Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Sarah Bernhardt Peony: Pale Pink Blooms, Ready to Plant
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- Pale blush-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
About this plant
Sarah Bernhardt is a classic herbaceous peony valued for its full, pale blush-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.
Your Sarah Bernhardt arrives as an established nursery specimen ready for planting. Choose a location with full sun and fertile, well-draining loam. Plant at soil level, 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.
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 | pale/blush pink, fading lighter with age |
| Growth rate | slow to moderate; herbaceous top growth regrows fully each spring, but the plant needs roughly 2-4 years after planting to reach full mature |
| 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. |
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Questions before you buy
What size is my Sarah Bernhardt when it arrives?
Your peony arrives as a nursery specimen in a #2 container, a mature ready-to-plant size rather than a small starter plant. 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. Insufficient light reduces flowering and encourages thin, tall growth.
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. In zone 8, afternoon shade and additional mulch can help manage summer heat.
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.