🌸 Itoh Peony 'Magical Mystery Tour' – Overview

Type: Itoh (intersectional) peony
Scientific Name: Paeonia × Itoh 'Magical Mystery Tour'
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4–9
Height & Spread: 26–30 inches tall, 30–36 inches wide
Growth Habit: Bushy and rounded

🌼 Flower Characteristics

• Color: Blooms open a creamy yellow with blushes of pink, peach, and raspberry — sometimes all on the same bloom or plant. The colors evolve as the flowers age, creating a constantly shifting display.

• Size: Large blooms (typically 6–8 inches)

• Fragrance: Mild to moderately fragrant

• Bloom Duration: Extended bloom period compared to herbaceous types

🌿 Foliage & Growth

• Foliage: Deep green, deeply lobed, and remains attractive throughout the season

• Stem Strength: Very sturdy – holds heavy flowers without flopping

• Dieback: Dies back to the ground in winter like herbaceous peonies

🌞 Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade (minimum 6 hours direct sun)

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil; neutral to slightly acidic

• Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy; established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant

💡 Care Tips

• Mulch: Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature

• Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring when growth begins

• Deadheading: Not strictly necessary, but spent blooms can be removed for tidiness

• Winter Care: Cut back dead foliage in late fal