Peony 'Command Performance'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking dramatic, long-lasting floral displays.
The Peony 'Command Performance' showcases bold, 8-inch Bomb-type flowers in a striking midseason red hue, featuring a delightful spicy perfume. This herbaceous peony is cherished for its fully double blooms held upright on thick, sturdy stems, making them excellent for both garden display and cutting. As a long-lived perennial, it dies back annually, returning year after year to provide structure with its deep green, dissected foliage. These classic plants thrive in borders and beds, offering reliable beauty and structure long after the spectacular flowers fade. They are known for being durable and relatively carefree.
$14.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 2577
#28 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Ships as
BARE-ROOT
/ BARE-ROOT
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, show-stopping floral focal points
- Busy homeowners wanting reliable, low-maintenance perennial beauty
- Floral designers creating elegant, long-lasting indoor arrangements
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in humid climates prone to fungal plant diseases
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding extra plant support tasks
- Landscape planners desiring a long-lasting seasonal color display
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Massive eight-inch bomb-type flowers create an undeniable focal point in gardens.
Structural Integrity
Sturdy stems eliminate the need for unsightly staking or extra support.
Fragrance Profile
Spicy notes provide a sophisticated sensory experience for outdoor living spaces.
Longevity
A reliable perennial investment that gains impressive stature with every season.
Cut Flower Utility
Exceptional vase life makes these blooms a premier choice for arrangements.
Maintenance Ease
Durable foliage and resilient growth habits require minimal ongoing care.
Key Specs
Ships as
BARE-ROOT
Mature Height
30-32 inches
Spacing
24-30 inches
Hardiness Zone
3-8
Bloom Time
June (Midseason)
Flower Form
Bomb-type, Fully Double
Fragrance
Yes
Features
- Fully double, 8" Bomb-type flowers
- Sturdy stems hold blooms upright without staking
- Spicy perfume adds sensory appeal
- Long-lived perennial, becoming more impressive over time
- Cut-leaf foliage provides structure after flowering
- Outstanding as a cut flower for bouquets
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and dramatic performance of the 'Command Performance' peony. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's robust health upon arrival and its reliable establishment. The defining feature is the spectacular, massive, true red blooms, often described as showstopping and perfectly matching the variety's name. While the initial investment is noted, the long term beauty and vigor solidify its reputation as a premium garden centerpiece. This peony delivers on its promise of high impact design and lasting garden value.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is prized for its thick, sturdy stems that hold the heavy, 8-inch blooms upright on their own. You will not need to use cages or stakes to keep the flowers from drooping.
Plant your bare-root peony as soon as possible after it arrives in the spring or fall. Ensure the 'eyes' or buds are positioned no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface, as planting them too deep can prevent the plant from blooming.
Peonies often take a season or two to establish their root systems before they produce their best blooms. While you might see some growth the first year, expect the most impressive, full-sized flowers starting in the second or third year.
Yes, the deep green, dissected foliage remains lush and provides excellent structure in your garden beds throughout the summer. It serves as a reliable backdrop for other perennials long after the midseason blooms have finished.
Absolutely. 'Command Performance' is an excellent cut flower due to its strong stems and long-lasting, fragrant blooms. Simply cut the stems when the buds are soft and marshmallow-like to enjoy them in a vase.
These peonies thrive in full sun, which is essential for producing the best flower display. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil and should be spaced 24 to 30 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.
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$14