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!
49 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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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, 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!
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!
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, 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
28” tall, 46” wide, semi-double, mid
Yes, an original ‘Itoh’ hybrid peony is available this year. Thankfully Louis Smirnow was able to find and register this peony in 1974.