A supremely elegant Japanese Peony. Bold, deep cerise outer petals surround feathery staminodes of pale pink and cream. Delicate fragrance, prolific flowering, and neat habit make 'Delavan Rose' irresistible. Late midseason.

There isn't a more rewarding garden flower than the herbaceous Peony, and a garden without these plants is a sorry thing indeed. Peony flowers range from exquisitely delicate (singles) to large and lush (doubles) and come in shades ranging from pure white to the deepest, darkest red. Peonies produce an extravagant display in early June, regardless of weather.

Plants in the genus Paeonia generally like full sun and neutral to slightly sweet soil, and they shrug off cold. After bloom is complete, you are left with a handsome mound of glossy, deep green foliage that will happily anchor the next sequence of bloom in the neighborhood. Peonies make superior cut flowers, lasting more than a week if cut in full bud.

Southerners should seek out our early bloomers and provide afternoon shade.