The Double Peony is arguably the most striking of the many peony varieties. Colors are so rich and plants often so fragrant that the flowers can be called luscious without sounding ridiculous about it. Their heads are heavy, so all double-flowered varieties must be staked or they will end up drooping to the point that they might end up on the ground. Some varieties need more staking than others.

Staking can be accomplished in almost any fashion, of course, but it is usually best done by using a peony frame that is put in place when the first shoots show above the ground or no later than when buds appear. Trying to manipulate an almost fully-grown peony through the frame later on is not recommended! Do take care not to puncture the crown when setting the frame in the ground. Those large peony heads, some 5" to 7" across, will rest comfortably on the frame, which disappears into the foliage. This will present a far more handsome and reassuring sight than peonies with their faces in the dirt.

So many varieties of double peony compete for our attention. The Karl Rosenfield is a rich red. The Sorbet produces many flowers per plant. The Festiva Maxima is a sugar white with scarlet accents. The Red Charm is a newer early-blooming peony, and many more. Among Chinese peonies, there are too many to mention here.

More on the Double Peony

In addition to the outer petals called guard petals, the double peony has fairly dense centers of petals that have been transformed from stamens. The semi-double has a center that is a mix of broad petals and stamens that actually produce pollen. The anemone form of peony may often be included in the semi-double category. Japanese varieties resemble the anemone form but have staminodes in the center that do not produce pollen.