Peony Lollipop (ITOH )

The Peony Lollipop, a delightful Itoh hybrid introduced in 1999 by the visionary breeder Roger F. Anderson, is a whimsical masterpiece that captures the playful spirit of its candy-inspired name through a burst of colorful surprises. This intersectional gem—born from the cross of herbaceous and tree peonies—unveils large, semi-double to fully double flowers spanning 6–8 inches across, set against a vibrant custard- or lemon-yellow canvas that's boldly streaked, striped, and splotched with vivid raspberry-red, magenta, and clear candy-red accents, evoking the joyful swirls of a classic lollipop under summer sun. No two blooms are exactly alike, with the variable patterning creating a kaleidoscope of eye-catching contrasts that shift and deepen in the light, surrounded by a luminous center of golden-yellow stamens for added drama and allure. The ruffled petals unfurl in a lush, rounded form that exudes a subtle, sweet fragrance with citrusy undertones. With up to 50 prolific flowers cascading over mature plants in a prolonged display lasting 3–4 weeks, 'Lollipop' turns any border into a cheerful spectacle of vibrant energy and unique charm.

The practical excellence of Peony Lollipop matches its festive aesthetics, offering gardeners a compact, low-maintenance performer that's as reliable as it is rewarding. Its sturdy, upright stems, reaching 60–80 cm and fortified by the woody resilience of its tree peony heritage, provide robust support for the generous blooms through rain, wind, or early heat without staking, ensuring a tidy, elevated show in USDA zones 3–9. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-drained soils, this hybrid establishes steadily with moderate watering but becomes exceptionally drought-tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases once mature, promising decades of carefree, perennializing beauty. The lush, finely divided dark green foliage—often emerging with rich red tinges in spring—forms a neat, mounding habit up to 75–90 cm wide, maintaining structural elegance through summer and subtly bronzing in autumn for year-round appeal. Perfect for sunny mixed borders, as a long-lasting cut flower with 7–10 days of vase life, or as a playful focal point in cottage or contemporary designs, 'Lollipop' infuses spaces with a sense of whimsical delight and radiant sophistication.

 
• Plant type: Intersectional (Itoh hybrid) Peony
 
• Color: Custard- to lemon-yellow streaked and striped with raspberry-red and magenta
 
• Plant height: 60–80 cm
 
• Flowering period: Medium-early (May–June)