Red Sarah Bernhardt

Red Sarah Bernhardt (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Red Sarah Bernhardt’)

Dramatic, opulent, and unforgettable, Red Sarah Bernhardt carries all the grandeur of the beloved classic, only in deeper, more sumptuous tones. Despite its name, this variety is not truly red, but a luscious deep fuchsia-purple to rich purple-cerise, delivering bold color and theatrical flair to the late spring garden.

Its enormous, fully double blooms (measuring an impressive 7–8 inches across) open in elegant, bowl-shaped form, packed with silky petals that create a lavish, full-petaled display. Exceptionally fragrant, the flowers release a sweet perfume that enhances their appeal both outdoors and in floral arrangements.

This herbaceous perennial grows with a rounded, upright habit and a fast, vigorous nature. Numerous sturdy stems easily support the abundance of large blossoms, making staking rarely necessary. The dramatic blooms are beautifully set against dark green, glossy foliage, with richly colored stems and leaves that add depth and contrast even when the plant is not in flower.

Highly valued as a cut flower, Red Sarah Bernhardt produces long-lasting, show-stopping stems that bring richness and romance to springtime arrangements. Like most peonies, it is long-lived, low maintenance, and becomes more impressive with each passing year.