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Garden Candy™ Double Bubble Pink™ Itoh Peony

Paeonia × Itoh ‘Smithopus3'

Regular price $13817
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Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 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

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Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, and Attracts pollinators

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Paeonia × Itoh ‘Smithopus3'
  • Height
    2-3 ft
  • Width
    2-3 ft
  • Growing Zones
    3-9
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • Pink
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer
  • Fragrant
    Yes
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT, OR

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This peony thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct light to produce those massive pink blooms. While it can handle light afternoon shade in hotter climates, too much shade will lead to weaker stems and fewer flowers.
  • Soil: Aim for rich, well drained soil that is packed with organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost or plant in a slightly raised mound to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can cause crown rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, give your peony a deep soak twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, these plants are quite drought tolerant, but irregular watering during the budding stage can cause the flowers to be smaller or even drop before they open. Check the soil moisture by hand and water whenever the top two inches feel dry to the touch.

Pruning Tips

Since Itoh peonies are a cross between woody tree peonies and herbaceous types, they are best pruned in late autumn after a hard frost has turned the foliage yellow or brown. Cut the stems back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground, just above where you see live "eyes" or buds on the stems. This prevents pests from overwintering in the old leaves and ensures the plant puts all its energy into vigorous new growth in the spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer like a 10-10-10 blend in early spring just as the new red shoots begin to poke through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages soft, leafy growth that is highly susceptible to powdery mildew and winter damage. A single application in spring and a top dressing of compost is usually all this heavy feeder needs for the year.


Double the petals, double the fun! The Garden Candy™ Double Bubble Pink™ Itoh Peony (Paeonia × Itoh 'Smithopus3') is a show-stopping perennial that delights with fully double, bubblegum-pink blooms. Each flower is lush and fluffy, resembling a soft, ruffled ball of petals with a sweet fragrance that floats through the garden. Growing 2-3 feet tall and wide, this compact variety is ideal for smaller gardens yet bold enough to be a front-and-center focal point. Blooming late spring into early summer, its long-lasting flowers are fantastic for cutting gardens and arranging.

A cross between Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies, this Itoh hybrid blends the best of both worlds. Its strong stems easily hold up the oversized flowers without flopping, while the deeply cut, glossy green foliage stays handsome well into fall. The mounded form is neat and rounded, providing structure in borders and garden beds even when it's not in bloom. Expect loads of buds for an extended flower show each year.

Itoh Peonies, named after Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh, mark a major breakthrough in breeding that marries vigor, hardiness, and prolific bloom.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

Key Features

Peonies are steeped in symbolism, often representing romance, prosperity, and elegance in cultural traditions worldwide.

  • Fully double, bubblegum-pink flowers with a sweet fragrance
  • Blooms late spring to early summer with extended flower power
  • Compact 2-3 foot mound with lush green foliage
  • Strong stems keep flowers upright and showy
  • Hybrid vigor from Itoh Peony breeding
  • Perfect for cut flowers and bold garden displays

Landscaping Uses

At 2-3 feet tall and wide, this Itoh Peony is versatile, compact, and full of flair. Part of the Paeoniaceae family, the Double Bubble Pink™ variety stands out for its candy-colored charm and dependable performance.

  • Stunning specimen in perennial borders
  • Perfect addition to cottage gardens
  • Eye-catching accent near patios and walkways
  • Long-lasting cut flower for bouquets
  • Lovely with Roses, Irises, and Hostas

Care & Maintenance

The Garden Candy™ Double Bubble Pink™ Itoh Peony thrives in USDA zones 3-9. This long-lived herbaceous perennial (learn more: Planting Perennials) is cold-hardy, low-maintenance, and a garden treasure year after year.

  • Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall
  • Sun Requirements: Full sun preferred, tolerates light afternoon shade
  • Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil is a must; avoid soggy conditions
  • Moisture Needs: Keep evenly moist during establishment - try the Finger Test
  • Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base for moisture retention
  • Fertilization Needs: Balanced fertilizer in early spring; compost is excellent, too
  • Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to extend the show; cut foliage back after frost
  • Division Info: Rarely required - Itoh Peonies thrive when left undisturbed
  • Special Perks: Deer-resistant, rabbit-resistant, excellent cut flowers, strong stems, low-maintenance

Don't forget your Nature Hills Root Booster to give your plant long-term symbiotic root support!

Double The Charm In Your Garden

With its cotton-candy blooms and reliable performance, the Double Bubble Pink™ Itoh Peony is pure garden sweetness. A compact grower with spectacular double flowers, it's a must-have perennial for both new and experienced gardeners. Order your Double Bubble Pink™ Itoh Peony today from Nature Hills and let your garden bubble over with beauty!

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