Paeonia 'Cora Stubbs'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, long-lasting cut flowers.
Paeonia 'Cora Stubbs' is a rare, vigorous Japanese-form peony, celebrated for its unique blooms featuring raspberry pink outer petals surrounding a large, vanilla ice cream-colored center that matures to a deeper pink. This easy-to-care-for perennial offers three seasons of interest, starting with reddish spring foliage, followed by bright blooms in late spring/early summer, and bronze or purple tones in the fall. It is highly valued by butterfly lovers and makes an excellent cut flower, lasting long in a vase. As a long-lived perennial, it provides reliable, old-fashioned charm in the garden.
$27.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1768
/ 2693
#1768 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-36%
Below average
SKU
27199
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique, high-contrast floral textures
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, self-supporting plants
- Long-term planners looking for permanent, reliable garden fixtures
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, first-year floral results
- Landscape designers prioritizing long-season color impact
- Gardeners living in warm, frost-free southern climates
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The striking contrast between raspberry petals and vanilla centers commands attention.
Seasonal Versatility
Provides consistent garden interest from spring foliage through autumn color shifts.
Maintenance Ease
A vigorous, reliable grower that requires minimal intervention once established.
Pest Resistance
Robust defense against deer and rabbits keeps the garden looking pristine.
Cut Flower Longevity
Sturdy stems and durable blooms perform exceptionally well in indoor arrangements.
Pollinator Appeal
The open Japanese-form structure serves as a reliable magnet for butterflies.
Key Specs
SKU
27199
Genus
Paeonia
Species
lactiflora
Item Form
Bareroot
Hardiness Zones
4 - 8
Mature Height
2.67 Feet
Mature Width
2 Feet
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Features
- Rare and choice cultivar developed by William Krekler.
- Unique Japanese form flower with raspberry pink outer petals and a vanilla ice cream center.
- Vigorous grower that blooms reliably midseason.
- Offers three seasons of color interest, including fall tones.
- Highly resistant to pests, including rabbits and deer.
- Blooms are excellent for cutting and last a long time in a vase.
- Easy to grow and maintain once established.
- Attracts butterflies.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the striking design and unique color combination of the 'Cora Stubbs' peony, noting its reliable performance once established. The primary sentiment driver is the quality of the bare root received; when the root stock is robust, gardeners report quick establishment and impressive blooms within the expected timeframe. This variety is highly valued for its show stopping beauty and dependability in the garden. Some minor concerns occasionally surface regarding the size of the initial shipment, but the overall consensus highlights exceptional floral quality and reliable growth year after year.
Know before you buy
Japanese-form peonies feature a single or double row of large outer petals surrounding a center of modified, petal-like stamens called staminodes. In the case of 'Cora Stubbs,' this creates a distinct, high-contrast look with raspberry pink petals and a creamy vanilla center.
You should plan for a mature height of approximately 2.67 feet and a width of 2 feet. Ensure you provide enough room for air circulation to keep the foliage healthy throughout the growing season.
Paeonia 'Cora Stubbs' is hardy in zones 4 through 8. It is a cold-hardy perennial that requires a period of winter dormancy to bloom successfully, making it well-suited for a wide range of temperate climates.
Yes, 'Cora Stubbs' is an excellent choice for cut flowers. The blooms are sturdy and known for their long vase life, allowing you to enjoy their unique color and fragrance indoors.
This peony thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sun exposure is essential for vigorous growth and reliable midseason blooming.
No, this cultivar is highly resistant to both deer and rabbits. It is a great option if you have local wildlife that typically grazes on your garden plants.
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$28