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Photo by F.D. Richards

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Paeonia lactiflora 'Early Scout'

Also Known As

Early Scout Peony

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 20"-24"
W: 24"

planting zones

3a-7b

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Paeonia lactiflora 'Early Scout' plant details

Paeonia lactiflora 'Early Scout' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring red and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Paeonia lactiflora 'Early Scout'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: paeoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 20 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: award-winning, border plant, compact, cottage garden, cutting garden, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Paeonia lactiflora 'Early Scout'

USDA Zones: 3a - 7b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Most peony plants mature to about 3 feet tall; lovely big statement plants but the size can limit their use in smaller gardens. Early Scout is unusual in that it grows to about 2 feet, and it makes a nicely rounded bush with dense cut-leaf foliage. The flower stems are strong and staking is rarely needed. And then there's the color - a delicious crimson offset by a boss of fluffy yellow stamen. Early Scout is indeed an early bloomer, usually the first of the season, making it a good choice for warm weather gardens where it flowers before the heats moves in.

By: Leafari

Lacy-leafed, just two feet tall, very early blooming, and winner of both the APS Gold Medal and Award of Landscape Merit, this is truly an exceptional peony. Its striking foliage and early bloom 2-3 weeks before most peonies come from P. tenuifolia, the fern-leaf peony. It never needs staking, increases vigorously, and blooms profusely. 3-5 eye roots, 20-24", zones 3-7b(8bWC)