Paeonia ‘First Arrival’ (Itoh Peony)

Regarded by some gardeners as one of the best Itoh Peonies, Itoh Peony ‘First Arrival’ is also one of the earliest Intersectional Peonies to bloom. Magnificent, it boasts large, lavender-pink, semi-double blossoms, up to 8 in. across (20 cm), with reddish-purple flares at the base of each petal. Rose-scented, the flowers are heavily flushed with magenta but gradually fade as the flower ages. Borne in profusion (expect 30 to 40 blooms!), the blooms are well presented above the lush foliage, on strong, erect stems. Vigorous and free-flowering, ‘First Arrival’ is perfect for cutting or the perennial border! 

• This midseason peony will flower in late spring – early summer for 2 weeks (up to 4 weeks in cool weather areas) thanks to the many side buds which open in sequence. 
• Makes excellent cut flowers with a long vase life (over a week) if cut in the bud. Enjoy a magnificent bouquet of yellow peonies at home!
• Reliable and vigorous, this Itoh peony grows in a compact but widely spreading bush of glossy, dark green foliage. Reaches up to 28 in. in height (70 cm) and up to 4 ft. in spread (120 cm). The foliage remains attractive throughout summer until late fall.
• Enjoys full sun or part shade in rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Peony plants grow best in full sun but will tolerate some light afternoon shade. Provide a sheltered location. Staking may be required as the large peony flowers tend to arch toward the ground and may be driven to the ground by a hard rain.
• Deer and rabbit resistant but attractive to butterflies!
• Virtually pest free. Watch for honey fungus and peony wilt.
• Very useful and adaptable in the garden. Perfect as a specimen plant and in groups for borders and beds, city gardens, or cottage gardens. Ideal for bordering a walk or driveway and as an informal hedge. Plant your peonies away from trees or shrubs as peonies don’t like to compete for food and moisture. The enchanting peony flower combines beautifully with roses, bearded irises, and other perennials in striking color combinations.
• Low maintenance. Remove spent flowers as they fade, then cut back the plant after the foliage has died down in the fall. Long-lived (peonies may live up to 50 years!), the plants do not need to be divided and can be left undisturbed for years. Peonies do not respond well to transplanting, so choose your planting location carefully.
• The best time to plant peonies is in early fall, so they will have time to become established in the soil before winter. They do not flower during the first year of planting and may take up to two years to produce their showy, fragrant blooms.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses. All parts of the plant may cause stomach discomfort if consumed.
• Itoh Peonies are hybrids produced by crossing a tree peony with an herbaceous peony. These peonies produce up to 50 or more huge flowers on sturdy short stems that do not require staking. They generally bloom after the herbaceous peonies for 3-4 weeks. Excellent as cut flowers, they are valued for their terrific array of yellow and gold colors, which are not widely available in herbaceous peonies. These plants have the lovely leaf form of the tree peonies but die to the ground in the winter like herbaceous peonies. Strong and healthy, with a nice rounded bush form, they are typically shorter than most bush peonies. Growing up to 2.5 ft. (75 cm) tall by about 3 ft. wide (90 cm), their compact form and lovely shape allow them to be placed at the front of the border.