Loading your first peony bed or expanding a collection means betting on a root system you cannot see perform for at least one full growing season. The gap between a bare root that delivers towering, fragrant double blooms and one that sends up nothing but weak foliage often comes down to a single number: the eye count on the tuber when it arrives.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I have spent the last several seasons poring over nursery inventory sheets, cross-referencing regional hardiness data, and threading through thousands of owner reports to isolate the root characteristics that actually predict a successful first bloom cycle.
This guide breaks down the seven most reliable bare-root options currently shipping, evaluates tuber condition and proven cultivar performance, and delivers a clear verdict on the best paeonia felix supreme option for gardeners who want spectacle without the guesswork.
How To Choose The Best Paeonia Felix Supreme
Paeonia Felix Supreme is a late-mid-season double red peony that dries to a near-black tone for arrangements, but the bare-root market is flooded with generic red labels that may or may not be the true cultivar. Selecting the right root package requires looking past the stock photo and verifying three specific things before you add to cart.
Eye Count and Root Mass
A bare-root peony with 2–3 eyes may take two full seasons before it offers a single bloom. Roots sold as 3–5 eyes deliver flowers in the second spring, sometimes even late in the first summer if conditions are favorable. The Felix Supreme variant ships most reliably in the 3–5 eye range, which is the sweet spot for a grower who wants to see color before year three.
Planting Depth and Soil Chemistry
Herbaceous peonies including Felix Supreme refuse to bloom if the crown sits more than two inches below the soil surface. Shallow planting in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 triggers the cold stratification the buds need. Nurseries that include clear depth instructions in the packaging reduce the odds of a foliage-only season.
Cultivar Authenticity
Felix Supreme produces a distinct double carmine-red bloom that fades to a dark, almost black tone when cut and dried. Generic “red peony” bare roots often ship a different variety that blooms single-petal or pinkish. Check the seller’s history and look for verified photos from buyers who confirm the dried-flower characteristic before purchasing.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felix Supreme Double Carmine Red | Bare Root | Cut flower drying and fragrance | 3–5 eyes, double carmine bloom | Amazon |
| Burpee ‘Bartzella’ Itoh | Itoh Hybrid | Yellow blooms with sturdy stems | 3–5 eyes, 30 in. height | Amazon |
| Red Charm Bareroot Peony (3-pack) | Bare Root | Dramatic late spring display | 2–3 eyes, 6–8 in. blooms | Amazon |
| Mixed Peony Jumbo Pack (6 roots) | Value Mix | Installing a full border on a budget | 2–3 eyes per root, 3 colors | Amazon |
| Garden State Bulb Bartzella Yellow Itoh (bag of 2) | Itoh Pair | Low-maintenance Itoh for borders | 3/5 eyes, deer resistant | Amazon |
| Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink | Bare Root | Heirloom fragrance in warmer climates | 3–5 eyes, light pink double bloom | Amazon |
| Peony Itoh Bartzella (1 Bare Root) | Itoh Budget | Single Itoh specimen on a tight budget | 3–5 eyes, Itoh hybrid | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Felix Supreme Double Carmine Red Peony Bare Root 3-5 Eyes
The Marde Ross & Company Felix Supreme ships a bare root that matches the prized double carmine-red bloom that dries to an almost black tone for fall arranging. The 3–5 eye count aligns with the sweet spot for second-year flowers, and multiple buyer reports confirm the same deep red color that defines the cultivar.
Growing instructions are included in the package, which matters for first-time peony planters who need to confirm the two-inch planting depth rule. The root ships GMO-free and requires regular moisture, though the plant is naturally deer and rabbit resistant once established.
There is variance in root condition at arrival. Some buyers received dry roots with no visible eyes, while others reported healthy tubers with shoots already developing. The fragrance is correctly listed, and the dried-flower arranging potential is a genuine point of differentiation from generic red peonies.
What works
- True double carmine-red bloom that dries black for arrangements
- 3–5 eye count supports second-year flowering
- Fragrant and deer resistant once established
What doesn’t
- Some roots arrived dry with no viable buds
- Single bare root per purchase limits border-scale planting
- Variable packaging condition affects root moisture at delivery
2. Burpee ‘Bartzella’ Itoh Perennial Peony – 1 Bare Root 3-5 Eye Plant
The Burpee Bartzella is an Itoh hybrid, meaning it crosses the woody stem of a tree peony with the hardy root system of an herbaceous peony. The result is a 30-inch plant that produces large, fragrant double yellow blooms with a red center fleck, and the stems stay upright without staking.
Burpee includes detailed planting instructions that specify soaking the bare root in warm water for several hours before placing it no more than two to three inches below the soil line. The company recommends its organic slow-release granules at planting time for sustained feeding through the season.
Buyer feedback confirms healthy roots with visible new growth on arrival, though some international orders experienced customs delays that caused the root to arrive split. The Itoh genetics make this option more expensive, but the bloom reliability and stem strength justify the price for serious collectors.
What works
- Itoh hybrid delivers sturdy stems and large double yellow blooms
- Detailed soaking and depth instructions reduce planting errors
- Excellent root health in the majority of shipments
What doesn’t
- Single root per purchase limits border expansion
- Customs delays can damage the tuber during international shipping
- Premium price point compared to standard herbaceous cultivars
3. Red Charm Bareroot Peony, 2-3 Eye, Great for Fall Planting (3)
The Daylily Nursery Red Charm pack ships three bare roots rated for zones 3 through 8, each carrying 2–3 eyes and promising 6–8 inch double red blooms in late spring. The bloom size is a genuine draw — these are among the largest flowers in the herbaceous peony category.
Packaging includes copyrighted growing instructions that reinforce the shallow planting rule and recommend fall planting for a spring payoff. Multiple buyers reported receiving roots with 4–5 eyes instead of the listed 2–3, which accelerated their bloom timeline significantly.
Some confusion arose around zone rating, as the packaging did not always include hardiness information. The seller limits combined shipping to five items, so bundling with other plants requires a single checkout. Root quality across reviews is consistently described as large and healthy.
What works
- Three-root pack enables a small border or gift planting
- Bloom size of 6–8 inches is among the largest for herbaceous types
- Buyers frequently received roots with higher eye counts than advertised
What doesn’t
- Hardiness zone not always printed on the packaging
- Combined shipping capped at five items
- 2–3 eye count means first blooms likely in year two or three
4. Mixed Peony Jumbo Pack – 6 Paeonia Large Roots – White, Pink, Red
Willard & May packs six bare roots in a single box, each with 2–3 eyes and a promise of white, pink, and red blooms. The value per root is the lowest in this lineup, making it a practical choice for gardeners who want to fill a long border without buying individual roots at a premium.
The roots are listed as organic and fragrant, with a hardiness range from zone 3 to 8 and a planting depth of 1–2 inches. Buyer reports vary widely — some received all six roots with long sprouts already developed, while others received only five roots with no color markings to distinguish the varieties.
The lack of color labeling on the roots means you plant blind and wait for the first bloom to know what you have. Sprouting rates are generally high, but the inconsistent count and absence of variety tagging make this a gamble for anyone who needs to plan a specific color layout.
What works
- Lowest cost per root for large-scale border planting
- High sprouting rate when roots arrive in good condition
- Organic material designation appeals to natural gardeners
What doesn’t
- No color markings on roots — you plant blind
- Inconsistent root count; some buyers received five instead of six
- Small 2–3 eye count pushes first blooms to year three
5. Garden State Bulb Bartzella Yellow Itoh Peony Flower Bulbs, Spring Planting (Bag of 2)
Garden State Bulb ships two Itoh peony bare roots in a single bag, each carrying 3/5 eyes and rated for zones 4 through 9. The yellow double blooms are fragrant and attract butterflies while remaining deer and rabbit resistant, which makes this a strong choice for rural properties.
The packaging includes temperature-controlled handling and a one-year limited growth and flowering guarantee, which is rare for bare-root plants at this price. Buyers reported impressive growth within the first month, with roots arriving healthy even during heat and transit delays.
Some gardeners noted that the first spring produced foliage only, with no buds forming until the second season. The guarantee requires proof of purchase and direct contact with the nursery, so keep your receipt and email confirmation accessible if you need to file a claim.
What works
- Two-root bag with a one-year growth guarantee
- Deer and rabbit resistant, suitable for rural gardens
- Strong early growth reported even in warm conditions
What doesn’t
- First-season blooms are not guaranteed with 3/5 eye roots
- Guarantee claim requires direct nursery contact and proof of purchase
- Limited to the Bartzella yellow cultivar only
6. Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink Peony – Large 3-5 Eyes, Bare Root
Marde Ross & Company also offers the Sarah Bernhardt, a double light pink heirloom peony that grows well across all climates. The 3–5 eye bare root ships with the same moisture and planting instructions as the Felix Supreme, and the nursery has been licensed in California for 28 years.
The bloom is fragrant and attracts pollinators, though the pink color is lighter than the deep red of the Felix Supreme. Buyers in warmer zones, including South Florida, reported successful first blooms within six weeks when they used transplanting solution and kept soil cool and moist.
Some roots arrived as small sections with minimal green growth, which delayed blooming for a full season. The heirloom designation and pollinator-friendly rating are accurate, but the root size inconsistency means you may need to wait longer for the payoff compared to other 3–5 eye listings.
What works
- Heirloom cultivar with documented performance in warm climates
- Fragrant double pink blooms attract pollinators reliably
- Established nursery with 28 years in business
What doesn’t
- Incoming root size varies significantly between orders
- Some roots lacked enough eyes to bloom in the first year
- Single root per purchase limits scale for borders
7. Peony Itoh Bartzella (1 Bare Root)
Hazzard’s Bulbs & Bare Roots offers a single Itoh Bartzella root at the lowest entry point for the hybrid category. The root ships without extensive packaging or printed instructions, which keeps the cost down but places the responsibility for correct planting depth on the buyer.
Buyer reports are mixed. Some received healthy roots that grew rapidly into deep green plants, while others saw the root die shortly after sprouting. One buyer reported that the root bloomed pink instead of the expected yellow, which suggests possible cultivar mixing at the supplier level.
The Itoh genetics still provide stem strength and longevity, but the inconsistent color and variable survival rate make this a gamble for anyone who needs a guaranteed result. It is best suited for experienced peony growers who can identify a healthy root on sight and adjust care accordingly.
What works
- Lowest price point for an Itoh hybrid peony
- Some buyers received fast-growing, deep green plants
- Compact packaging for easy shipping
What doesn’t
- Cultivar color not guaranteed — some bloomed pink instead of yellow
- No printed instructions or planting depth guide included
- Variable root survival rate after sprouting
Hardware & Specs Guide
Eye Count and Bloom Timeline
The number of visible pink or red buds (eyes) on a bare root directly correlates with first-year bloom potential. A 2–3 eye root typically produces foliage only in year one, with flowers arriving in year two. A 3–5 eye root can push a bloom as early as late summer of the first season if planted correctly at a depth of no more than two inches. Felix Supreme roots are most commonly sold in the 3–5 eye range, which is the ideal count for impatient gardeners.
Planting Depth and Soil pH
Herbaceous peonies including Felix Supreme will not flower if the crown sits more than two inches below the soil surface. The buds require winter chill to initiate, and deep planting prevents that cold exposure. Soil pH should sit between 6.5 and 7.0 — slightly acidic to neutral. Adding lime to acidic soil or sulfur to alkaline soil before planting corrects the pH in time for the first growing season.
FAQ
What does Paeonia Felix Supreme look like when fully mature?
How many years does Felix Supreme take to bloom from a bare root?
Can Felix Supreme peonies grow in containers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the paeonia felix supreme winner is the Felix Supreme Double Carmine Red Bare Root because it delivers the specific double carmine bloom and dried-flower characteristic that defines the cultivar, backed by a 3–5 eye count that supports second-year flowering. If you want an Itoh hybrid with yellow blooms and staking-free stems, grab the Burpee ‘Bartzella’ Itoh. And for expanding a border on a budget, nothing beats the Mixed Peony Jumbo Pack for sheer volume per dollar.