Peony

About this plant

Known as the “Queen of the Garden,” Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' is a beloved herbaceous perennial celebrated for its voluminous, double-pink blooms. These luxurious flowers, appearing in late spring to early summer, feature a delightful rose-like fragrance that will enchant any garden space or floral arrangement. 'Sarah Bernhardt' is a vigorous grower, offering a spectacular display year after year with minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking classic elegance and a burst of color. Its lush foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, even after the blooms have faded, providing a beautiful green backdrop to other garden plants.

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-drained, fertile soil. Water deeply during dry periods, especially during flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to maintain a tidy appearance. No extensive pruning is required, but remove any yellowing or damaged foliage in the fall. May require staking in windy locations to support heavy blooms. Mulch lightly in fall for winter protection in colder zones.

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.