Shirley Temple Peony Bare Root | Paeonia lactiflora – Soft Pink to White Double Blooms

Bring soft romance and classic cottage garden charm to cool-climate gardens with Shirley Temple Peony, a beautiful herbaceous peony variety known for its large double blooms that open soft shell-pink and gradually fade to creamy white. With its layered flower form, gentle fragrance and elegant colour change, Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’ is a stunning choice for garden borders, perennial beds and fresh cut flower arrangements.

Shirley Temple produces beautifully rounded, double blooms with delicate petals arranged in soft whorls. The flowers begin with a blush pink tone before maturing to pale cream or white, giving the plant a graceful two-toned effect through the flowering period.

This long-lived herbaceous perennial forms a compact clump over time, dying back in winter before returning each spring in suitable cool-climate gardens. Once established, it can provide a reliable seasonal display for many years, especially where it receives enough winter chill.

Supplied as a bare-root tuber packed in peat, Shirley Temple 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. Shirley Temple 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

• Classic Shirley Temple Peony variety
• Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’
• Large double blooms
• Opens soft shell-pink, fading to creamy white
• Beautiful layered flower form
• Light to moderate fragrance
• Height approximately 60–100cm
• Flowers around October to November in suitable Australian climates
• Excellent cut flower variety
• Ideal for cottage gardens, borders and perennial beds
• Compact clump-forming habit
• Frost tolerant and cold hardy once established
• Water-wise 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 Shirley Temple 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 or neutral 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 no deeper than approximately 3–5cm below the soil surface. Planting too deeply is one of the most common reasons peonies fail to flower.

Space plants around 90cm to 1m apart where possible to allow airflow and give the clump room to develop.

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 early 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 started to die back, cut stems down close to ground level and remove old foliage to help reduce disease issues such as botrytis.

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

Flowering Time

Flowering: Mid to late spring.

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

Product Details

Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’
Common Name: Shirley Temple Peony, Herbaceous Peony
Product Type: Bare-root perennial
Supplied As: Bare-root tuber packed in peat
Flower Colour: Shell-pink fading to creamy white
Flower Form: Large double blooms
Fragrance: Light to moderate 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 6.5–7.0
Planting Depth: Buds no deeper than approximately 3–5cm below soil level
Spacing: Approximately 90cm to 1m apart where possible
Watering: Moderate during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Water Wise: Yes, once established
Frost Tolerance: Frost tolerant
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 borders, cottage gardens, perennial clumps, cut flowers, formal gardens
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 Shirley Temple Peony?

Shirley Temple is a herbaceous peony variety, botanically known as Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’. It is grown for its large double blooms that open soft pink and fade to creamy white.

What colour are Shirley Temple Peony flowers?

The flowers open shell-pink and gradually fade to creamy white as they mature.

Is Shirley Temple Peony fragrant?

Yes. Shirley Temple has a light to moderate fragrance, making it suitable for garden enjoyment and cut flower arrangements.

How tall does Shirley Temple Peony grow?

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

When does Shirley Temple 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 and cooler parts of NSW.

Can Shirley Temple 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 Shirley Temple Peony need winter chill?

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

Can Shirley Temple Peony grow in pots?

Yes, but it can be more challenging. Use a deep pot, rich free-draining soil, regular feeding and ensure the plant receives enough winter chill.

How deep should I plant peony roots?

Plant with the buds no deeper than approximately 3–5cm below the soil surface. Planting too deeply can prevent flowering.

How far apart should I plant peonies?

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

Does Shirley Temple Peony need staking?

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

Is Shirley Temple good for cut flowers?

Yes. Shirley Temple is excellent for cut flowers, with soft romantic blooms that work beautifully in bouquets and floral arrangements.

Will Shirley Temple 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.

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 peonies 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.