Guide to the Fragrance Profile of Different Peony Varieties
Peonies are not only celebrated for their lush blooms and vibrant colours but also for their diverse and enchanting fragrances. Each variety possesses a unique scent profile, making them an exquisite choice for gardens and floral arrangements. Below is a Hong Kong florist guide to some notable peony varieties and their fragrance characteristics.
1. Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese Peony)
Fragrance Profile: The Chinese peony is renowned for its sweet and delicate fragrance. The scent is often described as light, floral, and reminiscent of spring blossoms.
Notable Varieties: 'Sarah Bernhardt' exhibits a traditional peony fragrance, while 'Festiva Maxima' is noted for its sweet, almost spicy undertone.
2. Paeonia officinalis (European Peony)
Fragrance Profile: This species offers a rich and heady scent, often with a hint of rose-like qualities. The fragrance can be intoxicating, making it a favourite in classic gardens.
Notable Varieties: 'Mons. Jules Elie' is particularly revered for its strong, sweet fragrance, while 'Centifolia' is admired for its older perfume notes.
3. Itoh Peonies (Intersectional Hybrid Peonies)
Fragrance Profile: Itoh peonies, hybrids of herbaceous and tree peonies, often combine floral sweetness with a fresher, sometimes citrus-like aroma. They can bring a unique twist to the garden.
Notable Varieties: 'Cora Louise' has a rich, sweet scent with hints of lemon, while 'Bartzella', known for its bold yellow blooms, features a softer, yet persistent fragrance.
4. Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony)
Fragrance Profile: Tree peonies tend to have a more robust and deeper fragrance compared to their herbaceous counterparts. Their scent can range from musky to slightly fruity.
Notable Varieties: 'Taiyo' offers a sweet, honey-like aroma, while 'High Noon' is known for its strong, musky fragrance that stands out in any landscape.
5. Herbaceous Peonies
Fragrance Profile: These peonies vary widely, with some offering a light, airy scent and others possessing a more pronounced, sweet aroma. Generally, they have a traditional peony scent, often combined with notes of fresh greens.
Notable Varieties: 'Cool Breeze' provides a clean, crisp scent, while 'Laddie' features a notably stronger fragrance with rosewood accents.
6. Intersectional Peonies
Fragrance Profile: These hybrids combine traits from both tree and herbaceous peonies, resulting in a complex fragrance profile that can be both fresh and sultry, often with a hint of fruitiness.
Notable Varieties: 'Kopper Kettle' stands out with its unique, sweet scent, while 'Mikado' is celebrated for its strong, captivating fragrance.
Tips for Enjoying Peony Fragrance
Placement: Position peonies in sunny, well-drained areas to enhance their growth and fragrance.
Harvesting: For floral arrangements, cut peonies in the morning after the dew has evaporated for optimal scent release.
Companion Planting: Surrounding peonies with herbs like lavender can help the scent of the peonies to stand out.
The fragrance of peonies is as diverse as their visual appeal. By choosing the right variety, you can enjoy a range of scents that complement the garden and create a delightful olfactory experience.
