Sarah Bernhardt Peony Bare Root | Paeonia lactiflora – Fragrant Double Pink Blooms

Bring timeless elegance to cool-climate gardens with Sarah Bernhardt Peony, one of the most loved herbaceous peony varieties in the world. Known for its large, fully double light-pink blooms and beautiful fragrance, Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is a classic choice for cottage gardens, perennial borders and fresh cut flower arrangements.

Sarah Bernhardt produces soft pink, rose-like flowers that can reach approximately 18–20cm across once established. The blooms appear in mid to late spring, usually around October to November in suitable Australian climates, creating a romantic seasonal display with excellent vase appeal.

This herbaceous perennial forms a long-lived clump over time, returning each year after winter dormancy in cool regions. It is best suited to gardens that receive sufficient winter chill, making it ideal for areas such as VIC, TAS, ACT, SA, cooler NSW and cooler highland parts of QLD.

Supplied as a bare-root tuber packed in peat, Sarah Bernhardt Peony is suitable for planting in a sunny to lightly shaded position with fertile, free-draining soil.

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. Sarah Bernhardt Peony is best suited to cool and cool-temperate Australian gardens.

It is generally not recommended for warm coastal, subtropical or tropical climates unless grown in a very carefully selected cool position. In warmer regions, choose the coolest garden position available, provide afternoon shade, mulch well and avoid hot, exposed sites.

Features

• Classic Sarah Bernhardt Peony variety
• Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
• Large fully double blooms
• Light pink flower colour
• Bloom size approximately 18–20cm once established
• Strong, sweet fragrance
• Height approximately 60–100cm
• Flowers in mid to late spring
• Excellent cut flower variety
• Ideal for cottage gardens, borders and perennial beds
• Long-lived clump-forming perennial
• Cold hardy once established
• Supplied as a bare-root tuber packed in peat
• Pre-order item, expected around the end of July to August

Planting & Care

Plant Sarah Bernhardt 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 alkaline pH, ideally around 6.5–7.5. 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 no deeper than approximately 3cm below the soil surface. Planting too deeply is one of the most common reasons peonies fail to flower.

Space plants around 60cm apart to allow room for the clump to develop and to encourage good airflow.

Water well after planting, then keep the soil lightly and consistently moist during establishment and active growth. Avoid waterlogging.

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

Large double blooms may need support, especially during rain or windy weather. Use a peony ring, stake or plant support early in the season before the stems become too tall.

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

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, Sarah Bernhardt Peony flowers around October to November, depending on climate, chill hours and seasonal conditions.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
Common Name: Sarah Bernhardt Peony, Herbaceous Peony
Product Type: Bare-root perennial
Supplied As: Bare-root tuber packed in peat
Flower Colour: Light pink
Flower Form: Fully double blooms
Bloom Size: Approximately 18–20cm once established
Fragrance: Strong, sweet fragrance
Height: Approximately 60–100cm
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 6.5–7.5
Planting Depth: Buds no deeper than approximately 3cm below soil level
Spacing: Approximately 60cm apart
Watering: Moderate; keep moist during active growth without waterlogging
Frost Tolerance: Frost hardy
Climate: Best suited to cool and cool-temperate regions
Suitable Areas: VIC, TAS, ACT, SA, cooler NSW and cooler highland parts of QLD
End Use: Garden borders, cottage gardens, perennial beds, cut flowers, feature clumps
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 Sarah Bernhardt Peony?

Sarah Bernhardt is a classic herbaceous peony variety, botanically known as Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’. It is grown for its large, fragrant, double light-pink flowers.

What colour are Sarah Bernhardt Peony flowers?

Sarah Bernhardt produces soft light-pink, fully double blooms with a romantic, classic peony form.

Is Sarah Bernhardt Peony fragrant?

Yes. Sarah Bernhardt is known for its strong, sweet fragrance, making it excellent for cut flowers and fresh bouquets.

How large are the flowers?

Once established, the blooms can reach approximately 18–20cm across, depending on growing conditions.

How tall does Sarah Bernhardt Peony grow?

It generally grows around 60–100cm tall, depending on climate, soil and plant maturity.

When does Sarah Bernhardt 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 peonies?

Peonies perform best in cool and cool-temperate climates with enough winter chill. They are best suited to areas such as VIC, TAS, ACT, SA, cooler NSW and cooler highland parts of QLD.

Can Sarah Bernhardt 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 Sarah Bernhardt Peony need winter chill?

Yes. Peonies need winter chill to flower well. Without enough cold weather, plants may grow but flower poorly or not at all.

Can Sarah Bernhardt Peony grow in pots?

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

How deep should I plant peony roots?

Plant with the buds no deeper than approximately 3cm below the soil surface. Planting too deep can prevent flowering.

How far apart should I plant peonies?

Space plants around 60cm apart to allow room for the clump to develop.

Does Sarah Bernhardt Peony need staking?

Yes, support is recommended. The large double flowers can become heavy, especially after rain.

Is Sarah Bernhardt good for cut flowers?

Yes. Sarah Bernhardt is one of the most popular peonies for cut flowers due to its large blooms, fragrance and soft pink colour.

Will Sarah Bernhardt Peony come back each year?

Yes. In suitable climates, it is a long-lived herbaceous perennial that dies back in winter and returns each spring.

Should I cut peonies back?

Yes. Cut foliage back to ground level in autumn after it has naturally died 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.