Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden

by Jane Eastoe

A floral gardening guide to the ultra popular peony.

From Shawnee Chief to Top Brass, this guide to over 60 varieties of peonies presents an eclectic selection of specimens—from those with the best visual appearance and the most fragrant perfume, to those that are easiest to grow and produce the best cutting flowers. With commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow growing advice, and glorious photography, Peonies will appeal to anyone who appreciates the romance of the majestic peony.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Coffee Table Books, Reference, Plants, Nature

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's just a few days until Christmas, the ground is covered with snow, and my morning walk was done in -25°C weather. It's the perfect time to browse through this peonies book.

I love peonies. Their flowers are so beautiful; it's one of my most favourite blooms. I found the history of peonies interesting (at one time people paid upwards of $1000 for a dividing of a new hybrid). Kind of like the modern day tulip.

And the pictures!! Oh, the pictures. So many many beautiful photographs. That alone would be reason to peruse this book.

This book is broken down into sections: Pure, Dramatic, Romantic, and Fragrant. Each section is then broken down into specific varieties and listed the flowers origins and basic information.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book!

[Hannah G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book so excited to grow a hedge of peonies in the backyard and then realized they only bloom for like three weeks.

Devastated. 10/10. Would recommend.

[Regina Spiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a visual feast for the eyes! Pictures upon pics of lovely peonies!

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning photos of a huge variety of peonies! I didn't realize how many different kinds of peonies there are. I enjoyed learning about the history of these blooms and how & when each variety came to be. Eastone provides some helpful growing & care tips that I will be using with the one sad peony I have - hopefully I'll see blooms next year!

As I develop my own garden, I will definitely refer back to this book for my favorites and hope to plant some of my own! Great colorful coffee table book.

[Ray's Artshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fair cop: the pictures are irresistible.

There's useful information in here too, however. A peony of mine that had become less prolific year on year, with only two blooms in 2019, gave me a tremendous show this year after I followed the advice on clearing every speck of soil or fallen leaves from the "eyes" at ground level. If only all life's difficulties were so easily solved.

[Bjipson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a GORGEOUS book; the photos are completely stunning, and you can smell the flowers just by looking at these pics! Full page spread on each of several varieties of peony, including herbaceous, itoh, and tree peonies. Definitely a tome to be savored!

[Sharron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical guide with luscious photographs. A real feast for the eye.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Further evidence I should absolutely become a peony farmer.

This book was gorgeous and comprehensive.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and good information on the varieties included in the book.

[Mrs Reddy Katzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[Lauralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful photography, and so much knowledge can be found in this book! Perfect for anyone who loves flowers, whether they are novices or experts.

[Madelyne! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photography by Georgianna Lane. Clear descriptions and growing tips. Would add so many of these to my home garden ... if I had one. Sadly, my balcony is less than idea. But I can always dream

[Debra Schoenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book!