Julia Rose Itoh Peony

Size

Julia Rose Itoh Peony is all about flower color that keeps changing, opening in warm apricot with reddish-purple brushing and a yellow center, then softening as the bloom matures. Its shifting palette gives it more dimension than many standard peonies, and the sturdy stems keep the big double flowers upright without staking. Paeonia x 'Julia Rose' develops a rounded shape about 3036 inches tall and 2436 inches wide. It carries fuller foliage and a stronger frame than many large-flowered peonies. We recommend it for cutting beds because the stems stay presentable after a few cuttings and the blooms carry a light spicy fragrance.As an Itoh peony, Julia Rose blends tree peony flowers with the garden reliability of herbaceous peonies. The lush, toothed green foliage fills out quickly, and established plants can set an impressive number of buds over time. It is also a smart choice for urban gardens since it handles exposure well and holds itself neatly through the season. Use it in mixed borders, foundation beds, or a large patio planter where the flower color changes can be watched up close.Julia Rose Itoh Peony CareGrow Julia Rose in full sun to partial shade, with the strongest flowering in at least six hours of direct light. Soil should be deep, fertile, and well-drained, with a slightly acidic to near-neutral pH. Set the crown just 12 inches below the soil surface, since planting too deep can reduce bloom.Water deeply during the first growing season whenever the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Later, cut back watering frequency once the plant has rooted in well. A yearly side dressing of compost is usually enough unless the soil is very poor. Itoh peony is an herbaceous perennial, so the top growth dies back in fall and returns from the crown in spring.Remove spent blooms promptly to keep the plant tidy and shift energy back into root and bud development. In fall, cut stems down after the foliage declines, and keep old leaves away from the crown. Leave established clumps undisturbed unless you need to move them, since Itoh peonies usually flower better when they can settle in place for years.Julia Rose Itoh Peony SpacingSpace Julia Rose Itoh Peony about 3036 inches apart so light can reach the foliage and the rounded habit has room to develop. For containers, use a pot at least 2024 inches wide and deep with a rich, free-draining mix.In the landscape, pair this Itoh peony with hydrangeas and bellflower for a layered planting that carries interest well past peony season. In containers, bacopa can spill at the rim while geranium adds lasting leaf contrast once the spring flowers have passed.