Joanna Marlene

Availability available spring 2019

Peony 'Joanna Marlene' photo courtesy of Valleybrook Gardens
Peony 'Joanna Marlene' photo courtesy of Valleybrook Gardens

‘Joanna Marlene’ produces large semi-double soft yellow blossoms. As the peony matures it takes on more peachy tones with pink guard flowers. It is one of the bigger Itoh Peonies producing a shrub like plant. 'Joanna Marlene' is an intersectional peony with strong stems that do not require staking and lush green foliage which looks good throughout the season. It blooms mid season but has an extended bloom time due to multiple side buds. 

  • Height: 66-76 cm (26-30 in)
  • Spread: 91- 102 cm (36-40 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4
  • Sun or Shade: sun to partial sun
  • Bloom Colour: yellow changing to peach, salmon and yellow
  • Bloom Time: mid season
  • Flower Form: semi double
  • Leaf Colour: deep green

Growing and Maintenance Tips

'Joanna Marlene' 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 recomend leaving the plant to increase into an impressive clump.