Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt‘ is a timeless garden favorite, prized for its large, fully double, soft pink blooms with ruffled petals and a sweet fragrance. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this heirloom peony reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and provides a classic look in cottage gardens, borders, and perennial plantings.

Its strong stems make it ideal for cut flower arrangements, while its long lifespan ensures decades of dependable performance. However, Sarah Bernhardt Peony is not a native species, and while it supports some pollinators during bloom, native plants offer greater ecological benefits.

Why Choose Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’?

• Large, fragrant double blooms in a soft, romantic pink

• Excellent cut flower with long vase life

• Long-lived and reliable with low maintenance needs

Cultivating Tips

• Prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soils

• Water regularly during dry spells

• Cut back foliage in fall and deadhead blooms after flowering

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Ideal for classic borders, cottage gardens, and cut flower beds

• Use in mass plantings or as a single specimen for dramatic effect

• Pair with native flowering plants to balance ornamental and ecological goals

Ecological Benefits

• Provides nectar for some pollinators during bloom period

• Non-native species offering minimal wildlife value

• Native alternatives provide stronger support for pollinators and biodiversity

Since Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ 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 blooms attract hummingbirds and bees

• Allium cernuum – Lady’s Leek: Graceful lavender flowers support pollinators and add vertical interest

• Rudbeckia fulgida – Black-Eyed Susan: Golden blooms feed pollinators and birds throughout the season