Swenson Gardens
Swenson Gardens is closed for 2022 ordering. We look forward to seeing you again in 2023!
Looking for a new retail peony variety division? Swenson Gardens is for you. We specialize in unique world class peony hybrids. Herbaceous hybrid, lactiflora and intersectional hybrid or Itoh hybrid peonies are our one-of-a-kind creations. We also carry Roger F Anderson’s retail peony seedlings. Gorgeous, unique peonies are our specialty.
Lake Minnetonka, named mni tanka by the Dakota Sioux, lies just west of Minneapolis and has great spiritual and historic significance to Minnesotans. This is where early winter-hardy apples were developed, maple syrup is harvested, and vacation hotels and streetcar boats flourished. The lake is made up of many bays, has 125 miles of shoreline, and the community of Minnetonka is home to many state leaders, celebrities, and artists. We honor its horticultural and artistic heritage with three new varieties.
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, 44” wide, single, mid
One of our new ‘Tonka’ series bursts forth with an explosion of never-before-seen colors. Keep a camera or phone handy when you see this beauty break open!
30” tall, 46” wide, single, mid
This new ‘Tonka” series is certainly pleasing and appealing in your garden color palette. Like the fineness of texture and daintiness of lace, time for some indulgence?
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.
30” tall, 46” wide, semi-double, mid
Nobility has its place with this new ‘Tonka’ series intersectional hybrid peony. Majestic color and supreme foliage will take a solid stance in your 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.
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.
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.
30” tall, 40” wide, semi-double to double, early
No diffidence here! Bold, confident, assertive peony that looks forward to spring! In fact ‘early’ spring blooms of this color may make a gardener blush with joy.
28” tall, 38” wide, bomb double, early to mid
Take courage dear peony enthusiasts when bright red blooms emerge in the spring. Rejoice and be glad in it. Your heart (and eyes, nose and appendages) will truly shout for joy!
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.
24” tall, 32” wide, semi-double to double, early
Sweetness has never ‘smelled’ so good! Such a delight in a peony garden. Especially knowing ‘Melissa’ was her mom.
20” tall, 30” wide, double, early to mid
Though not as big as her mom, Melissa, to trust and wait expectantly each spring, rewards peony enthusiasts the true meaning of a ‘dwarf’ cultivar.
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?
32” tall, 38” wide, double, mid
Need we say more? The apex of new peony creations?
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.