BulbRose
Karl Rosenfield Peony
Karl Rosenfield is a hybrid peony that brings the romance of cherry-red double blooms to gardens across zones 3 through 8. This perennial bush reaches 24 to 36 inches tall and flowers reliably from mid to late spring after a long 365+ day maturation from fall planting. Its lush, full double blooms and deer-resistant nature have made it a stalwart in gardens for generations, equally at home as a cutting garden treasure or a dramatic landscape focal point.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-8
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam; High Organic Matter
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
TypeBush
Spacing
24
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-8
Size
36in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
The deep cherry-red double flowers emerge with such fullness that they practically glow in spring light, their ruffled petals packed so densely they often require support to hold themselves upright. Karl Rosenfield tolerates the coldest northern gardens and thrives in zones as far south as zone 8, making it one of the most geographically adaptable peonies. Once established, these plants are nearly indestructible, resisting both deer and rabbit browse while powering through decades with minimal fuss.
Common Uses
In the landscape, Karl Rosenfield shines as a cut flower, border planting, bedded display, background shrub, or commanding focal point. The abundant double blooms are prized by florists and home gardeners alike for their longevity in the vase and their ability to draw pollinators into the garden.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Transplant Outdoors
Plant Karl Rosenfield peony bulbs in fall for spring blooming. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Space bulbs 24 inches apart to accommodate mature bush size. Set the bulbs with the eyes (pink growth buds) facing upward, just 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Firm soil gently and water thoroughly after planting.
Harvesting
For cut flowers, harvest Karl Rosenfield blooms in mid to late spring when the double flowers have just opened but still feel slightly firm to the touch. Cut stems early in the morning while they're fully hydrated, using a sharp knife to make a clean angled cut. The blooms will continue to open and deepen in color over several days in the vase, providing exceptionally long-lasting arrangements.
Pruning
Deadhead spent blooms in late spring to encourage fuller branching and maintain plant vigor. Some gardeners prefer to leave faded flowers on the plant to support pollinator populations. In late fall, after frost has blackened the foliage, cut the entire bush down to ground level and remove all stems. This annual cutback prevents disease and allows fresh, vigorous growth to emerge the following spring.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Scientific Classification
Paeonia lactiflora
Family
Paeoniaceae
Genus
Paeonia
Growth Habit
Bush
Native Status
L48 (I)CAN (I)