Paeonia lactiflora 'Sunny Girl' | Sunny Girl Peony
DESCRIPTION
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sunny Girl’ is an herbaceous peony that presents large, double blossoms in a warm butter-yellow that gently fade to creamy white as they mature. Blooming in early spring, the robust flowers appear in profusion atop strong, upright stems and carry a sweet, delicate fragrance, making it ideal for both garden color and floral arrangements. Its glossy, divided foliage provides a lush green backdrop that complements the blooms throughout the season.
Developed by Chris Laning in Michigan and introduced in 1985, ‘Sunny Girl’ quickly gained acclaim and was awarded the American Peony Society’s Gold Medal. This cultivar is known for its consistent flowering performance, reliably producing an abundance of flowers year after year. The plant sets seeds freely with high pollen production, which makes it a favorite among breeders.
DESCRIPTION
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sunny Girl’ is an herbaceous peony that presents large, double blossoms in a warm butter-yellow that gently fade to creamy white as they mature. Blooming in early spring, the robust flowers appear in profusion atop strong, upright stems and carry a sweet, delicate fragrance, making it ideal for both garden color and floral arrangements. Its glossy, divided foliage provides a lush green backdrop that complements the blooms throughout the season.
Developed by Chris Laning in Michigan and introduced in 1985, ‘Sunny Girl’ quickly gained acclaim and was awarded the American Peony Society’s Gold Medal. This cultivar is known for its consistent flowering performance, reliably producing an abundance of flowers year after year. The plant sets seeds freely with high pollen production, which makes it a favorite among breeders.
DESCRIPTION
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sunny Girl’ is an herbaceous peony that presents large, double blossoms in a warm butter-yellow that gently fade to creamy white as they mature. Blooming in early spring, the robust flowers appear in profusion atop strong, upright stems and carry a sweet, delicate fragrance, making it ideal for both garden color and floral arrangements. Its glossy, divided foliage provides a lush green backdrop that complements the blooms throughout the season.
Developed by Chris Laning in Michigan and introduced in 1985, ‘Sunny Girl’ quickly gained acclaim and was awarded the American Peony Society’s Gold Medal. This cultivar is known for its consistent flowering performance, reliably producing an abundance of flowers year after year. The plant sets seeds freely with high pollen production, which makes it a favorite among breeders.
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Height: 32–34 inches tall
Width: 30–36 inches wide (spreads clump-forming habit)
Foliage color: Glossy, deep to medium green leaves
Flower color: Bright sunny yellow blooms, maturing to creamy chartreuse or white
Bloom time: Early spring
Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Water requirements: Moderate
Maintenance: Low—remove spent flowers, cut foliage to ground after frost, mulch first winter
Growing zone: USDA zones 3–8
Wildlife attractors: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; deer- and rabbit-resistantThis plant can be seen at Peonies at Glencoe Farms.
