Paeonia 'Shirley Temple'
Best perennial for gardeners seeking elegant, deer-resistant floral displays.
Discover the timeless elegance of the Paeonia 'Shirley Temple', a long-lived perennial celebrated for its magnificent, rose-like blooms. This variety showcases large, fully double flowers in a captivating blend of white and delicate rose hues. Its dark, glossy, deer-resistant foliage provides structure throughout the year. Perfect as a specimen plant, in beds and borders, or as a stunning cut flower, this peony thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, promising romantic beauty that endures for generations.
$26.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Genus
Paeonia
/ Paeonia
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking evolving floral displays throughout the season
- Homeowners looking for low-maintenance, long-term landscape investments
- Floral enthusiasts wanting fragrant, sturdy stems for indoor arrangements
Who should skip it
- Gardeners preferring low-maintenance plants without structural support needs
- Impatient planters wanting immediate, full-scale blooming results
- Landscapers with limited sun exposure or frequently changing garden layouts
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Enormous double flowers create a high-drama focal point in any garden.
Deer Resistance
Robust foliage keeps hungry wildlife at bay throughout the growing season.
Longevity
A true heirloom perennial that thrives for generations with minimal care.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and lush petals make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Climate Versatility
Reliable performance across a wide range of hardiness zones.
Maintenance Ease
Requires specific soil drainage to prevent root rot during dormant months.
Key Specs
Genus
Paeonia
Variety
'Shirley Temple'
Item Form
Bareroot
Bloom Color
Light Pink, White
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
3 - 8
SKU
27485
Features
- Enormous, luxurious double blooms
- White and delicate rose coloring
- Deer resistant foliage
- Long-lived perennial
- Excellent cut flower
- Suitable for rose companions
- Mildly fragrant
- Clumping growth habit
What customers say
The 'Shirley Temple' peony is celebrated for its exceptional quality and reliable performance. Customers consistently receive healthy root stock, ensuring successful planting. Its striking design, with large, lush blooms that gracefully shift from blush pink to creamy white, is a significant appeal. While peonies require time to mature, the stunning and dependable display provides excellent long term value. This variety's elegance and trustworthiness make it a beloved garden favorite, offering a beautiful and consistent bloom year after year.
Know before you buy
A bareroot plant is shipped without soil around its dormant root system. This is a standard, healthy way to ship perennials, as it allows the plant to establish itself directly in your garden soil immediately upon planting.
This variety requires full sun, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate light shade in hotter climates, full sun is essential for producing the most robust, double blooms.
Yes, the foliage of the 'Shirley Temple' is generally avoided by deer. While no plant is entirely deer-proof if food sources are scarce, this variety is a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high deer traffic.
Peonies are long-lived perennials that take time to establish. You can expect the plant to reach its full size and peak flowering potential within three to four years after planting.
Absolutely. The 'Shirley Temple' is an excellent cut flower with sturdy stems and long-lasting, fragrant blooms that make for a sophisticated addition to any bouquet.
They thrive in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. Ensure the planting site does not stay waterlogged, as peonies prefer consistent moisture without sitting in standing water.
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$27