Swenson Gardens
Swenson Gardens is closed for 2023 ordering. Check back in early January, 2024, to view and order our exciting new peonies. Thanks for a great 2023!
Garden varieties are some of the most popular peonies and are enjoyed around the world. Heirloom and new varieties are grown here for all types of peony enthusiasts. These versatile plants offer a wide range of bloom times, so you can enjoy peonies over an extended season. Their appeal is exquisite, both in your landscape and bouquet.
32” tall, 38” wide, single, early
Will the first coral colored bloom please show? We promise to stave off the warmer temperatures so your intense color may last longer!
36” tall, 42” wide, double, mid to late
Bring on the glitz! Infuse pink with some yellow and you now have the true meaning of a cut flower from the 1930’s! A top performer.
26” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Students, please pay attention to your professor, Dr. A.P. Saunders, at Hamilton College else your name may adorn this semi-double fiery, fire-engine red peony! Oops he already did…congratulations Alexander Wollcott!
30” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, early
Transfix your gaze upon this elegant peony and you will certainly be mesmerized. A subtle softness that will enthrall and charm your gardens.
26” tall, 34” wide, semi-double to double, mid
Fluffy, sophisticated and a charmer for sure in your garden and vase. The buttery yellow color with rosy red flares will surely cheer you up outside and inside.
28” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, very early
A new era of peonies has arrived here at Swenson Gardens! Yes, the world’s first very early blooming, semi-double, fragrant and lilac colored peony.
34” tall, 44” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Thank you, ‘Ludovica’, for providing the pollen on this amazing new, and improved, peony. Oh, and our unnamed pod parent helped out as well too!
32” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, early
Having the only ‘Red Lacquer’ peony AND our unnamed pod parent available in commerce in the world has its benefits. Introducing the first child of Red Lacquer.
32” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Thank you May Lilac for providing a later blooming lilac colored peony. However, your new child has a divine fragrance and is semi-double.
28” tall, 36” wide, semi-double, mid
One of the worlds most hybridized peony variety, Lemon Chiffon, has done it again. What a beauty you will have in your gardens if you, sorry, purchase this present.
30” tall, 44” wide, double, very late
Dan Zabel, our world renown hybridizer, has been focusing his efforts over the past few years on very late blooming peonies, well, his purpose is fulfilled!
32” tall, 42” wide, semi-double to double, mid
The passion and energy that went into this child from Majesty’s Favor and Heavenly Red truly focuses all attention visually and now our sense of smell!
24” tall, 34” wide, semi-double, early
Though my father, Squirt, was a compact size peony, I’m a tad taller and wider. Look at my bloom type, yes, semi-double and smell my fragrance, yes!
30” tall, 44” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Yes, peony enthusiasts, my father is Sugar n’ Spice! I am his child and will enhance his attributes with a semi-double bloom and pleasing fragrance.
32” tall, 40” wide, semi-double to double, early to mid
True my father is Rosedale, which some of my semi-double blooms may resemble, I also present double blooms on the same plant from my mother.
34” tall, 44” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Who would have thought that my mom, Majesty’s Bonnet, would produce children like me? Well, she did and thanks to my dad, an unnamed seedling, I’m here!
18” tall, 24” wide, novelty, mid
To move or spin around rapidly, suddenly or repeatedly. No apologies here as this novelty bloom will surely cause some minor neck pain!
18” tall, 24” wide, novelty, mid
And now for something completely different and pleasantly amusing, each bloom is configured with multiple turns, curves and bends!
32” tall, 36” wide, semi-double to double, early to mid
Sometimes a new variety peony bloom comes along that provides astonishment, admiration and mystery. Look deeply into its blooms and you may see it?
36” tall, 48” wide, single, early
His Heavenly attributes await us in early spring. Angelic white color adorns the top of his throne supported by pillars of gigantic ‘macrophylla’ foliage.
38” tall, 46” wide, double, mid to late
A lacy and luxuriant double from Poland that is nearly a bouquet all by itself. Not registered in America as the name was registered before it emigrated.
32" tall, 40" wide, double, early
Pretty in pink! My sweet smell and gradient shades of pink make me one of the top cut flowers. I offer a wonderful plant habitat, too.
34” tall, 40” wide, double, late
I will not faint during the growing season! Though others may fall, watch me stand up straight while holding a 6-8” saucer above my head.
32” tall, 40” wide, double, mid to late
It’s a toss up here: 1) This shade of deep ‘rose’ color carries more ‘blue’ color than any peony of its time, or 2) The fragrance of ‘roses’ permeates outside and inside spaces. Choices!
26” tall, 38” wide, single, mid to late
Airy, dancing blooms are far from delicate and flutter atop very sturdy stems. Spectacular color and movement when planted in clusters.
24” tall, 32” wide, single, mid to late
I am a crowing achievement of my originator’s goal to develop petite plants with small blooms. My mere 4” bloom size presents a stunning accent in smaller gardens.
32” tall, 42” wide, double, mid
Beautifully formed blooms evoke spring with smooth petals touched with pink, should breezes be cool. Strong stems and extraordinary fragrance make an exquisite cut flower.
44” tall, 58” wide, double, late
Painted like peppermint, this sweet treat is much-beloved for the playful personality and delightful color combination it brings to late season beds.
30” tall, 38” wide, double, mid
The delicious scent of cloves spices the garden walk when edged with this uncommon and very special bloom. A fabulous cut flower with attractive foliage year-round.
36” tall, 48” wide, single, mid to late
Grouped in mass plantings to show off their alabaster petals, these pearly beauties offer the effect of a snow drift, without the brrrr temperatures.
28” tall, 38” wide, Japanese, mid
Unexpected center swirls of pink and bright yellow captivate, and foliage is attractive well past blooming. Sturdy stems bear several flowers with a delicate fragrance.
30” tall, 42” wide, bomb double, mid
This much-sought-after bomb is the very definition of opulent color and elegant form, with extravagant, richly toned petals and excellent posture from strong stems.
36” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, early-mid
Other corals may fade quickly to ivory and light yellow, but I am special because my genuine coral color lasts longer. I am also a real charmer in a vase.
32” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, early
A popular favorite every year for its tri-colored and tri-phase blooms. Intense coral guard petals touched with rose slowly fade to pale ivory. Delightful.
36” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, early
My ivory tinged coral petals give me a special look. Some years I’m nearly the most popular coral. Oh, by the way, you get one of me per straight stem.
32” tall, 40” wide, single to semi-double, early
Exclusivity can be a good thing! I have been available in limited numbers for many years. Some consider me to be one of the first coral pinks from Saunder’s lobata hybrids.
30” tall, 38” wide, single, early
In response to customer requests, this copious bloomer is back in limited availability. Broad, pure white petals with elegant guard egg yolk-yellow centers. Lovely foliage.
32” tall, 42” wide, Japanese, mid
A constantly evolving palette of watercolor pinks, delicate corals, and rose accents, this fascinating showstopper changes daily, almost right before your eyes.
36” tall, 54” wide, single, very early
Hang on to your hats as the very early spring winds blow. Blooms described as ‘slightly nodding’ and ‘foliage is fern-like and very handsome’. Saunders alert!
24” tall, 32” wide, bomb double, mid
The intensity and drama of Red Charm on a petite frame, with compact, dense foliage. Delivers an impact in a small space. Lovely cut flower.
36” tall, 40” wide, single, early
This exotic-looking show-off with evenly spaced petals is a stunner. Originally registered by Alfred Mantegna and then purchased from Don Smetana in Washington.
20” tall, 28” wide, single, early
A petite delight of compact, rounded foliage and brilliant, sassy blooms. Perfection in rock gardens, borders, and wherever space is small but big impact is desired.
34” tall, 40” wide, semi-double to double, early
True to its name, the older it gets the better it looks! Blooms may be smaller in its early years but dreamy, and huge, in later years.
40” tall, 52” wide, single, very early
My composition may be improvisatory in form, but look past my fleshy pink blooms and notice my maroon infused stems and leaves. Unique foliage masterpiece!
32” tall, 44” wide, double, mid
Ready for something different? Some gardeners call me a novelty however I like to call my blooms unusual in a good way. Watch me each day as my layers unfold.
26” tall, 40” wide, bomb, early to mid
Absolutely, positively fire engine red! Densely packed bomb of such a clear, definite red that is fairly pops against its well-formed foliage.
30” tall, 40” wide, single, early
Shade this peachy pink bloom from afternoon sun, and its ballet tutu color will linger longer. Extraordinary, long-legged centers inside well-sculpted guard petals.
18” tall, 24” wide, single, early
Don’t you just want to cuddle me? I love to live in small spaces, especially in rock gardens. Being petite has its advantages too!
28” tall, 38” wide, Japanese, late
Not too many gardeners know me, because I am new to the neighborhood. I produce an amazing amount of blooms for a major splash of color.
28” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Arriving with crepe like petals early in life is a good thing…for peonies. Silky and paper-thin petals present a stunning bloom with classic dark green foliage.
26” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Just as God showed His unconditional love for us through His Son, Glorious Grace will find its unmerited favor in your peony garden.
28” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, mid to late
Finally, a vivid impression of what a mid to late blooming peony should look like. Outstanding plant habitat that is the essence in your garden.
20” tall, 34” wide, bomb double, early to mid
Check off all your senses when this variety blooms in the spring! Happiness abounds in small plants within your garden.
34” tall, 44” wide, double, early
Through our new mom and A.P. Saunders ‘Queen Rose’ the dad, may we present their child, Glorious Lavender. Attributes never been seen or smelled this early, ever.
30” tall, 40” wide, single to semi-double, early to mid
Though scents are not present, the sense to stop and look will grab your attention during bloom time. Dark green foliage is definitely an eye catcher too.
26” tall, 34” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Roger F Anderson’s love for creating peonies is certainly exemplified in this new variety. His passion is being carried forward by us for many generations.
32” tall, 44” wide, double, early to mid
Not as tall as its sister, Wonderous Secret, smaller spaces may allow this ‘secret’ to fulfill its place in your garden. Lovely dark green foliage but don’t tell anyone.
28” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, early
Our new mom certainly has an affection to A.P. Saunders. His ‘Fantasia’ and her produced a rather boisterous child named ‘Glorious Sound’.
32” tall, 40” wide, single to semi-double, early
Our new mom also had an eye on R.G. Klehm’s ‘Lavender Whisper’. Their child far exceeds its dad’s original characteristics. Perhaps our new mom had a part in that?
24” tall, 36” wide, single, very early
Make sure your site location is in full sun and well-drained soil! Bright scarlet red blooms with orange undertones awaken your gardens in very early spring time.
34” tall, 38” wide, double, mid to late
Usher in the spring with lime green stems that change into yellow green foliage as it matures. Very slow grower and requires full sun. Be patient and protective!
28” tall, 38” wide, bomb double, early to mid
Lacey gathered skirts of petals in a scrumptious shade of butter-to-daffodil yellow, so treasured in peonies. Tip: wait a season or two to cut blooms for best results.
32” tall, 40” wide, novelty, mid
Be on the lookout for ‘green’ peonies that may be lurking in your garden. Not only are their heads ‘green’ but their entire body forms a luscious, dark ‘green’ stature.
30” tall, 38” wide, double, mid-late
Yes, the dark red peony you can see from our road during Peony Field Days is FINALLY available! The highlight reel of this red is…it doesn’t fade!
24” tall, 30” wide, single, very early
Being one of the original sub-species peonies has its advantages! I offer a very early bloom time, purplish blossoms, aqua foliage, and I’m a good mom and a great dad! You should see my kids!
28” tall, 38” wide, double to bomb double, mid
Tightly woven petals form a rose-colored softball held fairly high on stout stems. Hard to find variety in commerce and well worth the investment for something different.
28” tall, 38” wide, double, mid
These big, bountiful blooms are densely petaled and make extraordinary bouquets (and oil paintings!). One of the most popular, bestselling whites, with sturdy stems.
36” tall, 42” wide, double, mid
These voluptuous, magnificent blooms are as layered as a Renoir, and the pink-and-cream shades tipped here and there with red are exquisite. Impressive cut flower.
30” tall, 36” wide, double, early to mid
Short stature, big blooms—up to 8 inches across. Dense petals of dark pink open to lighter pink, turning to white. Sturdy stems. Excellent for borders.
30” tall, 40” wide, double, mid to late
You too can encircle your home with this rare peony just like King Midas of Phrygia did with his gardens surrounding his castle. Stately plant that now deserves its place in commerce.
26” tall, 36” wide, single, early
A hint of lavender color arrives at blooms opening but more importantly, a hint of lavender smell fills our olfactory epitheliums! Hope your sensory neurons are working?
32” tall, 38” wide, double, mid
Beyond excited to offer a few of these for the distinguished gardener! Flower form, foliage and very stiff stems catapults this variety beyond any peony available today. Yes friends, this is a very, very special peony!
32” tall, 40” wide, double, mid
Give this beauty some time to fully mature into a one-of-a-kind peony. Fragrant, fertile and fabulous. What more can you achieve in your garden and vase?
36” tall, 44” wide, single, early to mid
Saunders collector alert! Novice gardeners alike can appreciate the charm of this very rare, magnificently crimson herbaceous hybrid that even holds purple tones.
26” tall, 36” wide, single, very early
Last year I was the first peony to bloom. Gardeners LOVE my fern leaf foliage, yet I’m much easier and faster growing than my parents.
28” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, mid
When Swensons first saw my astounding blossom they wanted to share their joy! I offer a flat bloom and exquisite foliage contained in a petite package.
18” tall, 24” wide, single, very early
It’s tough being one of the shortest peonies in the field. However, when gardeners get close to me, its love at first sight! Small is beautiful! Yes fern leaf foliage too!
36” tall, 40” wide, single to semi-double, mid
A whimsical bloom that will surprise you every growing season. Not in a bad way of course, but, its flat blooms may increase or decrease in width each season. Stunning color for sure!
32” tall, 48” wide, single, early
Gift the garden of newlyweds with the palest of pink-white blooms, held aloft on entwined carpels, which inspired its name. Excellent, shrub-like foliage.
30” tall, 40” wide, double, mid
A strong plant in the garden with its double white blooms and dark green foliage. Perhaps a collector of Mr. Lins varieties will add this to your garden? Just a few to share.
36” tall, 40” wide, single to semi-double, mid
A whimsical bloom that will surprise you every growing season. Not in a bad way of course, but, its flat blooms may increase or decrease in width each season. Stunning color for sure!
30” tall, 36” wide, single, early to mid
Seeing me in bloom will not keep the doctor away versus eating an apple in May. Please provide some afternoon shade so my apple color remains.
30” tall, 40” wide, double, early to mid
My cupped light yellow blooms are amazing to photograph. But seeing them in person is the best way to view them in your garden and in a vase. Exquisite, if I don’t say so myself!
32” tall, 40” wide, double, mid
Among our top five cut flowers that often sells out for many reasons: delightful fragrance, elegant petals, dense form, and pretty foliage. Now available!
34” tall, 42” wide, Japanese, mid to late
Zing! Snap! Sizzle! No electricity needed to flip this switch in the garden. Rosy petals hold their color and the stamens are edged in gold.
38” tall, 48” wide, double, mid to late
I truly am the king of strong-stemmed reds. It takes longer for me to mature, but I am worth the wait. There are only a few of me to go around, so order early!
26” tall, 38” wide, single, early
Not too much is known about this herbaceous hybrid peony. It has had limited exposure in commerce so perhaps this may rise up early in your gardens in a few years!
24” tall, 30” wide, double, mid
A perfectly diminutive peony: pretty fragrance, raspberry-tipped and ruffled petals with a honey-colored glow, sturdy stems, and border-worthy foliage. An excellent cutting garden plant.
38” tall, 48” wide, bomb double, mid
Like gathered petticoats, these soft pink-and-cream petals are ruffled and romantic. A star in any arrangement with a delicate fragrance and sturdy stems.
18” tall, 26” wide, single, very early
Small, petite and very early bloom season has its rewards. Saunders collectors alert!
24” tall, 38” wide, bomb double, late
Very pink, very dramatic, very tightly packed with lovely petals. Large double bomb blooms are prolific and want support to look their best.
24” tall, 38” wide, bomb double, mid to late
Don’t get me wrong about flirting as it is okay to do that in garden situations! You will see me later in the bloom time, which is a good thing for extending color (and flirting) in your garden.
26” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Mulberries are a bit too blue, pomegranates a bit too red. It’s a fresh-picked plum that these densely packed petals resemble, fresh as fruit salad against its crisp greens.
32” tall, 40” wide, Japanese, mid
I’m really not on fire but from a distance, a clump planting of me almost looks like a prairie fire. Be quick to photograph me as my colors change almost daily.
32” tall, 40” wide, semi-double, early
Vibrant, raspberry-colored blooms hold their intensity regardless of the weather. Bright yellow gold centers are cupped by semi-double petals. Sturdy stems and wonderful cut flower.
36” tall, 48” wide, bomb double, mid to late
Who needs ice cream when my blooms offer a scrumptious and delightful treat in the garden! P.S. I even smell nicer than ice cream.
34” tall, 40” wide, bomb double, early
Fabulous double bomb blooms can reach the size of a small soccer ball. Support is definitely needed in the field, but not in a vase!
34” tall, 40” wide, bomb double, early
Last year’s second-most popular red peony. Intense wine-colored petals in dense formation are lush and memorable. Attractive, hedge-like foliage. This year’s number one?
32” tall, 38” wide, single, mid
Sure, my bloom is charming and my foliage is attractive, but my greatest attribute is in the fall when my seedpods turn red. Use me in fall arrangements to enhance another opportune season.
22” tall, 36” wide, double, early to mid
When Roger Anderson saw a picture of his seedling, hard to tell, but I think he blushed as much as this peony certainly does.
24” tall, 36” wide, semi-double to double, early to mid
How could we ask for more after seeing this Roger Anderson seedling? Be patient as the ‘blooms’ take some time to fully open. Of course, now, it’s time to open up your pocket book!
30” tall, 40” wide, semi-double, mid
Though hybridizing is not an official contest, this seedling certainly does not have an equal in the world. Perhaps the ultimate prize is growing this in your garden!
30” tall, 44” wide, semi-double, mid
This darkest semi-double red will not fade and is the first peony Roger Anderson has allowed to bear his name. A very special herbaceous hybrid seedling.
26” tall, 36” wide, semi-double to double, mid
Roger Anderson is one of the greatest peony hybridizers in the world. We ‘salute’ you Roger on another seedling never before seen in the world!
30” tall, 44” wide, double, early to mid
We temporarily interrupt your perusing of our peonies to induce a standing ovation for one of Roger Anderson’s most beautiful herbaceous peonies. Congratulations!
30” tall, 40” wide, double, late
This extraordinary centenarian classic flourishes in the gardens of collectors of fine peonies. Now these large, rose-scented blooms are available to you!
28” tall, 38” wide, single, early
Upright, strong, and reputable truly defines my class of very early peonies. Veins of rose flow through my aristocratic petals.
34” high, 48” wide, double, mid
The queen of fragrance has arrived! My rose scent permeates throughout the garden. Bring me inside for a delicate, long-lasting aroma.
24” tall, 36” wide, semi-double, early
Being an early dark red and possessing a light fragrance has its advantages inside a vase and in the garden. Some even call me medium height, dark and handsome!
36” tall, 42” wide, double, early to mid
Richly layered color in a whopper of a gorgeous bloom, packed with petals. Support the giant blooms, and enjoy the light green foliage.
28” tall, 36” wide, single to semi-double, early
Gardeners’ dreams are made of my salmon colored blooms. Hybridizers also dream, but once they see my offspring, they have a hard time sleeping from their excitement!
30” tall, 38” wide, double, late
Though not a prolific bloomer in our Zone 4, Solange produces abundant, fragrant, barely pink blooms in warmer zones. Petals are densely packed and gorgeous.
38” tall, 48” wide, single, very early
I am definitely not small in stature! My apple-blossom-pink blooms stand tall and strong very early in the season. My presence is a stunning way to usher in Spring.
15” tall, 24” wide, single, early
Speaking of height, I’m almost considered a dwarf or rock garden peony. Keep any additional watering away from me as I like drier locations.
28” tall, 38” wide, single, very early
A restrained, oh-so-elegant Saunders hybrid of gardenia-like pale yellow or creamy ivory guard petals encircling a densely packed golden center. Timeless and lovely.
30” tall, 38” wide, double, mid
This Roger Anderson hybrid is new, rare, and our most-requested herbaceous hybrid. Double red blooms can be 8 inches wide. Stems are exceptionally sturdy
38” tall, 54” wide, double, mid
Wow! Unabashed, non-fading, vividly deep red petals that run to downright eggplant-colored intensity and contrasts with an electric yellow center. A favorite of cut flower buyers.
30” tall, 40” wide, semi-double, mid
If you like one 8” white, flat bloom per straight and strong stem, pick me! I will grace your vase and garden with my light fragrance and floriferous performance.
40” tall, 58” wide, single, early
This massive peony on tall stems produces early spring blooms of white that contrast beautifully with dark green foliage. A top pick for landscape appeal.
36” tall, 48” wide, Japanese, mid
My father, Scarlet Tanager, would like to introduce me to you as one of his children. He describes me as a portrait that was recently painted on a canvas.