Swenson Gardens
Intersectionals, also know as intersectional hybrid or Itoh’s hybrid peonies, are truly the next generation of peonies. These strong-stemmed plants are a cross between a tree peony and a garden peony, look spectacular, and are easy to grow.
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.
32” tall, 48” wide, double, mid-late
What a show off! Opens as soft beige, develops as canary yellow, and nestles a heart of rich apricot deep inside. Light, pretty fragrance.
28” tall, 38” wide, single to semi-double, mid
High drama from the darkest red of all intersectional hybrids, set off with golden centers and held against handsome foliage. Stunning impact.
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.
24” tall, 60” wide, semi-double, mid and late
An admired award-winner producing dozens of lemon-scented blooms when mature, this hybrid is considered the finest yellow intersectional. Plant near Bartzella, but leave room!
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.
26” tall, 44” wide, single, mid
Rumored to be one of 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, 42” wide, 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, single to semi-double, mid
Prized for its deeply cut, glossy, elegant foliage. The light yellow blooms can surprise with an occasional lavender streak or even a half-lavender flower.
30” tall, 48” wide, semi-double to double, mid
This sweet treat has candy stripes and sprinkles of strawberry red on lemony yellow petals, and makes one impressive show in the garden.
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.
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, mid
New and rare, considered the best of the darker intersectionals. Abundant blooms with highly ruffled and notched petals of uncommonly intense corals and peaches.
30”t, 48”w, 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
Broad-leaved, intriguing foliage is dramatic in its own right. Add soft apricot and pink candy petals and the impact is spectacular.
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.
34” tall, 50” wide, single to semi-double, mid
Purple color and glossy foliage unlike any other intersectional! If you saw me at Peony Field Days, here’s your chance to bring me home!
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.
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.
26” tall, 36” wide, semi-double, mid
Lightly crinkled petals of soft yellow with vibrant red flares and yellow stamens. Tidy, compact, and mounded foliage that turns yellow and scarlet in autumn.
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.
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.
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.