Sarah Bernhardt Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Nature Hills Nursery

Mammoth Double Blooms with Intoxicating Fragrance that Lasts for Weeks
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 3 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Pink Blooms in Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$74⁵⁶

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure strong stems and abundant flowering. While they can tolerate light afternoon shade—which helps prolong the blooms in hotter climates—too much shade will result in fewer flowers and floppy stems.
Soil: These peonies thrive in deep, fertile, and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. If you are gardening in heavy clay, it is crucial to amend the site with compost to improve drainage, as standing water can cause the tuberous roots to rot.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help the thick taproots establish themselves in their new home. Once established, they are surprisingly drought-tolerant, though consistent moisture during the spring bloom period is essential for producing the largest, most vibrant flowers.

Pruning Tips

Because this is an herbaceous peony, it blooms on new growth that emerges from the ground each spring. Cut the foliage all the way down to the soil line in late autumn after the first hard frost to prevent fungal diseases like botrytis from overwintering on the leaves. If you prefer larger exhibition-style blooms over quantity, you can "disbud" by pinching off the small side buds in late spring, directing all the energy into the main terminal flower.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a bulb food or a 5-10-5 formula, in early spring just as the red shoots (eyes) begin to break the soil surface. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers or fertilizing late in the summer, as this encourages weak, leafy growth that cannot support the heavy double blooms.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Mammoth Fragrant Pink Blooms Sarah Bernhardt Peony!

If Peonies are the queens of the garden, then Sarah Bernhardt Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt') is the Queen mother!

Named after the French actress who starred in some of the most popular French plays of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sarah Bernhardt was called "the queen of the pose and the princess of the gesture". This aptly named Peony will pose as gorgeously in your garden as this actress did!

These mammoth pink, double flowers are packed with ruffled petals and so incredibly fragrant. The center is a darker pink and each delicate petal fades to light baby pink. Butterflies and pollinators will adore these blooms as much as you will!

First grown over 100 years ago, this beauty hasn't been improved upon, why would you improve perfection? Consistently rated as one of the most popular of the Double Peonies. Not bad for a Centenarian!

This gorgeous lady produces very large, 9-inch wide, soft pink flowers, perfectly formed with a great Peony scent. Delicate, gossamer petals glisten in the sun, expanding into so many ruffled layers that you won't be able to tear your eyes away!

Held above lush, deep-green, lobed foliage. Peony has strong stems that resist drooping in storms and rain however, will prefer some support if your area is prone to strong storms and heavy rainfall. The deep-green foliage looks wonderful long after the blooms have faded, and also serves as a playful backdrop for other smaller plantings and perennials throughout the summer months.

Even without blooms, the Peony is an amazing backdrop in the garden to highlight your other summer blooms. With these strong stems, combined with its beauty and fragrance, Sarah Bernhardt is a wonderful long-lasting cut flower for your vase arrangements. Just a few will perfume your whole space.

Highly rabbit and deer-resistant, both of these uninvited guests tend to pass it by. Leaving Sarah Bernhardt alone to brighten your garden.

How to Use Sarah Bernhardt Peony in The Landscape

Peonies have long conjured images of idyllic cottage gardens full of fluttering butterflies. And no boisterous English Cottage border or mixed planting can be without one! Plant Sarah Bernhardt among other spring-blooming bulbs, perennials, or interspersed among other small shrubs always looks amazing!

Peony is both a romantic and an old-fashioned beauty and never goes out of style! Beautifully conjuring images of romance, billowing gowns, and more opulent ages. Roses and Tulips, Iris and Hollyhocks are lovely companions in the garden bed.

Sarah Bernhardt looks lovely planted among other Peony in large drifts of similar blooms. Planting Peony with other types of Peony that bloom earlier and later in the spring, will extend your access to the fragrant display!

They are simple to grow and can be used in many ways, including mass plantings, specimens, or hedges. Filling the landscape with a sweet, delicate fragrance and strong foliage presence for the rest of the year.

The gleaming blooms harmonize in any formal or informal garden setting, suffusing wonderfully with every other color and type of flower!

Plant Peony among early and mid-spring bulbs to extend your waves of spring of color and fragrance. Or a ring of Peony around your accent trees and shrubs. Wildflowers and Peony are a natural pairing, complementing each other in color, playfulness, and texture.

A welcoming sight every mid to late spring, no garden should be without one of these traditional spring plants. Cutting gardens are of course the obvious choice for a few Peonies because their subtle color and enticing fragrance are a must-have for bridal bouquets and floral arrangements alike!

Sarah Bernhardt Peony flowers can't be beaten. Florists charge upwards of $20 a stem for these in their floral displays. You can have armloads of them right outside your door! Nothing is lovelier than a bouquet of sweet-smelling blooms in your bouquets, or a single bloom floating serenely in a bubble bowl.

Plant a few close to your seating areas and near a sunny patio, that way you will be sure to never miss a single whiff of the sweet scent of these fragrant flowers.

Enormous Double Soft-Pink Blooms
Long-Lasting Blooms
Beautiful Glossy-Green Foliage
Very Fragrant, Pollinator Heaven & Fantastic Cut Flower
Beds & Borders, Massing, Specimens & Gorgeous Edging & Facer Plants

#ProPlantTips For Care

Peonies will tolerate some drought but prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Incredibly hardy and tough, Peony is widely adaptable to their surroundings and changes in their environment.

Adaptive to a wide variety of soils, Peony root systems will always need well-drained soil with good amounts of organic matter. Not particular about soil type, they prefer rich, organic soil. However, soggy soil and wet conditions will cause your Peony to chance root rot.

Sarah Bernhardt looks delicate and elegant, but is also extremely cold-tolerant! Northern gardeners to winter hardiness zones of 3 and up will be delighted to know how tough this plant is! However, even warmer growing zones up to 8 will get to enjoy these dainty blooms gleaming in their gardens!

Peony maintenance is easy! There is usually no need to remove spent blooms when they are done however, you can deadhead in early summer for a cleaner appearance for the rest of the growing season. Forming a neat and lush clump that won't stray from where it is planted, there is no need for division, Peony can be left undisturbed for years!

After the plants have been subjected to frost, herbaceous perennial Peonies typically die back to the ground. For best results, once the foliage has turned yellow and brown, prune them back to the ground and remove and dispose of the debris to prevent overwintering fungal diseases.

Very hardy and extremely long-lived, Peony shrubs have stood the test of time. These tough plants have been known to live for 50 years! Our love for them hasn't waivered much either, considering these wonderful plants have been around for so long!

Often Peonies take a few years to get established when they're planted from tubers or bareroot. With Nature Hills, there is no waiting! We send plants ready to burst open in bloom for you - often as soon as the first season they're planted.

Full Sun Perennial
Hardy, Easy Care In Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Deer & Rabbit Resistant
Highly Adaptable

Bareroot Peonies are shipped as nice 3-5 eye bare root divisions. Their woody roots are not uniform, it is normal for each root to look slightly different. Plant with the eyes just below surface level with the woody roots spread out underneath. Once buried, water and mulch thoroughly.

Call to order a cheery Sarah Bernhardt Peony for your garden, from the expert growers at Nature Hills Nursery, and start adding some elegant old-fashioned grace to your garden beds today! We'll hold your order safely until the proper planting time for your growing zone and ship your high-quality bulbs and tubers to your doorstep!

Botanical Name

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Class

Saxifragales
Species

lactiflora
Cultivar

Sarah Bernhardt
Growing Zones

3-8
Height

3 ft
Width

3 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Pink
Leaf Color

Green
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of Sarah Bernhardt Peony?

Sarah Bernhardt Peony typically reaches 30-36 inches tall with a similar spread at maturity. The strong stems support those massive 9-inch blooms well, though you may want to provide support in areas with heavy storms. Allow 3 feet between plants for proper air circulation.

Does Sarah Bernhardt Peony need full sun or can it tolerate shade?

Sarah Bernhardt Peony performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Like most peonies, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming and strong stems. Plant in a sunny location for maximum flower production and fragrance.

How do I care for Sarah Bernhardt Peony to prevent diseases like botrytis or wilt?

Proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering are key to preventing botrytis and wilt in peonies. Plant Sarah Bernhardt with adequate spacing, water at soil level rather than on foliage, and remove any diseased plant material promptly in fall.

Is Sarah Bernhardt Peony deer resistant and pest-free?

Sarah Bernhardt Peony is highly deer and rabbit resistant, as both pests typically avoid this variety. While not completely pest-free, it has strong natural defenses against common garden browsers. Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation to minimize any disease issues.

When should I plant Sarah Bernhardt Peony roots for best results?

Plant Sarah Bernhardt Peony roots in fall, 6-8 weeks before ground freezes. This timing allows proper root establishment for spectacular 9-inch blooms next spring. Plant eyes 2 inches deep in well-draining soil, available at naturehills.com.

Should I stake or support Sarah Bernhardt Peony to prevent flopping?

Sarah Bernhardt Peony has strong stems that naturally resist drooping in storms and rain. However, the massive 9-inch blooms can benefit from support in areas prone to heavy rainfall or strong winds. Install peony rings or stakes early in spring before stems reach full height for best results.

Can I grow Sarah Bernhardt Peony in a container or pot?

Sarah Bernhardt Peonies can grow in containers but need a very large, deep pot (at least 18-24 inches wide and deep) due to their substantial root system. The 9-inch blooms and strong stems make them top-heavy, so choose a heavy container for stability. Use well-draining potting mix and expect to repot every few years as the plant matures.