How to Grow Peony Lollipop
Peony Lollipop
Paeonia lactiflora 'Lollipop'
flowerPeony Lollipop is a stunning herbaceous peony cultivar known for its bicolor blooms featuring deep crimson-red outer petals surrounding a creamy white or pale pink center, creating a striking lollipop-like appearance. This long-lived perennial produces large, full double flowers that are highly fragrant and excellent for cutting. It's a reliable performer that can live for decades with minimal care once established.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Growth Stages
Establishment
1 yearNewly planted tubers develop roots and begin shooting in spring. Growth is modest the first year with minimal or no flowering.
Water regularly after planting. Mulch around the plant with 2-3 inches of organic matter. Avoid disturbance of the tuber.
Vegetative Growth
Late April through MayIn year 2-3, the plant develops sturdy stems with compound, glossy green leaves. Foliage grows to 24-36 inches tall.
Install support cages or stakes early in the season as heavy flower buds develop. Fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer or bone meal.
Budding
1-2 weeks before floweringProminent tight flower buds form at stem tips in late spring. Buds are round and heavy, beginning to show red coloring.
Ensure consistent moisture. Support stems to prevent bending. Thin to 3-5 strongest stems if desired for larger blooms.
Flowering
2-3 weeks, typically mid-May to early JuneLarge double flowers (4-5 inches across) open fully, displaying the signature bicolor pattern: deep crimson-red outer petals with cream-white to pale pink centers. Flowers are highly fragrant.
Cut for arrangements in early morning when petals are firm. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Stake heavily if needed.
Senescence & Dormancy
June through OctoberAfter flowering, foliage remains ornamental and turns reddish tones in fall before yellowing. Plant dies back after hard frost.
Reduce watering after bloom. Allow foliage to photosynthesize to strengthen the tuber. Cut back to ground level after frost. Do not remove foliage early.
Common Pests
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Remove affected buds and stems immediately. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Fungicide spray in spring if disease has occurred previously.
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Hand-pick in early morning. Apply neem oil or insecticide. Plant trap crops nearby to lure beetles away.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove affected flowers. Improve air circulation.
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Not actually harmful; they farm aphids but don't damage peonies. No control needed unless aphid populations explode.
Uses
Ornamental Garnish
CulinaryWhile not edible, Peony Lollipop petals are food-safe for decoration and can be used as sophisticated garnish for desserts and special occasion plates, though this is more for visual appeal than flavor. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdPeony Lollipop is an exceptional cut flower with exceptional longevity (7-10 days in water) and stunning bicolor blooms. Highly sought after by florists and wedding planners for arrangements, centerpieces, and bouquets. [source]
Dried Flowers & Pressed Flowers
CraftPeony flowers can be dried for long-term arrangement and craft projects by hanging upside-down in a dry location, or pressed between paper for scrapbooking and herbarium specimens. [source]
Pollinator & Insect Support
WildlifePeonies attract ants, bees, and other beneficial insects. They serve as an early-season nectar source in spring gardens and support biodiversity. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalPeonies have a long history in traditional Chinese and herbalist medicine, though modern scientific evidence for peony extracts and their bioactive compounds (paeoniflorin, paeonol) is still developing. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when outer petals are beginning to open but buds still feel firm. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in cool water. Remove lower leaves below the water line. For longer vase life (7-10 days), recut stems every 2-3 days and change water daily. Peonies can be cut in tight bud stage and will continue opening indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Peony Lollipop can live for 50+ years, sometimes persisting in old gardens long after the original homestead has vanished—making them living heirlooms.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'lollipop' bicolor pattern intensifies with age; newly opened flowers may show less contrast, but as the flower matures the red outer petals deepen and the center brightens.
- 🌱 Ants are attracted to peonies for their nectar; the ants are harmless and beneficial, though an old myth claims peonies won't bloom without them.
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