'Fantastic' Peony

‘Fantastic’ Peony – Care Guide

Overview

The ‘Fantastic’ Peony is a herbaceous perennial known for its large, double to semi-double blooms in vivid pink, red, or coral tones (exact coloring can vary depending on the specific cultivar under the name). True to its name, it’s fantastic in the garden and vase — beloved for its fragrance, longevity, and showy blooms.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Fantastic’ (herbaceous type)
• Common Name: ‘Fantastic’ Peony
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Hardiness Zones: 3–8
• Height: 30–36 inches (75–90 cm)
• Spread: 24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (typically late May to mid-June in Zone 3)
• Flower Color: Vivid pink, red, or coral tones (varies by strain)
• Fragrance: Often fragrant — sweet and rosy
• Foliage: Glossy green, deeply lobed; turns bronze in fall

Sun Requirements

• Full sun preferred (6+ hours/day)
• Tolerates light shade, especially in hot summers, but with fewer blooms.

Soil Needs

• Rich, well-drained loamy soil is ideal.
• Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
• Avoid wet soils — peonies hate wet feet.
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Watering Needs

• Moderate watering — consistent moisture during active growth and flowering.
• Water at the base to avoid mildew.
• Cut back on watering once blooms fade.

Planting & Spacing

• Plant in early fall (September in Zone 3) or early spring if container-grown.
• Spacing: 3 feet apart to allow airflow.
• Plant eyes (buds) 1–2 inches below soil surface in Zone 3. Deeper planting = fewer flowers.
• Avoid planting too deep — the most common reason peonies don’t bloom!

Maintenance

• Low-maintenance once established.
• Stake or cage mature plants to support large blooms (especially after rain).
• Deadhead spent flowers to maintain appearance.
• Cut back foliage to the ground in fall and dispose of it to prevent fungal diseases.
• Mulch in late fall with straw or leaves in Zone 3 to protect against extreme cold — remove mulch in spring as growth begins.

Fertilizer

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or a compost top dressing in early spring as shoots emerge.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen — it promotes leaves, not blooms.

Pests & Diseases

• Generally pest-free.
• May occasionally see:
  • Botrytis blight (gray mold): improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering
  • Thrips or ants: ants are harmless and just attracted to the nectar

Wildlife & Companion Benefits

• Attracts pollinators like bees.
• Ants on buds are common and not harmful — they feed on the sugary nectar.
• Not attractive to deer or rabbits.

Garden Uses

• Mixed perennial borders
• Cottage gardens
• Foundation plantings
• Stunning cut flower
• Memorial or legacy gardens — peonies can live 50+ years with little intervention!