Bartzella Itoh Peony

Overview

‘Bartzella’ is an award-winning Itoh (intersectional) peony — a cross between herbaceous (Paeonia lactiflora) and tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa). It’s beloved for its huge, semi-double to double golden-yellow blooms, often featuring a blush of red at the center, and a light citrusy fragrance. With strong, upright stems and a long bloom time, ‘Bartzella’ brings the best of both peony worlds: vigor, floriferousness, and resilience.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Paeonia Itoh hybrid ‘Bartzella’

• Common Name: Bartzella Peony

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial

• Peony Type: Itoh (intersectional)

• Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 30–36 inches (75–90 cm)

• Spread: 30–36 inches (75–90 cm)

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (typically mid-June in Zone 3)

• Flower Color: Golden yellow with red flares near the center

• Fragrance: Light, citrusy

• Foliage: Attractive, finely cut, dark green foliage that stays lush into fall

Sun Requirements

• Prefers full sun (6+ hours daily)

• Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates, but blooms best in full sun

Soil Needs

• Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil

• Add compost or aged manure to improve soil health

• Avoid soggy sites — Itoh peonies do not like wet roots

• pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Watering Needs

• Moderate water during the growing season

• Keep soil consistently moist while buds develop and bloom

• Water at the base to prevent fungal issues

• Once established, drought-tolerant compared to other peonies

Planting & Spacing

• Best planted in early fall (September in Zone 3) or early spring from potted plants

• Plant crown just 1–2 inches below the soil surface

  • Planting too deep may delay or prevent flowering

• Space 3 feet apart to allow for full maturity and good air circulation

Maintenance

• Deadhead spent blooms to tidy the plant

• Do NOT divide often – Bartzella can stay in place for decades

• Cut back foliage to the ground in late fall after frost

• In Zone 3, apply mulch after the ground freezes to protect from winter temperature swings

Fertilizing

• Fertilize in spring with a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer or peony-specific mix

• Top dress with compost annually

• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flowering and cause floppy growth

Pests & Diseases

• Very resistant to most diseases, especially Botrytis (a common issue in herbaceous peonies)

• May occasionally attract:

  • Aphids

  • Thrips

• Keep area clean of fallen debris in fall to reduce disease risk

Wildlife & Companion Benefits

• Pollinator-friendly – bees love its large blooms

• Deer and rabbit resistant

• Great companions:

  • Iris

  • Salvia

  • Allium

  • Catmint

  • Ornamental grasses

Garden Uses

• Specimen plant

• Mid-border anchor

• Cottage and perennial gardens

• Cut flower gardens (excellent vase life)

• Legacy plantings – Itoh peonies live 50+ years!

Special Notes

• Award-winning: American Peony Society Gold Medal winner

• Multiple blooms per stem and longer flowering period than traditional peonies

• Strong stems mean no staking required

• Foliage stays attractive through fall — adds season-long structure