Paeonia 'Red Sarah Bernhardt' (Peony)

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026
Spring flowering bulbs and plants are scheduled to begin delivery from 14 September 2026.

1 bare roots
£11.79
£11.79 each
3 bare roots
£31.99
£10.66 each
Save 10%
5 bare roots
£50.19
£10.04 each
Save 15%

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026

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Red Sarah Bernhardt, often admired for its deep pink-red colouring, is a bare root variety especially well suited to borders.

Paeonia 'Red Sarah Bernhardt' is a handsome, traditional peony with indulgently full, double blooms in rich deep pink-red tones. It brings a wonderfully composed grandeur to the border, with lush mid-green foliage and a generous, clump-forming habit that looks elegant from spring onwards.

Planted in autumn as a bare root, this perennial settles in quietly and rewards patience—taking a couple of seasons to reach its best. In May through July, the flowers are superb for cutting: generous, romantic heads that sit beautifully in a vase and lend a classic note to arrangements.

  • Ideal for: borders and the cutting garden
  • Flowering: May–July
  • Height: 80–100cm (with a spread of 60–90cm)
  • Position: sheltered; full sun or partial sun
  • Soil: moist but well-drained loam; any pH
  • Hardiness: fully hardy
Botanical name Paeonia 'Red Sarah Bernhardt'
Flower colour Deep pink-red
Bulb size N/A (bare root)
Established height 80-100cm
Established spread 60-90cm
Plant spacing 60cm
Leaf colour Mid green
Habit Clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2-3 years
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Cutting Garden
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Moist but well-drained
Soil type Loam
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Paeonia 'Red Sarah Bernhardt' (Peony) needs full-sun, partial sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bare root from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 60cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bare root according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Good for cutting

£11.79

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