Paeonia 'Madame Calot'
Best low-maintenance heirloom for gardeners seeking fragrant, deer-resistant floral displays.
Discover the timeless beauty of Paeonia 'Madame Calot', a hardy, deciduous perennial heirloom introduced in 1856. This peony cultivar boasts large, fully double blooms in shades of light pink with creamy edges and crimson flecks, offering a highly fragrant display from late spring to early summer. Its rounded, shrubby habit features glossy green foliage and reaches approximately 3 feet in height and width. Thriving in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil, it's an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance choice for specimen planting or mixed borders, and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
$23.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
760
/ 3029
#760 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-13%
Below average
Growth Habit
Shrub
/ Shrub
Who it's for
- Landscapers looking for high-impact, dramatic spring focal points
- Gardeners seeking fragrant flowers for fresh indoor arrangements
- Homeowners wanting low-maintenance perennials for long-term landscape investment
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-scale floral results
- Busy gardeners preferring plants that do not require structural support
- Gardeners in humid climates prone to fungal plant diseases
Performance breakdown
Fragrance Intensity
Highly aromatic blooms provide a classic, sweet scent for garden spaces.
Maintenance Requirements
Low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention once established.
Pest Resistance
Reliable defense against deer and rabbits keeps the foliage pristine.
Cut Flower Utility
Large, double blooms are perfect for creating elegant, fragrant indoor arrangements.
Hardiness Range
Versatile growth across zones three through eight ensures wide regional adaptability.
Visual Impact
Heirloom aesthetic delivers timeless, sophisticated color to any landscape border.
Key Specs
Growth Habit
Shrub
Mature Height
3 Feet
Mature Width
3 Feet
Sun Exposure
Full Sun/Partial Shade
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 8
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial, Shrub
Water Requirement
Moderate
Soil Type Preference
Well-drained
Features
- Produces large, double, rose-type blooms
- Highly fragrant flowers attract pollinators
- Excellent for cut flower bouquets
- Glossy green foliage adds visual appeal
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Easy to grow and low maintenance
- Heirloom variety with historical charm
- Adds beauty to borders and mass plantings
What customers say
Customers are generally pleased with the 'Madame Calot' peony, noting its reliable establishment and beautiful, classic pink blooms. The primary insight centers on the exceptional quality of the root stock provided by Wayside Gardens, leading to vigorous growth even in the first year. While peonies require patience, buyers feel the eventual display of fragrant, full flowers justifies the investment, highlighting strong value. The consistent color and robust structure make it a garden favorite.
Know before you buy
These peonies thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, moist soil. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, making them a versatile choice for many climates.
The 'Madame Calot' cultivar maintains a rounded, shrubby habit that reaches approximately 3 feet in height and 3 feet in width. Its compact size makes it well-suited for both mixed borders and specimen planting.
Yes, the large, fully double blooms are excellent for cut flower bouquets. They are highly fragrant, which adds a pleasant scent to indoor spaces.
No, 'Madame Calot' is resistant to both deer and rabbits. This makes it a reliable, low-maintenance option for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
You can enjoy the fragrant, light pink blooms from late spring into early summer. The plant remains attractive throughout the season thanks to its glossy, medium green foliage.
It is considered an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance perennial. Once established, it requires only moderate watering and standard garden care to thrive year after year.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$24