Julia Rose Itoh Peony Bare Root | Colour-Changing Intersectional Peony

Bring rare colour, elegance and premium garden impact to cool-climate gardens with Julia Rose Itoh Peony, a highly sought-after intersectional peony known for its colour-changing semi-double blooms. Opening in deep pink to cherry-rose tones, the flowers gradually soften through apricot, peach and creamy-yellow shades as they mature, giving the plant a beautiful multi-coloured effect.

Itoh peonies, also known as intersectional peonies, combine the beauty and flower size of tree peonies with the herbaceous growth habit of traditional garden peonies. Paeonia ‘Julia Rose’ is especially loved for its changing flower colour, sturdy stems and attractive dark green foliage.

Flowering around October to November in suitable Australian climates, Julia Rose creates a refined mid-spring display. Its strong stems and long-lasting blooms make it an excellent choice for feature planting, borders, cottage gardens, formal gardens and fresh cut flower arrangements.

Supplied as a bare-root tuber packed in peat, Julia Rose Itoh Peony is suitable for planting in a sunny to lightly shaded position with fertile, free-draining soil and adequate winter chill.

Pre-Order Note

NOTE: This is a pre-order.

Stock is expected to be ready around the end of July, however this may push into August depending on seasonal conditions and supplier availability.

This item is supplied as a bare-root tuber packed in peat and may be dormant at the time of dispatch.

Images shown are example pictures only. Flower colour, size and form may vary slightly depending on plant maturity, climate and growing conditions.

If there are any supply issues, we will contact you regarding substitution options.

Any items you do not wish to have substituted will be refunded.

Important Climate Note

Peonies require winter chill to flower well. Julia Rose Itoh Peony is best suited to cool and cool-temperate Australian gardens.

It is generally best suited to areas such as VIC, TAS, ACT, SA and cooler parts of NSW, where winter temperatures provide enough chill for reliable flowering. In warmer regions, choose the coolest garden position available, provide afternoon shade, mulch well and avoid hot, exposed sites.

Peonies can take 2–3 years to flower reliably after planting, especially while they are establishing.

Features

• Premium Julia Rose Itoh Peony variety
• Also known as an intersectional peony
• Large semi-double blooms
• Flowers open deep pink to cherry-rose
• Blooms fade through apricot, peach and creamy-yellow tones
• Multi-coloured effect as flowers mature
• Light to spicy fragrance
• Height approximately 70–100cm
• Flowers around October to November in suitable Australian climates
• Strong stems and attractive dark green foliage
• Excellent cut flower variety
• Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, formal gardens and feature planting
• Frost hardy once established
• Supplied as a bare-root tuber packed in peat
• Premium pre-order item, expected around the end of July to August

Planting & Care

Plant Julia Rose Itoh Peony in a position with full sun to part shade. In cooler regions, full sun is ideal. In warmer or more exposed areas, afternoon shade can help protect the plant from heat stress.

Choose fertile, free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, around 6.5–7.0. Peonies dislike sitting in wet, heavy soil, so improve drainage before planting if needed.

Plant the bare-root tuber with the buds facing upward. The buds should sit approximately 3–5cm below the soil surface. Planting too deeply can reduce or prevent flowering.

Space plants around 90cm to 1m apart to allow room for the clump to mature and to encourage good airflow.

Water well after planting, then keep the soil lightly and consistently moist during establishment and active growth. Avoid waterlogging. Julia Rose prefers regular moisture during warm weather but should not be left sitting in wet soil.

Improve the soil at planting with compost, blood and bone, or well-rotted organic matter. Feed in early spring and again after flowering with a balanced fertiliser to support strong growth and future flowering.

Itoh peonies generally have stronger stems than many traditional herbaceous peonies, but support may still be helpful in windy areas or during wet weather when large blooms become heavy.

After flowering, remove spent blooms but leave the foliage to continue growing. In autumn, once the foliage has naturally started to die back, cut stems down close to ground level and remove old foliage to help reduce disease issues.

Itoh peonies prefer not to be moved once established. Divide only during dormancy if plants become overcrowded or need relocating.

Flowering Time

Flowering: Mid to late spring.

In many suitable Australian regions, Julia Rose Itoh Peony flowers around October to November, depending on climate, chill hours and seasonal conditions.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Julia Rose’
Common Name: Julia Rose Itoh Peony, Intersectional Peony
Product Type: Bare-root perennial
Supplied As: Bare-root tuber packed in peat
Flower Colour: Deep pink to cherry-rose, fading through apricot, peach and creamy-yellow tones
Flower Form: Large semi-double blooms
Fragrance: Light to spicy fragrance
Height: Approximately 70–100cm
Flowering Time: Mid to late spring, usually October to November in suitable climates
Aspect: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Fertile, free-draining soil
Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 6.5–7.0
Planting Depth: Buds approximately 3–5cm below soil level
Spacing: Approximately 90cm to 1m apart
Watering: Moderate; keep evenly moist during active growth without waterlogging
Frost Tolerance: Frost hardy
Climate: Best suited to cool and cool-temperate regions
Suitable Zones: Zones 1, 2 and 3
Suitable Areas: VIC, TAS, ACT, SA and cooler parts of NSW
End Use: Garden beds, borders, feature planting, cottage gardens, formal gardens, cut flowers
Availability: Pre-order, expected around the end of July to August

Pet Safety Note

Peony plant material can be harmful if eaten by pets. Keep roots, foliage and flowers away from cats, dogs and other animals if ingestion is a concern.

FAQ

What is Julia Rose Itoh Peony?

Julia Rose is an Itoh peony, also known as an intersectional peony. Itoh peonies combine features of herbaceous peonies and tree peonies, producing strong garden growth and large, showy flowers.

What colour are Julia Rose Peony flowers?

Julia Rose produces colour-changing blooms that open deep pink to cherry-rose before fading through apricot, peach and creamy-yellow tones as they mature.

Is Julia Rose Peony fragrant?

Yes. Julia Rose has a light to spicy fragrance, although fragrance strength may vary depending on climate, flower maturity and growing conditions.

How tall does Julia Rose Peony grow?

It generally grows around 70–100cm tall, depending on climate, soil and plant maturity.

When does Julia Rose Peony flower in Australia?

In suitable Australian climates, flowering is usually around October to November, depending on region and seasonal conditions.

What climates are best for Julia Rose Itoh Peony?

Julia Rose performs best in cool and cool-temperate climates with enough winter chill. It is best suited to areas such as VIC, TAS, ACT, SA and cooler parts of NSW.

Can Julia Rose Peony grow in warm climates?

It is not ideal for warm coastal, subtropical or tropical climates. In warmer areas, it may be tried in a cool, protected position with afternoon shade, but flowering may be less reliable.

Does Julia Rose Peony need winter chill?

Yes. Like other peonies, Julia Rose needs winter chill to flower well. Without enough cold exposure, plants may grow but flower poorly or not at all.

Can Julia Rose Peony grow in pots?

Yes, but it needs a large deep pot, rich free-draining soil, regular feeding and sufficient winter chill. Garden planting is usually more reliable long term.

How deep should I plant Julia Rose Peony roots?

Plant with the buds approximately 3–5cm below the soil surface. Avoid planting too deeply, as this can reduce flowering.

How far apart should I plant Julia Rose Peonies?

Space plants around 90cm to 1m apart to allow room for the clump to mature.

Does Julia Rose Peony need staking?

Itoh peonies usually have strong stems, but support may still be helpful in windy areas or during wet weather when blooms become heavy.

Is Julia Rose good for cut flowers?

Yes. Julia Rose is excellent for cut flowers, with colour-changing blooms that add soft pink, peach, apricot and cream tones to arrangements.

Will Julia Rose Peony come back each year?

Yes. In suitable climates, it is a long-lived perennial that returns each spring.

How long does it take to flower?

Peonies may take 2–3 years to flower reliably after planting, especially while they are establishing.

Should I cut Julia Rose Peony back?

Yes. Cut stems back close to ground level in autumn once the foliage has naturally started to die back.

What is it supplied as?

It is supplied as a bare-root tuber packed in peat, ready for planting during the recommended season.

Is this a pre-order?

Yes. This item is a pre-order. Stock is expected around the end of July, however this may push into August depending on seasonal conditions and supplier availability.

What happens if there is a supply issue?

If there are any supply issues, we will contact you regarding substitution options. Any items you do not wish to have substituted will be refunded.