Bartzella
Peony 'Bartzella' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
Peony 'Bartzella' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens

Of all the Intersectional Peonies that we grow 'Bartzella' remains in a class by itself. The huge, fully double soft yellow blooms have a wonderful lemony fragrance. When mature a single plant will produce fifty plus magnificent blooms in a season. These gorgeous flowers are very long lived in  a vase. The flowers are whorled like a double rose but are much bigger. The outer petals are a creamy meringue colour becoming a richer yellow toward the center. The bright red flares become more visible as the bloom becomes fully open. 

 

 

  • Height: 76-91 cm (30-36 in)
  • Spread: 76-91 cm (30-36 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3
  • Sun or Shade: sun to light shade
  • Bloom Colour: sulphur-yellow petals
  • Bloom Time: mid season
  • Flower Form: fully double
  • Leaf Colour: deep green
  • Fragrance: Fragrant

Growing and Maintenance Tips

'Bartzella' is an intersectional hybrid also known as an Itoh Peony. It should be planted with the eyes 3.5 to 5 cms below ground level. If the eyes have begun to grow they may stick up above the ground. All peonies are heavy feeders and grow best in rich, well drained soil that has been amended with compost. An annual top dressing of compost will help to keep them blooming well. A location in full sun to afternoon shade is ideal. Too much shade will make the plants lanky and bloom production will be affected. While the stems are woody this peony does die almost to the ground in the fall. When winters are mild buds may sprout part way up the stems so we recommend cutting the plants back in the spring after the new growth has started. Unlike tree peonies there is no graft so this plant can be divided after a few years although we recommend leaving the plant to increase into an impressive clump.