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Key Details About 'Kansas' Peonies

Writer's picture: Belinda McLintockBelinda McLintock

Updated: Apr 3, 2024



The Kansas peony breed offers gardeners improved, low maintenance peonies that stand up to heat while delivering beautiful spring flowers.


  • Origins - Kansas peonies were developed by Dr. Roger Anderson at the University of Kansas in the 1950s-1960s.

  • Goals - The goal was to create peonies suited to hot climates with traits like disease resistance, heat tolerance, and recurring blooms.

  • Cultivars - Notable Kansas introductions include 'Kansas', 'Alexander Fleming', and 'Light of Kansas'.

  • 'Kansas' - This fragrant, double cerise peony is probably the most famous of the breed. It blooms in late spring.

  • Heat tolerance - Kansas peonies fare better in hot summers than many other varieties, with less bud blast.

  • Disease resistance - They have good resistance to common fungal issues like botrytis and leaf spot.

  • Flowering - Kansas peonies tend to bloom about 1 week earlier than traditional varieties.

  • Fragrance - Many Kansas cultivars have very fragrant flowers.

  • Plant height - Typically grow 50-70 inches tall.

  • Uses - Excellent for gardens, borders, cut flowers. Good choice for hot climates.

  • Hardiness - Kansas peonies are cold hardy to zone 4.








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