Nursery grown

Sarah Bernhardt Peony

Name: Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Brand: Sarah Bernhardt Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Sarah Bernhardt Peony: Rose-Pink Blooms, Ready to Plant

$74.56 #2

Size

Quantity1

This size is not in the online store yet. Ask about availability and we will reply with current stock.

Rose-pink blooms fade lighter with age; excellent for cutting gardens
Herbaceous perennial hardy zones 3-8, matures 30-36 inches tall
Thrives in full sun with moderate water; naturally deer-resistant

Secure checkoutShips in its nursery containerGrowing guides included

About this plant

Sarah Bernhardt is a classic herbaceous peony valued for its full, rose-pink blooms that fade lighter with age. It blooms in late spring and early summer (May-June) and thrives in full sun, making it ideal for mixed borders, cutting gardens, and cottage gardens. Hardy in zones 3-8, it matures to 30-36 inches tall with a 24-36 inch spread. Peony is mildly toxic to dogs, cats and horses if eaten and can irritate pets' skin, so keep animals from chewing or digging at it.

Your Sarah Bernhardt arrives as an established nursery specimen ready for planting. Choose a location with full sun and fertile, well-draining loam. Plant with the eyes no deeper than 1-2 inches below the soil surface, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Provide moderate, consistent watering during establishment, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Full, mature blooms typically develop over 3-4 years, though light flowering may appear in year one.

Giving Sarah Bernhardt Peony a Home

Blush flowers that fade lighter with age suit quiet, soft-colored plantings.

Mixed border

Set plants 3 feet apart with baptisia and salvia nearby.

Heritage planting

Its classic pink bloom fits cemetery and heirloom plantings.

Vase flowers

Cut the fragrant rose-pink doubles in May or June for arrangements.

Big container

A 15 gallon pot works for a while, though the ground is better.

Not ideal for: It prefers the ground to a pot and needs six or more hours of sun.

Good to know: Mildly toxic to dogs, cats and horses if eaten, and it can irritate pets' skin.

Sarah Bernhardt Peony at a glance

Botanical name	Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Plant type	herbaceous perennial
USDA zones	3-8
Mature height	30-36 in (some sources note up to 38 in in ideal conditions)
Mature width	24-36 in
Sun	full sun (6+ hours); light afternoon shade helpful in hot southern zones to prolong bloom
Water	moderate; regular watering during establishment and bloom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid wet feet
Bloom time	late spring to early summer (May-June, varies by zone)
Bloom color	rose-pink, fading lighter with age
Growth rate	slow to moderate; top growth regrows each spring, and the plant needs roughly 2-4 years to reach full mature size and peak bloom
Deer resistance	good/high resistance (occasionally browsed but generally avoided)
Best planting time	fall is preferred (allows root establishment before winter); early spring planting of potted stock also works

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.

Questions before you buy

What size is my Sarah Bernhardt when it arrives?

Your peony arrives as a nursery specimen in a #2 container. It's established enough to go directly into your garden.

When should I plant my Sarah Bernhardt after arrival?

Plant within a few days of arrival for best results. Spring and fall are ideal planting seasons. Choose a spot with full sun and prepare soil with organic compost or humus before planting.

How tall and wide will my Sarah Bernhardt grow?

Mature plants reach 30-36 inches tall with a spread of 24-36 inches. As a herbaceous perennial, the top dies back each winter and regrows in spring. Expect 3-4 years to achieve full mature size and peak bloom density.

How much sun does Sarah Bernhardt need?

Sarah Bernhardt requires full sun, which means 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot southern zones, some afternoon shade can help extend bloom period. Too much shade reduces flowering.

Which USDA zones is Sarah Bernhardt hardy in?

Sarah Bernhardt thrives in zones 3-8. Cold winters are essential for proper dormancy and spring flowering.

What does Sarah Bernhardt need during its first year?

Water consistently but moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch around the base in fall to protect the crown. Light bloom may appear in year one, with full blooms typically developing by year 3-4.