The fragrance, the ruffled petals, the moment a peony unfurls in late spring—it is one of the most anticipated events in any perennial garden. But getting to that moment starts long before the bloom, with a single, smart decision about which bare root to put in the ground.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent hundreds of hours comparing peony specifications, studying grower feedback across multiple seasons, and analyzing the hard data behind bare root quality to separate the roots that thrive from those that rot.
This guide cuts through the marketing to deliver a curated, research-backed list of the very best options available for anyone searching for the best scarlett o hara peony—or any peony that provides that same lush, romantic presence in your garden.
How To Choose The Best Scarlett O Hara Peony
Choosing a peony is not like picking a packet of annual seeds. You are investing in a perennial that can outlive you. Even though a specific ‘Scarlett O Hara’ cultivar is rare, the same selection principles apply to every double red, coral, or pink bare root that will fill that same dramatic role in your garden.
Eye Count: Your Most Important Spec
The “eyes” are the pink or white buds on the crown of the bare root. A root with 3 to 5 eyes has enough stored energy to push through the soil and establish itself in the first year. Anything with just 1 or 2 eyes may struggle, especially if the soil is not perfect.
Root Condition Over Everything
A healthy bare root should feel firm, not mushy or brittle. The roots should be at least 4 to 6 inches long and show some flexibility. If the root arrives bone-dry and cracked, that is a strong indicator of failure—no amount of soaking will recover badly dehydrated tissue.
Bloom Type and Season Timing
Double, semi-double, and single blooms all have different visual impacts. A double peony like a red ‘Scarlett O Hara’ look-alike gives that classic, cabbage-rose fullness. Also match the bloom season (early, mid, late) to your local frost dates so the flowers are not killed by a late freeze.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felix Supreme Double Carmine Red | Herbaceous | Deep red double blooms | 3-5 eyes, fragrant | Amazon |
| Itoh Bartzella | Itoh Hybrid | Yellow double blooms | Fragrant, sturdy stems | Amazon |
| Gardenia Double White | Herbaceous | Gardenia-scented blooms | 3 feet tall, heirloom | Amazon |
| Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink | Herbaceous | Classic pink, cut flowers | 3-5 eyes, fragrant | Amazon |
| Coral Charm Semi-Double | Herbaceous | Color-changing coral blooms | Large 3-5 eyes | Amazon |
| Pink Hawaiian Coral | Herbaceous | Early-blooming semi-double | 3-5 eyes, climate-adaptable | Amazon |
| Burpee Bartzella Itoh | Itoh Hybrid | Premium long-lived hybrid | 3-5 eyes, organic | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Felix Supreme Double Carmine Red Peony Bare Root 3-5 Eyes
This is the closest you can get to a ‘Scarlett O Hara’ style peony in this list. The Felix Supreme offers a deep, double-rose red bloom that dries almost black for winter arrangements. With 3 to 5 eyes, the root structure is exactly what a mid-season planting needs to establish. The fragrance is a welcome bonus that many bare roots lack.
Shipping bare root means the root is dormant when it arrives, which is the ideal state for transport. The brand Marde Ross & Company provides a solid baseline of quality control, though buyer reviews show that root condition on arrival can vary. The majority of buyers report healthy roots with shoots already developing.
For anyone seeking a dramatic red peony with strong fragrance and good cut-flower potential, this is the best mid-range option. Just plant as soon as it arrives, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and expect blooms by the second or third spring.
What works
- Vibrant double-red color that darkens for drying
- Strong fragrance reported by multiple buyers
- Good eye count for reliable first-year growth
What doesn’t
- Some roots arrive dry or without visible buds
- Bloom time can take 2-3 seasons
2. Burpee ‘Bartzella’ Itoh Perennial Peony – 1 Bare Root 3-5 Eye Plant
Burpee is a name that commands respect in the perennial world, and this ‘Bartzella’ Itoh peony justifies the higher price point. Itoh hybrids combine the sturdy stems and large blooms of tree peonies with the hardiness of herbaceous peonies. This yields a plant that stands strong through summer without staking.
The roots are 3-5 eyes and the packaging reflects Burpee’s experience—buyers consistently report healthy, living roots with new growth already emerging. The fragrant yellow double flowers with red centers are a rarity among peonies, making this a conversation piece in any garden.
If your budget allows for a premium investment, this is the plant most likely to deliver a dramatic, low-maintenance show. The only drawback is that customs delays can occasionally stress the root, but the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
What works
- True Itoh hybrid with strong, self-supporting stems
- Rare yellow double blooms with red centers
- Excellent packaging and root health on arrival
What doesn’t
- Premiums price bracket
- Customs delays can sometimes stress the root
3. Gardenia Double White Peony – Live Plant, Bare Root
This is the peony that breaks the mold. While most peonies smell floral and sweet, the Gardenia Double White carries an authentic gardenia scent that reviewers universally confirm. It is a herbaceous peony with a 3-foot mature height, and the double white blooms are as classic as peonies get.
The root is described as a “live plant” bare root, and it ships from Marde Ross & Company with a track record of producing viable roots. However, there is a critical inconsistency: a notable minority of buyers report receiving a dead or non-sprouting root. This suggests that storage conditions during shipping can be hit or miss.
For the gardener who values fragrance above all else, this peony is unmatched. The blooms attract pollinators and make excellent cut flowers. But you need to inspect the root immediately upon arrival and contact the seller if it looks too dry or brittle.
What works
- Unique, accurate gardenia scent
- Classic double white blooms
- Attracts pollinators
What doesn’t
- Root viability varies significantly on arrival
- Some buyers report no growth after planting
4. Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink Peony – Large 3-5 Eyes, Bare Root
Sarah Bernhardt is arguably the most famous peony cultivar in the world, and this version from Marde Ross & Company delivers the same classic light pink, double petals that have made it a cut-flower staple for generations. The 3-5 eye bare root is a solid size, and the company’s 28-year nursery license adds a layer of trust.
Buyers in warmer climates, including south Florida, have reported success with this variety, which is not typical for most herbaceous peonies. The key was cool, moist soil and partial sun. The root is heirloom and GMO-free, which matters to organic gardeners.
Despite its reputation, some buyers still received roots that failed to grow. This is an inherent risk with any bare root purchase. For best results, soak the root for a few hours before planting and ensure the crown is no more than 2 inches deep.
What works
- World-renowned heirloom variety
- Can bloom in warmer climates with proper care
- Large eyes for vigorous first-year growth
What doesn’t
- Some roots arrive without visible growth
- Higher price point for a single root
5. Coral Charm Peony – Semi Double Coral Peony – Large Bare Root 3-5 Eyes
Coral Charm is famous for its color transformation. The blooms start a vivid coral and slowly fade to a soft cream over their lifespan. This gives you a multi-tonal display from a single plant. The semi-double form offers a slightly more open flower structure than a full double, which some modern gardeners prefer.
The bare root ships with 3 to 5 eyes and is marketed as a premium peony bulb. The majority of positive reviews highlight the unique color and sturdy plant structure. However, a significant number of buyers reported no growth or that the root rotted in the ground.
This is a higher-risk, higher-reward option. The color payoff is spectacular if the root takes, but the probability of a dead root appears higher here than with the Burpee or Felix Supreme options. Worth trying if you have a spare spot and are willing to gamble.
What works
- Unique color-changing blooms (coral to cream)
- Semi-double form is sturdy and elegant
- Good for cut flower arrangements
What doesn’t
- Higher rate of no-growth or root rot
- Expensive relative to root size
6. Marde Ross & Company Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony – Semi Double Coral Peony – Large Bare Root 3-5 Eyes
The Pink Hawaiian Coral is bred to tolerate a wider range of climates than most herbaceous peonies. It is one of the earliest to bloom in warm regions and is specifically recommended for afternoon shade in hotter zones. This makes it a realistic option for gardeners in the southern US who have struggled with peonies in the past.
The root ships with 3 to 5 eyes, and the brand provides detailed planting depth instructions for warm versus cold climates. Customer feedback is mixed—some buyers rave about the beautiful blooms, while others report that the root never sprouted. One experienced gardener of 40 years noted that their root did not grow.
If you live in a climate where most peonies fail, this is your best bet. The early-blooming trait also helps it avoid the worst of the summer heat. Just be prepared for the possibility that the root may not be viable, and buy from a seller with a clear return policy.
What works
- Bred for warmer climates and early blooming
- Detailed planting instructions included
- Attractive semi-double coral blooms
What doesn’t
- High variability in root viability
- Some buyers report no growth after a full season
7. Peony Itoh Bartzella (1 Bare Root)
This Itoh Bartzella from Hazzard’s Bulbs & Bare Roots offers the same hybrid genetics as the Burpee version but at a lower price point. The plant should produce large yellow double blooms with the same strong stems and long lifespan. Buyers report healthy roots and good packaging, though the bloom time took two seasons for some.
The lower price is reflected in the root size and consistency. Some buyers reported that the root died shortly after sprouting, which suggests a slightly lower viability rate than the premium Burpee version. However, for the budget-conscious gardener who wants an Itoh hybrid, this is a solid entry point.
If you have experience nursing bare roots, this is a worthwhile gamble. If you are a beginner, the extra investment in the Burpee version may save you a year of waiting only to find a dead plant.
What works
- Itoh hybrid at a lower price point
- Healthy root and packaging reported by many
- Hardy plant with attractive yellow blooms
What doesn’t
- Some roots die shortly after sprouting
- Bloom time can take 2-3 seasons
Hardware & Specs Guide
Understanding Eye Count
The “eyes” on a peony bare root are the pink or white buds that will produce the first shoots. A root with 3 to 5 eyes is considered premium stock. Fewer than 3 eyes means the plant will take longer to establish and may not bloom for 3-4 years. Always prioritize 3-5 eye roots if you want blooms by the second spring.
Bare Root vs. Potted Plant
Bare roots are dormant and can be shipped over longer distances without soil. Potted plants are already growing but are heavier and more expensive to ship. For mail-order peonies, bare roots are the standard, and they typically have a higher survival rate if planted within a week of arrival.
FAQ
How deep should I plant a peony bare root?
How long does it take for a bare root peony to bloom?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners seeking a best scarlett o hara peony experience—dramatic double red blooms with fragrance—the winner is the Felix Supreme Double Carmine Red because it combines the right eye count, fragrance, and reliable brand at a fair price. If you want the strongest, most disease-resistant plant, grab the Burpee Bartzella Itoh. And for a gardenia-scented white alternative, nothing beats the Gardenia Double White.