
Karl Rosenfield Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfield'
Karl Rosenfield Peony, Deep Red Blooms, Hardy Perennial
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- Deep red, full blooms in late spring; excellent for cutting and garden display
- Hardy in zones 3-8; reaches mature size in 3-4 growing seasons
- Deer-resistant and long-lived when planted directly in the ground
About this plant
Karl Rosenfield is a robust herbaceous peony producing deep red, full blooms in late spring to early summer. It thrives in perennial borders, cutting gardens, and foundation plantings, pairing beautifully with roses and other spring companions. The foliage adds seasonal interest with bronze and burgundy tones in fall before dormancy.
You receive a nursery-grown peony in a 2-gallon container, ready to plant. Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-drained soil. Plant on arrival or within a few days, water thoroughly, and keep the soil evenly moist during the first week as the roots establish.
Karl Rosenfield Peony at a glance
| Botanical name | Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfield' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | herbaceous perennial |
| 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 flowering is reduced |
| 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) |
| Best planting time | fall is best for bare-root divisions; container plants can go in spring |
Container sizes explained
| #1 / 1 Gallon | A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system. |
|---|---|
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
| #3 / 3 Gallon | A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival. |
Questions before you buy
What size does Karl Rosenfield come in?
We offer Karl Rosenfield in one size: 2-gallon nursery containers. This is a field-grown, ready-to-plant size that balances immediate garden impact with value.
When should I plant this peony after it arrives?
Plant within a few days of arrival for best establishment. Peonies are hardy and can tolerate a brief delay if needed, but prompt planting allows roots to settle before season's end. Water thoroughly after planting.
How big does Karl Rosenfield get?
Karl Rosenfield reaches 28-36 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide at maturity. Allow 3-4 growing seasons for a full-size clump. Plan spacing to accommodate its mature spread in your garden layout.
How much sun does Karl Rosenfield need?
Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) produces the strongest blooms and healthiest plants. In hot southern climates, it tolerates light afternoon shade, though flowering may be reduced. Site accordingly for best results.
What hardiness zones is Karl Rosenfield suitable for?
Karl Rosenfield is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, suitable for most of the continental United States. Verify your zone before ordering to ensure success in your climate.
What should I do to care for my peony during the first year?
During the first year, water regularly to keep soil evenly moist as roots establish, providing approximately 1 inch of water per week during active growth. Use fertile, well-drained loam and avoid soggy conditions. Light bloom the first year is normal; expect full flowering in year 2-3.