Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony

Paeonia x 'Scarlet Heaven'

Plants that Work®

Scarlet Heaven Peony Blooms 7-9 Inches Wide with Golden-Yellow Center in Late Spring
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-3 ft Wide
Showy Red Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$131⁵⁴

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Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant red blooms and sturdy stems, plant in full sun (6 to 8 hours of direct light). In hotter climates, providing dappled afternoon shade helps the flowers last longer and prevents the petals from fading too quickly.
Soil: These peonies thrive in rich, well drained soil that mimics a compost pile. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic matter and plant the crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil to prevent "wet feet" and root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide one inch of water per week to help the deep root system settle in. Once established, Scarlet Heaven is remarkably drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during bud development can lead to smaller flowers or "bud blast" where flowers fail to open. Focus water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent powdery mildew.

Pruning Tips

Since Itoh peonies are a cross between woody tree peonies and herbaceous types, they should be treated like perennials. In late autumn after a hard frost, cut the stems back to about 4 inches above the ground to remove old foliage that might harbor pests. This "clean slate" approach ensures the plant puts all its energy into the new wood and fresh buds emerging from the crown in spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, low nitrogen fertilizer or a specialized bulb food in early spring when new shoots are just a few inches tall. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages lush, soft green growth that is easily damaged by early frosts. A single application in spring provides enough fuel for the entire blooming cycle and helps the plant store energy for the following year.

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.

Strikingly, Stunning Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony

Deep, Scarlet-Red Petals with Golden-Yellow Center
Dramatic Statement in Mass Planting
Disease, Deer, and Rabbit Resistant
Easy to Care for

Wow! The vibrant colors will make your day, every day! The Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony (Paeonia x 'Scarlet Heaven') will surely leave a lasting impact on your landscaping!

The dramatic deep, scarlet-red petals that have a striking golden-yellow center that adds so much ornamental value against its deep dark green foliage!

The blooms are slightly fragrant and bloom 7-9 inches wide in the late spring giving you plenty of time to embrace the magnificent beauty.

Show your neighbors what a piece of heaven looks like by mass planting multiple of the magnificent Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony! Everyone will want to stop and admire the noteworthy scarlet-red summer blooms.

You can also fill the empty, dull spots in your garden with a splash of color. Turn your landscaping around today by brightening up your life with a sweet stunning perennial!

For the best growth possible of 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, plant in well-drained soil in an area with full sun!

This flower is a disease, deer, and rabbit resistant and doesn't let anything damage its beautiful self, so you won't have to worry about the special upkeep!

To assist in the health of your plant, you will want to remove the dead or damaged branches after flowering for the best growth throughout the summer months.

Turn your life around today by ordering your very own Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony! Your landscaping and life will be illuminated by simply planting this magnificent plant!

Botanical Name

Paeonia x 'Scarlet Heaven'
Class

Saxifragales
Species

x
Cultivar

Scarlet Heaven
Growing Zones

4-9
Height

2-3 ft
Width

1-3 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color

Red
Leaf Color

Green
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony survive in?

Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. This hardy perennial can withstand cold winters while producing stunning 7-9 inch blooms each late spring. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun for optimal growth and flowering performance.

Does Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony performs best in full sun conditions. While it may tolerate some light shade, full sun exposure ensures optimal blooming and the strongest growth to reach its full 2-3 feet tall size. Plant in well-drained soil with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best results.

How often should I water my newly planted Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony?

Water newly planted Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peonies deeply once or twice weekly for the first growing season. Since they prefer well-drained soil, check that water penetrates 6-8 inches deep but doesn't pool. Reduce watering once established, as these peonies are drought tolerant.

How fast does Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony grow each year?

Itoh peonies like Scarlet Heaven are slow to moderate growers, typically adding 6-12 inches per year until reaching their mature size of 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. They usually take 2-3 years to become fully established. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun for optimal growth rates.

Is this peony variety resistant to deer and other garden pests?

The Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony is naturally resistant to deer, rabbits, and common diseases. This makes it an excellent low-maintenance choice for gardens plagued by wildlife browsing. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Can I plant this peony in a container or does it need to be in the ground?

Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peonies can grow in large containers but perform best planted in the ground. This variety reaches 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, so you'll need a substantial container at least 24 inches wide and deep. Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure for optimal blooming.