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‘Command Performance’ main item image
‘Command Performance’ main full-size item image ‘Command Performance’ full-size item image #2

‘Command Performance’ Garden Peony

bare-root plants
Choose an item size to add to your cart.
$18.00
sold out
Item: 7725-A
$48.00
sold out
Item: 7725-B
Paeonia lactiflora

Midseason. 30-34" tall. Fully double type. Very fragrant cardinal-red bomb-type blossoms can measure up to 9" across!

The massive flowers start out red, change color after a few days to deep orangey-red, with more color variations as the season goes on, hence this beasty beauty’s nickname Gobstopper (à la Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Strong stems require little support in the garden or vase. Z3.

(bare-root crowns with 3-5 eyes)

BACK!
ships in spring
Quick Details
Lifecycle
perennial
Bloom Color
cardinal red
Hardy to Zone
3
Compare
Compare with other Garden Peonies
Variety Product Type Lifecycle Bloom Color Hardy to Zone
‘Command Performance’ bare-root plants perennial cardinal red 3
‘Do Tell’ bare-root plants perennial creamy pink 3
‘Festiva Maxima’ bare-root plants perennial white 3
‘Highlight’ bare-root plants perennial burgundy 3
‘Nippon Beauty’ bare-root plants perennial scarlet 3
‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ bare-root plants perennial coral pink 3
‘Sarah Bernhardt’ bare-root plants perennial delicate pink 3
Additional Information

Garden Peonies

Reliable, long-lived hardy herbaceous perennial native from Tibet to Siberia. The red to forest-green shoots appear in mid-spring and form a bushy clump of lustrous dark green deeply lobed foliage that makes a lovely hedge or backdrop to the flower garden.

Big spherical buds on sturdy stems gradually open from late spring to early summer, transforming into huge stunning blooms. Peonies require support to keep the heavy blossoms from flopping. For long-lasting cutflowers, harvest when buds are soft like marshmallows but not quite open.

Ants on peony buds are normal, so leave them alone. While the ants collect sticky nectar, they also protect the peonies against insect pests. Before you bring cuts indoors, dunk them in a bucket of water to rinse off the ants.

Plants may take 3–5 years to establish before blooming, and are sensitive to disturbance during that time. Wait several years until the plants have many stems (therefore many eyes) before dividing.

Growing Garden Peonies

Please open your order immediately and check that the roots are firm and pliable, neither soft nor brittle. Plant promptly!

  • Peonies prefer full sun to part shade, and rich fertile well-drained soil.
  • Transplant with plenty of compost. If you have it, sprinkle in bone meal and/or Azomite.
  • Space plants 2–3' apart with the eyes no more than 1½" below the soil.
  • Some peonies require support to prevent heavy flowers from flopping during wet weather.
  • Autumn plant care: Cut back to just above ground level to allow a fresh start in spring. Amend soil with compost around the base of the plant. Spread mulch over the area to protect the overwintering roots from frost heaves.

Herbaceous Perennial Plants

When you receive your order, open the bags and check the stock immediately. Roots and crowns should be firm and pliable. Surface mold is harmless and will not affect the plant’s future performance. Store plants in their packaging in a cool (35–40°) location until you are ready to plant. If it’s going to be awhile, you can pot up your perennials.

Do not plant bare-root perennial plant crowns directly outdoors before danger of frost has passed. Wet and/or cold conditions for an extended period may cause rotting.

For more info:
About planting bare-root perennials

Shipping

Items from our perennial plants warehouse ordered on or before February 20 will ship from March through early May, starting with warmer areas and finishing in colder areas.

Orders placed after February 20 will ship from April to May.