Karl Rosenfield Peony
Grow reliable deep-red Karl Rosenfield peonies year after year
About Karl Rosenfield Peony
Karl Rosenfield is one of America's most beloved red peonies. Known for its stunning deep crimson double blooms and exceptional hardiness across most of the country, this herbaceous perennial has earned a place in gardens for generations. Gardeners prize it for reliability, longevity, and the satisfying way established plants return with increasing vigor each spring.
Here you'll find everything needed to grow Karl Rosenfield peonies well. We cover selecting and planting in the right sunlight and soil, watering and feeding schedules for spring through fall, why ants appear on buds, common pests and diseases, and how to support tall stems without them falling over. You'll also find tips for using these blooms in cutting arrangements.
Buy Karl Rosenfield Peony
Nursery-grown plants shipped in their container, with our planting and care guides to go with them.
From $62.95
Sizes: 2 Gallon
Shop Karl Rosenfield PeonyQuick facts
- USDA zones
- 3-8
- Mature height
- 28-36 in (up to 3 ft)
- Mature width
- 24-36 in
- Sun
- full sun (6+ hours); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot southern climates, but floweri
- Water
- moderate; about 1 in/week during active growth, less once established
- Bloom time
- late spring to early summer (May-June, varies by zone)
- Bloom color
- deep red/crimson
- Growth rate
- moderate; reaches full mature clump size over about 3-4 growing seasons
- Deer resistance
- good resistance (not a preferred browse)
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Double, deep-red blooms in late spring to early summer
- One of the most widely planted red peonies in the U.S., prized for reliability
- Hardy USDA zones 3-8
- Full sun and well-drained soil are essential for best bloom
- Deer-resistant and low-maintenance once established
- Can live for decades without needing division
- Ants on the buds are normal and not harmful
Growing guides
Core guideKarl Rosenfield Peony Care Guide: Planting to Blooming
Learn how to grow Karl Rosenfield Peony from planting to blooming. Complete care guide with zones, spacing, watering, and troubleshooting ti
Core guideHow to Plant Karl Rosenfield Peony for Years of Blooms
Learn how to plant Karl Rosenfield Peony in fall or spring. Step-by-step planting depth, spacing, soil prep, and care for decades of deep re
Core guideKarl Rosenfield Peony Buying Guide: Bare Root vs Potted
Compare bare root and potted Karl Rosenfield Peonies. Learn what to look for, quality indicators, where to buy, and how to choose the best o
Plant specificKarl Rosenfield Peony Bloom Time, Color and How Long It Lasts
Learn when Karl Rosenfield Peonies bloom, their deep red color, how long blooms last, and why fall planting sets up spring success.
Plant specificWhy Is My Karl Rosenfield Peony Not Blooming?
Why Is My Karl Rosenfield Peony Not Blooming? Discover the top causes (crown depth, light, drainage, fertilizer) and fix them to restore blo
Core guide9 Common Karl Rosenfield Peony Pests, Diseases and Problems
Treat Karl Rosenfield Peony problems: botrytis blight, leaf spot, peony pests & diseases. Practical fixes to restore blooming. Home gardener
Core guideSun and Light Requirements for Karl Rosenfield Peony
Karl Rosenfield Peony needs 6+ hours of full sun daily to thrive and bloom reliably. Learn how to assess your garden's light and position pl
Core guideHow to Water Karl Rosenfield Peony the Right Way
Learn the best peony watering schedule for Karl Rosenfield Peony. Water properly to avoid root rot and encourage healthy blooms.
Core guideBest Soil, Drainage and pH for Karl Rosenfield Peony
Master soil prep for Karl Rosenfield Peony: pH 6.5-7.0, well-drained loam, and step-by-step amending guide for optimal drainage.
Core guideFertilizing Karl Rosenfield Peony: What, When and How Much
Learn how to fertilize Karl Rosenfield Peony for abundant deep-red blooms. Timing, type, and application rates for thriving peonies.
Core guideWhen and How to Prune Karl Rosenfield Peony
Learn when and how to prune Karl Rosenfield Peony: deadheading after bloom, fall cutback timing, tools needed, and common mistakes to avoid.
Core guideKarl Rosenfield Peony Hardiness Zones and Climate Needs
Karl Rosenfield Peony climate guide: USDA zones 3-8, cold hardiness, heat tolerance in zone 8, and how to grow this deep red peony in your r
Karl Rosenfield Peony questions
Why isn't my Karl Rosenfield peony blooming?
The most common cause is planting the root crown too deep; peony eyes should sit no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Too much shade or nitrogen-heavy fertilizer can also suppress blooms.
Do peony buds need ants to open?
No. Ants are attracted to sugary nectar on the buds but are not required for the flowers to open; they're a harmless, commensal visitor.
How often should Karl Rosenfield peonies be divided?
Rarely. They can be left undisturbed for decades; division is mainly done to propagate new plants, typically in fall.
Is Karl Rosenfield Peony #2 a different variety?
No, this generally refers to a nursery grading/division size designation for the same 'Karl Rosenfield' cultivar, not a distinct variety.