Paeonia ‘Itoh Hybrid’

A miraculous hybrid between tree and herbaceous peonies, having the large flowers that don’t need staking with lobed foliage lasting through autumn.
height 3–4
width 3–4
tolerates Cold
water
needs		 Moderate – High
hardy
to		 -25F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil
fertilizing Bloom
origin Hybrid, China

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

Growing Notes

This is a deciduous plant that loses its leaves during winter when it should be cut back to six inches from the ground.
Like tree peony these hybrids have long lasting blooms that don’t require staking to stand on their own. The flowers perform best with a little shade, but the foliage looks best in full sun, so finding a balance in the location is important.
Use a low nitrogen fertilizer for best results and only fertilize in spring and early summer.
Deadhead in spring and summer to encourage new blossoms.

Special Interest

In the early 20th century horticulturists thought it impossible to hybridize tree and hergacios peonys, as everyone who tried failed. But, in 1948, after a life of attempts and failures Japanese horticulturist Dr. Toichi Itoh successfully hybridized them, doing the impossible. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see them bloom, a true tragedy. Soon after their hybridization these peony sold for astronomic prices - up-to $1,000!