Swenson Gardens
Peony Pick-Up Days & Barn Sale September 17th & 18th - 9AM to 5PM! Our address is 10958 70th St. SW, Howard Lake MN
86 new varieties are available this year. This includes intersectional hybrid or Itoh’s hybrid peonies and garden peonies. You may want to order early as they sell out in a hurry.
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.
40” tall, 48” wide, double, mid
Mrs. Freeborn describes this pale coral shade as “shrimp pink.” The very large blooms require some support and deliver gorgeous impact from afar.
26” tall, 34” wide, double, early to mid
May the new queen of the garden take her place! She surely exhibits royalty in color, uprightness and yes, fragrance. Oh, she also likes to come inside adorning us with her presence.
36” tall, 48” wide, double, mid to late
The Blanche of Spain in Shakespeare’s King John is described as a pawn born into a royal family. Give me some support and I will surely perform a spectacular alliance during bloom time.
32” tall, 38” wide, double, mid
Cream, please! Let me serve you a huge bowl, provided my support staff is also holding me up. You’ll need at least an 8 or 9 inch bowl, if not, a vase will do!
30” tall, 40” wide, bomb double, mid
Bride’s know that white attire provides a spectacular entrance into her wedding ceremony. I too carry those characteristics into your garden.
28” tall, 38” wide, bomb double, mid
You can have your cake and eat it too, as long as you don’t eat the icing. My delicious smell is tempting, and I am enjoyable in a vase as well.
32” tall, 40” wide, double, mid
Unbeknownst to the bride, I am actually the star of the bridal shower. See and smell me to understand how I can really crash the party!
30” tall, 38” wide, single, very early
Though you may be able to control my brightness on your electronic device, in the garden I am what I am. A dazzling display of perhaps, the brightest red peony bloom!
38” tall, 42” wide, single, mid
Need a taller dark red? Burma works best when viewed during the day instead of after midnight! At 38” tall, she looks best at the back of your accent bed.
40” tall, 48” wide, double, late
Gardeners have a love affair with my pure white blooms. Some growing seasons I do not even need a supporting cast. I’m available to perform my part in the show.
34” tall, 40” wide, Japanese, mid
You don’t have to be from Wisconsin to enjoy cheese, at least in flower form. This Japanese bloom with an all-cheddar center is a charmer.
28” tall, 36” wide, Japanese, mid
Looking for a different cheese-themed bloom? Come out to the country and see this one from a distance. Great foliage comes with this package.
32” tall, 40” wide, single, early
My cheerful cherry red blooms will definitely charm you in the early bloom season. Make sure to plant me in a dry location so I can bask in the sun from dawn till dusk
36” tall, 48” wide, double, late
Looking for a late, double, fragrant cut flower? I am here to sweep you off your feet and ready for my extended stay in your vase.
32” tall, 40” wide, single, early
Christmas comes early in the bloom season. Huge petals set above a sturdy plant seems like a fluffy bow set atop a Christmas tree.
34” high, 40” wide, single, early to mid
Saunders collector alert! Apostle Paul greeted his young friend Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:21. He delighted in his fellowship with ‘Claudia’. May she bring that same delight in your garden!
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30” tall, 36” wide, semi-double, mid
Saunders collector alert! Very rare and one of our top three favorites of our beloved Dr. A.P. Saunders. Huge semi-double blooms that often reach 8” in diameter.
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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.
36” tall, 40” wide, single, early
Standing out in the garden is a good thing. My coral outer guard petals frame a glowing, golden center. For a stunning show, plant a lot of me.
24” tall, 32” wide, semi-double, early
Let me pucker up in the front of your border with my lipsticky pink blooms. My color wears off quickly if planted in full sun, so afternoon shade is preferred.
32” tall, 40” wide, Japanese, mid to late
Some Japanese blooms open slowly, but I prefer to open quickly. I also prefer some shade in the afternoon to retain my vibrant color.
36” tall, 44” wide, double, late
Pink can be beautiful in the garden and in a vase. Sweetly scented and a fabulous cut flower.
36” tall, 48” wide, double, mid
Every year the Swensons get asked about a violet, pinkish bloom with white in the middle that Grandma once grew. I’m here!
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.
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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.
34” tall, 42” wide, double, mid
Some growing years I do need support, as my blooms can be quite large. For those of you who do not like fragrant cut flowers, I’m all yours!
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!
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28” tall, 34” wide, single, early
Lest you never forget me even when my blooms departest thee, may my unusual petals and curious color fill your dreams with wonder!
28” tall, 36” wide, Japanese, mid
Do you like me more at first or late in my bloom? Yes, I transform from violet pink to a soft blend of violet, rose, and finally ivory.
36” tall, 46” wide, double, mid
Though I was originally known as the ‘First Lady of the American Theater’, now I can grace your garden…with a stellar performance. I do, however, need a supporting cast.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
36” tall, 48” wide, double, mid
To be honest, I’ve seen it all! Not tornadoes like Dorothy, but I can handle high winds and still look beautiful for show tables.
32” tall, 40” wide, semi-double, late
In a dry location and spring, I do very well to show off my blooms and foliage. Otherwise I can be a tad finicky to flourish. Keep that between us girls.
28” tall, 38” wide, single, early to mid
Saunders collector alert! We fell in love with this variety many years ago. Be patient and protective as it takes many years to mature.
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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.
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38” tall, 48” wide, double, late
Greetings from Mission, British Columbia, Canada. I arrived at Swenson Gardens in 2005 and have spent the last few years growing and reproducing myself for availability this year.
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!
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30” tall, 36” wide, semi-double, early to mid
A unique, creamy pink coloration in my bloom and in some years a ‘rose’ shaped bloom creates quite a sight to behold.
26” tall, 38” wide, semi-double, mid
Some gal by the name of Martha really likes me as a cut flower. In the garden, though, everybody loves me! You be the judge of that.
24” tall, 32” wide, bomb double, mid
Fragrance free – with all the benefits though of a soft, white cut flower bloom. Smaller than most cut flower peonies require a shorter vase indoors.
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.
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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!
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30” tall, 40” wide, double, early to mid
I was named after the founder of Ferncliff Gardens in Canada. I came to Swenson Gardens in 2005 and available again. My blooms are huge so support appreciated.
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24” tall, 34” wide, single, very early
Originally found in the Caucasus Mountains growing on rocky slopes in oak, hornbeam and beach forests may now find its way into your garden!
26” tall, 36” wide, Japanese, mid
Don’t tell the other varieties, but my grower says that I have the most interesting foliage characteristics of all garden peonies. You should consider me too!
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!
36” tall, 46” wide, double, early to mid
Our friend Roger F Anderson had a part in the parentage of this spectacular peony with his original seedling parent. Now let’s enjoy it in our gardens!
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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28” tall, 38” wide, double, early to mid
White on white guard petals and double bomb center ball that are pure enough for a pristine bridal bouquet. Striking against its dark green foliage.
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.
32” tall, 44” wide, double, mid
A very rare ‘Lins’ origination that you can truly fall in love with this year. It does need some support and its light fragrance will stay with you forever.
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.
30” tall, 38” wide, single, very early
Ushering in the very early bloom season is an attribute given to me by my originator. Not sure if he was calling me sweet because of my early arrival or because my blooms are SWEET!
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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28” tall, 38” wide, bomb double, mid
Looking good outside has its advantages as the processional leads inside. Stately yet soft spoken once the ‘vase’ is allowed to host the ceremony.
32” tall, 42” wide, bomb double, early-mid
My blooms are HUGE! Maximum support is needed to keep me upright. Oh, and my bloom color is very unique and inviting.
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!
38” tall, 46” wide, bomb double, mid to late
Get some support! It’s a big one! Not only is it tall but its blooms can be almost 8 inches wide. Take a picture and release it back in the water…in a vase!
28” tall, 40” wide, single, early to mid
Blonde is certainly a beautiful color especially when you are a new Roger Anderson exclusive yellow seedling!
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20” tall, 30” wide, semi-double, mid
Will the circle be unbroken? Knowing there’s a better home awaiting in the sky, for now though, lets gather round Roger Anderson’s exclusive yellow peony and sing!
24” tall, 32” wide, single, mid
Not as smooth as other single white peonies, however, my fragrance and crinkled petals attracts many gardeners and honey bees. too Hint, hint…
30” tall, 42” wide, double, early
Have you ever seen and smelled an ‘early blooming’ full double white? What an accomplishment at Swenson Gardens to release this new seedling to a few gardeners.
22” tall, 32” wide, single, mid
Though Roger Anderson is not quite as young as he used to be, his exclusive yellow seedling certainly has that youthful, attractive and happy glow up close and from a distance.
26” tall, 36” wide, single, mid
Yes, I am an exclusive Roger Anderson yellow seedling; however, the lower portions of my petals have a greenish hue with a light yellow…’halo’. Very unique and luminescent!
30” tall, 40” wide, single, early to mid
Linen is known for its strength, coolness and luster. All those attributes ascribe this new Swenson Gardens exclusive seedling. Very noticeable during early to mid bloom.
22” tall, 30” wide, single, early to mid
Do honey bees love me? Seems like every time they visit me their pollen press is full. Human photographers also love me for the unique colorations of my blooms.
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26” tall, 38” wide, single, early to mid
Back in 1856 an English chemist William Perkin accidentally discovered this color. Little did anyone know that my mauve colored blooms could be seen by a few gardeners in 2021.
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30” tall, 44” wide, single, early
Roger Anderson’s new yellow seedling officially calls this meeting to order. Sorry no seating available so you will have to stand. I know there are many of you here so let’ get started.
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34” tall, 46” wide, single, early
You may know my mom, Little Dorrit, but I grew up much taller than her. Even my bloom is almost 7 inches wide. Mom is certainly proud of me as I also have a very pleasing fragrance.
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24” tall, 32” wide, single, mid
Hopefully you have optical stabilization on your camera as I think I see you shaking looking at me through your viewfinder. I know, I know, you have never seen a peony bloom like me.
30” tall, 42” wide, semi-double, early to mid
Wrinkles, creases, pressed and folded describe my delicate appearance. Please do not crumple or squeeze me too hard even though my fragrance lures you in!
40” tall, 44” wide, semi-double to double, early to mid
Swenson’s have kept me hidden from you far too long! Finally, they have shown me to the world. Yes, I’m that lovely so negotiate your purchase quickly before they hide me again.
30” tall, 42” wide, semi-double to double, early to mid
Looking for a sublime ‘white’ peony? My qualities are sophisticated, extremely good, beautiful and enjoyable. Seriously I’m that noble and majestic!