Key Details About 'Kansas' Peonies

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.