Sarah Bernhardt Peony

About this plant

The 'Sarah Bernhardt' Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt') is a true garden legend, celebrated for its magnificent, double, rose-pink flowers. Each bloom, often reaching 6-8 inches across, features a lush arrangement of petals, frequently edged with delicate silvery-pink, creating a stunning visual display in late spring to early summer. Its strong, upright stems support these showy blossoms, making them ideal for cutting and bringing their intoxicating, sweet fragrance indoors. Beyond its exquisite flowers, 'Sarah Bernhardt' offers attractive, deep green, deeply lobed foliage that remains handsome throughout the growing season, providing a lush backdrop even after the blooms fade. This hardy and long-lived perennial forms a sturdy clump, returning reliably year after year with increasing vigor and beauty. Perfect for cottage gardens, formal borders, or as a spectacular specimen plant, 'Sarah Bernhardt' adds a touch of romantic grandeur to any landscape. Its low-maintenance nature, combined with its unparalleled floral show, makes it a cherished addition for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking enduring beauty and a touch of horticultural history.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation. Peonies prefer being left undisturbed once established; avoid frequent transplanting. Support heavy blooms with stakes or peony rings to prevent flopping. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.