Swenson Gardens
Swenson Gardens is now closed for 2024. Check back in early January, 2025 for our exciting new year. Thanks again to our returning and new gardening friends!
Intersectionals, also known as intersectional hybrid or Itoh hybrid peonies, are truly the next generation of peonies. These strong-stemmed plants are a cross between a tree peony and a garden peony. They look spectacular, and are easy to grow. Think tree peony flower and foliage on a garden peony stem that can be cut down in the fall.
32” tall, 50” wide, single to semi-double, mid
Gorgeous bright yellow petals are artfully streaked with orange that pools in the center. This variety was the favorite of Al Rogers.
30" high, 40" wide, single, mid
An exotic, outrageously extravagant beauty with petals that appear water-colored in rose, plum, and cream. Every bloom is unique. Attractive, shrub-like foliage.
32” tall, 54” wide, semi-double to double, mid and late
A famous celebrity in the peony world, beloved for its enormous, lemon-scented blooms and extended bloom time. We love the foliage, too!
20” tall, 60” wide, single, mid-late
Plentiful yellow blooms with red flares on blue-green foliage that turns golden in the fall makes this a terrific addition to borders and rock gardens.
30” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, mid
Apricot and peach hues on gently ruffled petals open looking like a rose and bearing a light fragrance. Loved for its attractive foliage. Named for Roger’s beloved dog.
28” tall, 48” wide, semi-double to double, mid
What a show off! Opens as soft beige, develops as canary yellow, and nestles a heart of rich apricot deep inside. Light, pretty fragrance.
26” tall, 40” wide, semi-double, mid
I’ve been asked when my blooms are placed in a vase, am I made out of silk? Yes, my blooms are that attractive…and real!
24” tall, 36” wide, single, mid
At each stage, these petals try on different colors, and abundant side buds mean all colors at once: peach, apricot, burgundy, cream. An arresting, showy form.
30” tall, 48” wide, semi-double, early-mid
The elegant and first-blooming intersectional of the season is floriferous, with terminal and side buds of rose-scented lavender pink. Cut while in bud for best results.
26” tall, 60” wide, semi-double, mid
Another famous celebrity in the peony world returns for a chance to find its way into your gardens. Shorter in height but plan enough space for a 60” width.
32” tall, 40” wide, single, mid
Often imitated, but this is the original! Large, elegant single blooms of light yellow petals with red flares, held on bright green, glossy foliage.
30” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, mid
It’s fantastic. Hybridizer Roger Anderson favors this over Bartzella, an impressive choice. Ruffled petals of incredible color on well-shaped foliage are simply stunning.
30” tall, 42” wide, double, mid
Nuanced shades of mauve and red open into cream and velvety vanilla in a refined, graceful form as elegant as an antique rose. Exceptional presence.
28” tall, 38” wide, double, mid
Rumored to be one of Toichi Itoh’s original yellows, its originator is unknown. What is certain is this is an excellent, well-composed pale gold with extraordinary presence.
26” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, mid
It’s pink, it’s mauve, it’s peach. Wait an hour, you’ll have a new color. An ever-evolving beauty, with silky petals, six-inch blooms, and dark foliage.
28” tall, 44” wide, single to semi-double, mid
Like Hillary, with fewer petals and the same color sequence: cherry red, pale apricot, creamy ivory, and touches of light purple. Delightful, spicy fragrance.
32” tall, 48” wide, semi-double to double, mid
Rare, limited, and from Roger Anderson’s original stock. Not a clone! Remarkable, striking copper and brass tones on blooms measuring seven inches across.
32” tall, 48” wide, semi-double to double, mid
From year to year, I may surprise you with delicate lavender streaks on my petals. And not to brag, but my grower thinks I have the nicest foliage of all intersectional hybrid peonies.
30” tall, 44” wide, semi-double to double, mid
Looking for a good; white, intersectional/Itoh hybrid peony? It’s time to fall in love with one of many white intersectional peonies. Nice bloom and foliage are quite an affair!
32” tall, 44” wide, semi-double, mid
Lush petals of ivory take on a pale lavender cast around a center touched with deep lavender flares. Blooms are held high above dark foliage.
25” tall, 38” wide, single to semi-double, mid
Named after the wife of William D. Hoard Jr. the founder of Hoard Museum in Fort Atkinson, WI. Make sure to visit during peony bloom season and see the Roger and Sandra Peony Garden.
32” tall, 48” wide, single to semi-double, early to mid
Enormous, fragrant, outright fabulous-colored blooms make an impact from a distance, exquisite color nuances impress close up. Prolific bloomer with compact foliage.
30” tall, 44” wide, semi-double to double, mid
Yes, I’m back, so take advantage of me this year as my growers say I’m one of their favorites. Coral and peach beauty’s that are a photographer’s (oops) gardeners dream comes true!
30” tall, 48” wide, single to semi-double, mid
Ya sure, you betcha, this plant is gorgeous. Pale pink-edged petals with deeper rose centers are set against wonderfully shaped, heavily textured dark green foliage.
30” tall, 48” wide, single, mid
A quick grower with prized, glossy foliage. Freesia-scented blooms open in muted mauves an antique brick, then fade to a creamier yellow.
26” tall, 36” wide, single, mid-late
Delicate, pastel blooms with deep, dramatic centers deliver brilliant impact, and tidy, compact foliage is especially charming planted in front of irises.
36” tall, 54” wide, single, mid
I was the first intersectional released by my grower that includes my originator’s smaller blooms size set above broad-leafed foliage. My spectacular style will make you blush.
30” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, mid-late
A simply stunning cut flower, particularly after the plant has matured, and an award-winning plant. Frothy, butter-yellow petals open to reveal an orange-red heart.
30” tall, 40” wide, single, mid
Like the interplay of light in a spring sunrise, the top and underside of these petals try on shades of mauve, pink, and fuchsia to stunning effect.
28” tall, 50” wide, single, mid
Back for another potential show in your garden. Yes, I am the original ‘purple’ performer here at Swenson Gardens. Limited engagements available so order early.
32” tall, 48” wide, single to semi-double, mid
Roger Anderson’s hybridizing efforts are world renown and his good friend Dave Cartwright registered this intersectional hybrid after him and his great achievements.
32” tall, 26” wide, semi-double, mid
This splendid intersectional is a brilliant, crisp, true-white, with a center touched with what else?-rosy prospects! Exceptional rich green foliage.
32” tall, 48” wide, single to semi-double, mid
Afternoon shade keeps the delicate blush shades vibrant. Pink-tinged petals of creamy ivory open to expose a center of berry rose. Excellent foliage and habitat.
32” tall, 48” wide, single, mid
One of the tallest intersectionals and a special yellow, with clear, saffron blooms and no red flares. Foliage is outstanding and dark green in contrast.
30” tall, 46” wide, semi-double, mid
Sandra was by Roger’s side for over 59 years before she passed away. She was an amazing person and according to Roger, a much better gardener than him. Your name lives on Sandra!
28” tall, 38” wide, single, mid
Glorious, long-legged blooms of velvety carmine-colored petals are held high above pretty foliage on very strong stems. A Roger Anderson hybrid.
30” tall, 50” wide, single, mid
Strawberry-colored blooms up to five inches across that fade to berries-and-cream on this floriferous plant. Attractive foliage is mounded with no runners.
24” tall, 42” wide, single, mid
Minnetonka is filled with natural beauty and remarkable private gardens. Our new “berry” has raspberry blooms with delicately crinkled petals, buttery yellow stamens, and spectacular foliage.
26” tall, 46” wide, semi-double, mid
Sky-blue waters under fluffy clouds is the classic Lake Minnetonka view. True-white petals billow around blushing pink flares with gossamer, creamy stamens.
34” tall, 50” wide, single, early to mid
In the gardens reaching down to Lake Minnetonka shores, nothing sets off vivid aqua waters better than shameless, unabashedly luxurious pink. Long, lush golden stamens.
24” tall, 32” wide, single, early to mid
The most impudent of colors, gorgeous against its foliage or in a bouquet, with an exceptionally beautiful center.
28” tall, 40” wide, single, mid
When this fancy character opens, you can almost hear the fireworks! Cream streaks against audacious pink with a dramatic bright yellow froth. Handsome foliage.
24” tall, 36” wide, single, mid
Vibrant, vivid color that delights from across the garden and surprises up close with a frothy pop of buttery gold.
30” tall, 48” wide, semi-double, mid
Sunsets on Lake Minnetonka are best viewed from a boat and evoked in the garden. Exquisite peach and apricot petals around delicate, wispy stamens. Splendid foliage.
30” tall, 48” wide, semi-double, mid
Post-Civil War, elegant hotels on Lake Minnetonka filled their lobbies with the perfume of blooms like our light-hearted pink petals with reddish flares and pale yellow stamens. Wonderful foliage.
32” tall, 44” wide, semi-double to double, early to mid
For the discriminating collector, the only semi-double-to-double intersectional in this glamorous hue in the world. A showpiece in the garden.
28” tall, 44” wide, semi-double to double, mid
Abundant and luminously white petals gather in flares of blushing crimson, in striking contrast to deep green, glossy foliage.
34” tall, 48” wide, single, mid
Even after all the years I have called Swenson Gardens my home and dozens of new peonies have arrived; Becky still loves my bloom color the best! I love you too, Becky!
30” tall, 42” wide, single, mid
Standout color so succulent it almost looks juicy! Happy gardeners gave us glowing reports about this intersectional, so we have released a few more.
28" high, 36" wide, semi-double, mid to late
Here it is: the purest white intersectional growing whiter as it ages, cupping a center of light yellow set against stunning, dark-green foliage. Magnificent.
28” tall, 40” wide, double, mid
Named in honor of the founder of the Hoard Museum in Fort Atkinson, WI. According to Roger Anderson, the first and only double red intersectional/Itoh hybrid peony.