The Edulis Superba Peony is a heritage herbaceous variety that produces large, fragrant, magenta-pink double blooms atop sturdy stems in late spring. It’s one of the most reliable, long-lived peonies for cut-flower gardens and borders.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years digging through horticultural data, comparing bare-root specifications, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to separate the living plants that thrive from those that rot in the ground.
This guide compares seven bare-root options to help you find the right edulis superba peony for your garden’s soil, sun, and patience level.
How To Choose The Best Edulis Superba Peony
Not all bare-root peonies are equal. The Edulis Superba is a specific heirloom cultivar, and buying it requires verifying the seller’s stock identity, root size, and eye count. Here are the three most important factors to evaluate before you click purchase.
Verify the Cultivar Name, Not Just the Color
Many listings sell mixed-color peony packs labeled “pink” or “magenta,” but they may not be the true Edulis Superba. The genuine cultivar has a specific bloom form (fully double, with a slight rose scent) and a mature height of about 30–36 inches. If the listing only says “pink peony root,” ask questions or look for the full botanical name. The real Edulis Superba is a 19th-century French heirloom, not a generic pink hybrid.
Eye Count and Root Thickness
A strong bare-root peony should have 3 to 5 visible eyes (the pink buds on the root crown) and roots at least as thick as your index finger. Fewer than 3 eyes often means another year of waiting before the first flush of flowers. The largest, healthiest roots produce the strongest stems and the biggest blooms. Listings that hide root size or eye count are usually inferior stock.
Planting Depth Is Non-Negotiable
Peonies are unforgiving about depth. The eyes must sit no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface in most climates. If you bury them deeper than 2 inches, the plant will grow leaves but rarely produce flowers. This is the number one reason first-time peony growers get green foliage with zero blooms. Plan your soil prep accordingly — shallow planting is the rule.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paeonia Itoh Bartzella | Itoh Peony | Yellow flowers, strong stems | Single root, 3-5 eyes | Amazon |
| Mixed Peony Jumbo Pack | Multi-pack | Budget-friendly bulk planting | 6 roots, 2/3 eyes each | Amazon |
| Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink | Herbaceous | Classic double pink blooms | 3-5 eye bare root | Amazon |
| Duchess De Nemours Double White | Heirloom | White flowers, fragrant | 3-5 eye bare root | Amazon |
| Coral Charm Peony | Semi-double | Coral color, earlier bloom | 3-5 eye bare root | Amazon |
| Burpee Itoh Bartzella | Itoh Hybrid | Premium Itoh yellow variety | 1 bare root, 3-5 eyes | Amazon |
| Heirloom Floribunda Rose | Rose | Fragrant continual blooms | 1 gallon own-root plant | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Paeonia Itoh Bartzella (1 Bare Root)
This Itoh hybrid from Hazzard’s Bulbs & Bare Roots is a cross between a tree peony and an herbaceous peony, giving you the best of both: large, semi-double yellow flowers with red centers, and a compact, sturdy habit that doesn’t require staking. The single bare root arrived well-packaged in reviews, and most buyers reported strong early growth even in the first season, though flowers typically appear in year two or three.
Customer feedback highlights a 4.2-star average across 63 ratings, with repeated praise for the root’s vigor and packaging. A handful of buyers noted the roots looked smaller than expected, but the vast majority saw robust shoots within weeks. The yellow color is rare among peonies, making this a standout conversation piece in any border.
For gardeners willing to wait one to two seasons for the payoff, this Itoh offers exceptional longevity and bloom size. The plant is hardy in zones 3-8 and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It’s a mid-range investment that delivers high-end visual impact once established.
What works
- Unique yellow color with red flare
- Sturdy stems, no staking needed
- Reliable root vigor and packaging
What doesn’t
- Single root may take 2 years to bloom
- Some roots arrived smaller than expected
2. Mixed Peony Jumbo Pack – 6 Paeonia Roots
Willard & May’s jumbo pack bundles six bare-root peonies with 2-3 eyes each, covering three colors: white, pink, and red. The value proposition is clear — you get multiple plants for the price of one or two premium roots. The organic material designation and fragrance note suggest these are solid herbaceous varieties suitable for zones 3-8 with well-drained soil.
Customer reviews are mixed, with a 3-star average reflecting both successes and failures. Several buyers reported receiving only 4-5 roots instead of 6, and a few noted unlabeled colors and broken shoots during unpacking. However, another group saw all six sprout and bloom within the first year, a fast turnaround for peonies. The root quality appears inconsistent between batches.
This pack is best for gardeners who want to fill a large bed quickly without spending premium dollars per plant. If you’re patient and willing to work with variable root sizes, the per-root cost is hard to beat. Just be prepared to inspect each root carefully upon arrival.
What works
- Excellent per-root value
- Fast growth reported by some buyers
- Organic material designation
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent root count and labeling
- Some roots arrived broken or small
3. Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink Peony
Marde Ross & Company offers the iconic Sarah Bernhardt, a widely loved double-pink heirloom peony known for its huge, fragrant blooms and reliable performance in zones 3-8. The bare root is marketed with 3-5 eyes, and the plant reaches about 3 feet tall — perfect for mid-border placement. The listing highlights its pollinator-attracting quality, a bonus for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Reviews are split, with an average around 3.5 stars. Positive buyers reported easy growth and even blooming in the first spring after planting. Negative reviews focus on small root size and roots that rotted without sprouting. The 1-star complaints often mention that the root was too small to produce a bloom in the first year, which is a common risk with bare-root peonies.
If you secure a healthy root with strong eyes, this variety is a garden staple that can outlive you. The bloom color is the classic soft pink that has made Sarah Bernhardt one of the most planted peonies in the world. It’s a safe choice if the root quality is good.
What works
- Classic double-pink heirloom blooms
- Attracts pollinators
- Good height for mid-border
What doesn’t
- Small root size reported by some
- No blooms in first year for weak roots
4. Duchess De Nemours Double White Peony
This Marde Ross offering features the Duchess De Nemours, a pure-white double peony with a strong, sweet fragrance that makes it a top choice for cut-flower arrangements. The bare root is described as 3-5 eyes, and the plant matures around 25 inches tall — slightly shorter than Sarah Bernhardt but still substantial. It’s an heirloom variety suited to zones 3-8 with regular watering.
Customer feedback averages around 3 stars. The successful plantings show healthy, well-wrapped roots that sprout quickly and produce vigorous foliage. The negative reviews are stark: multiple buyers reported zero growth after two months, with the root simply dissolving into the soil. A few also noted a poor return policy from the seller. The white color, while rare and desirable, does not guarantee root viability.
This variety is ideal for gardeners who specifically want a white peony with fragrance. Because white peonies are less common than pink or red, the Duchess De Nemours is a specialty pick. Budget for the possibility of needing to replace a failed root with a backup from a local nursery.
What works
- Rare pure-white double blooms
- Strong, sweet fragrance
- Heirloom pedigree
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent root viability reported
- Poor seller response on failures
5. Coral Charm Peony – Semi Double Coral
Coral Charm is a semi-double peony with a color that shifts from deep coral to creamy peach over the life of the bloom. It blooms earlier than traditional peonies, extending your garden’s peony season by a week or more. Marde Ross supplies this as a 3-5 eye bare root that matures to about 30 inches tall.
Reviews average around 3 stars. The positive experiences highlight the striking color transition and sturdy stems that hold the flowers well. Negative reviews again focus on root failure: several buyers reported that the root rotted after planting with no growth at all. The price per root is higher than generic mixed packs, so a failed root is more frustrating.
For a collector who values unique flower color and wants an early-season bloomer, Coral Charm is worth the premium. The color-changing effect is a genuine talking point. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage to maximize your chances of success.
What works
- Stunning coral-to-cream color shift
- Earlier bloom than most peonies
- Strong, sturdy flower stems
What doesn’t
- Higher price per root
- Root rot reported in some batches
6. Burpee Itoh Bartzella – 1 Bare Root
Burpee’s Itoh Bartzella is the same hybrid as product #1 but from a deeply trusted brand with a reputation for quality control. The bare root ships with 3-5 eyes and is accompanied by detailed care instructions, including a warm-water soak before planting. Burpee recommends using their organic slow-release fertilizer at planting time to support the first season’s growth.
Customer reviews are strong, averaging around 4.5 stars. Buyers consistently praise the healthy appearance of the root, good packaging, and visible new growth upon arrival. A few minor issues were reported: one order arrived in two pieces (likely broken during shipping), and another buyer only received one of two ordered plants. Burpee’s customer service resolved most complaints.
This is the premium choice for gardeners who want the rare yellow Itoh bloom and are willing to pay more for a brand with reliable stock and support. The root health is higher-quality on average, reducing the risk of a wasted season. Expect blooms in year two or three, but with a stronger foundation.
What works
- Premium root health and packaging
- Trusted Burpee brand support
- Clear planting instructions included
What doesn’t
- Higher price point
- Occasional shipping damage reported
7. Heirloom Floribunda Rose – Parfuma Earth Angel
While not a peony, this Parfuma Earth Angel rose from Heirloom Roses deserves mention for gardeners looking for a peony-like bloom with a longer flowering season. It’s an own-root floribunda rose that blooms continually from spring to fall, with a strong, sweet fragrance similar to peonies. The plant arrives in a 1-gallon container with rich soil, already 12–15 inches tall, so there’s no bare-root risk.
Customer reviews are excellent, averaging 5 stars. Buyers highlight the healthy, well-packaged plant, fast growth, and vigorous blooming. The rose is hardy in zones 5-9, which is slightly warmer than the peony zone 3-8 range. A few buyers noted that the shrub grows larger than expected, reaching over 5 feet.
This is the premium pick for someone who wants peony-style fragrance and fullness but can’t wait 2 years for blooms. The immediate vase-ready flowers make it a high-value gift plant. However, it requires more maintenance than peonies, including deadheading and winter protection in colder zones.
What works
- Blooms continuously from spring to fall
- Extremely strong fragrance
- Healthy, established 1-gallon plant
What doesn’t
- Higher maintenance than peonies
- Limited to zones 5-9
Hardware & Specs Guide
Understanding Eye Count
The “eye” is the pink bud on the crown of a bare-root peony. A root with 3-5 eyes is considered standard for first-year bloom potential; 2/3 eyes (often found in budget multi-packs) typically require an extra season to establish. More eyes mean more stems and more flowers in the long run.
Planting Depth for Peonies
Bury the eyes too deep and you’ll get leaves but no flowers. The ideal depth is 1-2 inches below the soil surface in most climates. In warmer zones (7-8), you can plant slightly deeper, but never exceed 2 inches. A shallow hole with good drainage is the best guarantee of future blooms.
FAQ
Why did my bare-root peony not grow at all?
How long does an Edulis Superba peony take to bloom from a bare root?
Can I plant a peony bare root in spring or fall?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the edulis superba peony winner is the Burpee Itoh Bartzella because it combines the rare yellow Itoh bloom with a trusted brand that delivers healthy, well-packaged roots and clear planting support. If you want a classic double-pink heirloom that has been beloved for over a century, grab the Sarah Bernhardt and hope for a strong root. And for immediate, continuous color and fragrance with no bare-root risk, nothing beats the Heirloom Floribunda Rose Earth Angel.