Garden Candy™ Summer Sunset Itoh Peony

Paeonia x 'Smithopus8'

Nature Hills Nursery

Stunning Apricot-to-Coral Blooms on Compact Itoh Peony that Flowers for Weeks
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Orange Blooms in Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$138²⁰

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure the most vibrant blooms and sturdy stems. In warmer growing zones like 8 and 9, a location with some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent the flower petals from fading too quickly.
Soil: Choose a site with rich, well-draining soil, as soggy conditions can rot the fleshy roots. If working with heavy clay, mix in compost or plant in a raised mound to improve drainage and keep the crown healthy.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and consistently during the first season to help the extensive root system establish itself in the new location. Once established, Itoh peonies are moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during the bud-set period can result in fewer or smaller flowers.

Pruning Tips

Wait until late fall after the first hard frost has killed the foliage, then cut the stems back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. This intersectional variety blooms on new growth, so this annual cleanup helps prevent overwintering diseases and keeps the plant tidy. Deadhead spent blossoms in late spring to keep the plant looking clean and prevent it from putting energy into seed production.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer or a layer of compost in early spring just as the new red shoots begin to break ground. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as these promote soft, leafy growth that is vulnerable to winter damage and reduces the number of blooms next year.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Orange
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Peony
Botanical Name	Paeonia x 'Smithopus8'
Species	x
Cultivar	Smithopus8
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Garden Candy™ Summer Sunset Itoh Peony (Paeonia x 'Smithopus8') is a jaw-dropping hybrid Peony with layered blooms kissed by the sun. A cross between Herbaceous and Tree Peonies, this Itoh Peony boasts semi-double to fully double flowers that unfold in radiant shades of golden apricot, coral pink, and creamy blush.

Fragrant, long-lasting, and sturdy, it blooms in late spring to early summer, right when the garden is calling out for something extraordinary!

Its lush, dark green foliage forms a tidy, rounded mound about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, staying attractive even after the blooms fade. The finely dissected leaves look fresh all season long and turn a lovely golden color in fall. While it doesn’t set seed pods like some other Peonies, the flowers are the main event—large, showy, and long-lasting, both on the plant and in a vase!

Key Features

Itoh (Intersectional) hybrid Peony with coral, apricot, and cream blooms
Fragrant mid-to-late spring bloom time
2–3 feet tall and wide
Deer and rabbit-resistant
Cold-hardy Zones 4–9
Cut flower favorites with strong, upright stems
Long-lasting foliage with golden fall color

Landscaping Uses

This rounded herbaceous perennial reaches about 2–3 feet tall and wide and makes a gorgeous mid-border plant with eye-popping appeal.

Plus, the Peonies' symbolism of prosperity, romance, and honor makes them a favorite for cutting gardens and special occasions!

Perfect for perennial borders or island beds
Great for mixed cottage gardens
Use as a specimen or focal point
Add to cutting gardens for showy, scented bouquets
Excellent in large containers
Pollinators flock to these blooms!
Pairs beautifully with Salvias, Irises, and Ornamental Grasses

Care and Maintenance

Garden Candy™ Itoh Peonies like Summer Sunset are the best of both worlds—cold-hardy and deer-resistant like Herbaceous Peonies, with the large, exotic blooms of Tree Peonies.

Hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9, this Peony is remarkably adaptable, thriving in everything from chilly northern gardens to warmer southern landscapes. With strong stems that don’t flop and no need for staking, it’s a low-maintenance masterpiece.

As an herbaceous perennial, this Peony dies back to the ground each fall and returns bigger and better in spring. It's easy to grow, sun-loving, and relatively unfussy. It's sun-loving, cold-hardy, and doesn't mind a humid summer—just ensure good spacing to prevent foliar disease issues like powdery mildew.

Planting Time: Plant container Peonies in spring or fall, and plant bareroot Peonies in the autumn
Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade (at least 6 hours of sun)
Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich loam; tolerates clay if amended with compost
Moisture Needs: Moderate; water deeply during dry spells
Mulch: A 3–4 inch deep layer of bark mulch or arborist mulch keeps roots cool and retains moisture; compost in spring improves growth
Fertilization Needs: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
Pruning Info: Cut back dead stems in fall; no need to deadhead, but removing spent blooms keeps it tidy
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks For Success:

Deer and rabbit-resistant
Pest and disease resistant
Cold-hardy and heat tolerant
Strong stems mean no staking needed

Division Info: Can be divided in fall every 5 years if needed, but prefers to stay put once established due to the deep roots
Read more on Peony after-flowering care in our Garden Blog!

A Sunset You Can Plant and Swoon Over

With colors like a sherbet-streaked sky, the Garden Candy™ Summer Sunset Itoh Peony brings a splash of summer romance to your garden. It's easy to grow, dazzling to look at, and strong enough to withstand a Midwestern spring. Whether you're a die-hard Peony collector or just discovering the joy of Itohs, this one will steal the show.

Buy now and Nature Hills Nursery will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What growing zones is this peony suitable for?

The Garden Candy™ Summer Sunset Itoh Peony thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. This wide range makes it adaptable to most temperate climates across the continental United States. Plant in well-draining soil with morning sun for best blooms.

How hardy is the Garden Candy Summer Sunset Itoh Peony?

This Itoh peony is cold-hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, making it remarkably adaptable across most temperate regions. It combines the cold tolerance of herbaceous peonies with the exotic blooms of tree peonies. Shop at Nature Hills for this resilient hybrid that thrives in diverse climates.

What is the mature size of this plant?

The Garden Candy™ Summer Sunset Itoh Peony reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact, rounded growth habit makes it perfect for mid-border plantings or as a focal point specimen. Plan for adequate spacing to showcase its full, mounded form.

What bloom colors does it produce?

The Garden Candy™ Summer Sunset produces semi-double to fully double flowers in radiant shades of golden apricot, coral pink, and creamy blush. These fragrant blooms appear in late spring to early summer and make excellent cut flowers with their strong, upright stems.

Is it mildew-resistant?

Itoh peonies like Summer Sunset generally show good resistance to powdery mildew compared to traditional herbaceous varieties. Their sturdy stems and robust hybrid nature help them stay healthier through humid conditions. Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation, available at naturehills.com.

How should it be fertilized?

Feed with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Itoh peonies don't need heavy feeding, so one spring application is typically sufficient for healthy blooms. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote foliage at the expense of flowers.

Is it drought-tolerant after establishment?

Itoh peonies like Summer Sunset develop good drought tolerance once established, typically after 2-3 years. Their deep root system helps them withstand dry periods better than herbaceous peonies. Water deeply during establishment and prolonged drought for best bloom performance.

Garden Candy™ Summer Sunset Itoh Peony

Paeonia x 'Smithopus8'