Kansas Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'
Nursery-Grown Kansas Peony, Ready to Plant
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- Deep red double blooms each May; moderate growth habit
- Reaches 24-30 inches tall, spreads to 24-36 inches over 3-4 years
- Deer resistant, hardy zones 3-8, drought tolerant when established
About this plant
Kansas is a herbaceous peony with deep red, double blooms arriving in late spring (May in most zones). It reaches 24-30 inches tall and spreads gradually to fill a 24-36 inch space over three to four years. Best in perennial borders, cutting gardens, and foundation plantings with full sun. Relatively deer resistant and hardy in zones 3-8.
Your Kansas Peony arrives in a nursery container, ready to plant. Upon arrival, set it in fertile, well-drained soil with good sun exposure (at least 6 hours daily). Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first 1-2 years to establish the root system. While blooms may appear in year one or two, full flowering develops by year three or four.
Kansas Peony at a glance
| Botanical name | Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | herbaceous perennial |
| USDA zones | 3-8 |
| Mature height | 24-30 in (some sources list up to 36 in) |
| Mature width | 24-36 in |
| Sun | full sun (6+ hours); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot southern zones, but flowering and stem strength decline with more shade |
| Water | moderate; regular watering the first 1-2 years to establish, then moderately drought tolerant |
| Bloom time | late spring (early-to-midseason bloomer, typically May; timing shifts by 2-4 weeks depending on region/zone) |
| Bloom color | deep red to rose-red, double 'bomb'-type blooms |
| Growth rate | moderate - reaches full clump size in about 3-4 years, gaining roughly 6-12 in of spread per year while establishing |
| Deer resistance | generally good/relatively deer resistant |
| Best planting time | fall is preferred for bare-root divisions (allows root establishment before frost); container-grown plants can also be planted in spring |
Container sizes explained
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
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Questions before you buy
What's included in a #2 container?
A #2 is a standard nursery container size. Your Kansas Peony arrives already established in its growing medium, ready to plant in the ground. It will gradually expand over 3-4 years to reach its full mature width of 24-36 inches.
When should I plant it after arrival?
Plant it immediately after arrival in its permanent location. The sooner it's in the ground, the sooner it can establish its root system. Water regularly for the first 1-2 years to support establishment.
How large will my Kansas Peony grow?
It reaches a mature height of 24-30 inches (some plants grow to 36 inches) and spreads to fill a 24-36 inch space. Full size develops over approximately 3-4 years as the plant gradually expands.
How much sun does Kansas Peony need?
Full sun is ideal, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot southern zones, it tolerates light afternoon shade, but flowering and stem strength decline with more shade. Position accordingly for best bloom production.
What USDA hardiness zones is this peony hardy in?
Kansas Peony is hardy in zones 3 through 8, covering a wide range of climates from cold northern regions to warmer areas.
What should I do in my first year after planting?
Plant in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that doesn't stay waterlogged. Water regularly for the first 1-2 years to establish the root system. The plant may produce a few blooms in its first or second year, but reaches full flowering potential by year 3-4.