its versatility. Whether anchoring a perennial border, gracing a curated vessel, or providing a vital nectar source for the early season, each variety in our collection offers a distinct purpose. Understanding these nuances allows for a more intentional garden, one where every bloom is positioned to thrive and be admired.
