Paeonia lactiflora ‘Raspberry Sundae‘, commonly known as Raspberry Sundae Peony, is a beloved perennial known for its lush, fragrant double blooms in creamy pink and blush tones. Reminiscent of scoops of raspberry and vanilla ice cream, the flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are held on sturdy stems perfect for cutting.

Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this long-lived herbaceous peony thrives in sunny borders and cottage gardens. While it adds a romantic, old-fashioned charm to the landscape, Raspberry Sundae Peony is not a native species, and native plants provide much stronger support for local pollinators and wildlife.

Why Choose Paeonia lactiflora ‘Raspberry Sundae’?

• Fragrant, double pink blooms offer a show-stopping late-spring display

• Excellent cut flower with long vase life and strong stems

• Long-lived perennial that returns reliably year after year

Cultivating Tips

• Prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil

• Water consistently during establishment; tolerates some drought when mature

• Remove spent blooms and cut back foliage in fall

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Perfect for perennial borders, cutting gardens, and cottage-style plantings

• Use as a feature plant or massed for soft, romantic color

• Combine with native plants to support pollinators and balance the planting

Ecological Benefits

• Offers some pollinator value during bloom

• Non-native species with limited benefit to native wildlife

• Native alternatives offer superior support for biodiversity

Since Paeonia lactiflora ‘Raspberry Sundae’ is not a native species, here are three native alternatives available at Bumbee’s that provide ecological benefits:

• Aquilegia canadensis – Wild Columbine: Red and yellow spring flowers attract hummingbirds and early pollinators

• Allium cernuum – Lady’s Leek: Lavender-pink summer blooms support pollinators and add delicate texture

• Rudbeckia fulgida – Black-Eyed Susan: Bright yellow daisy-like flowers bloom for weeks and feed pollinators and seed-eating birds