The Beauty and History of Peonies in Santa Barbara

The Beautiful Peonies of Santa Barbara

Peonies are a beloved flower known for their lush, full blooms and lovely scent. Though peonies grow best in cooler climates, fields of these flowers can still be found thriving during the springtime throughout Santa Barbara County and beyond, bringing joy and beauty wherever they bloom.

A Brief History of Peonies

Peonies have a long history that traces back thousands of years. Often referred to as the "king of flowers" in Chinese culture, peonies have been growing across China and other parts of Asia for millennia. Over the centuries, these flowers have come to symbolize honor, prosperity, and good fortune.

Though native to Asia and Europe, settlers and immigrants brought peony seeds and roots with them to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Out west, Spanish missionaries planted some of the first peonies in California. Today these flowers can be found growing across much of Santa Barbara county and the Central Coast every spring.

Perfect Growing Conditions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is world-renowned for its beautiful Mediterranean climate and idyllic scenery. With its abundant sunshine, moderate temperatures year-round, rich soils, and proper winter chilling, most areas of Santa Barbara County provide near-perfect growing conditions for peonies and other flowers.

Though peonies require cooler winters to bloom properly, the coastal valleys and foothills of Santa Barbara feature some chillier microclimates that allow peony buds and tubers to get just enough winter vernalization to bloom beautifully each spring. The result is gorgeous peony displays that attract both residents and visitors alike.

Where to Find Peonies around Santa Barbara

From vast seas of peonies grown on local flower farms to single specimens flowering in gardens around Santa Barbara County, you don’t have to go far to find these beautiful blossoms during the springtime. Here is just a small sampling of places you can enjoy peonies locally:

• Flower farms in Carpinteria and Goleta with fields in vibrant bloom each April and May
• The Santa Barbara County Courthouse sunken gardens
• U-pick flower farms in the Goleta and Los Alamos valleys
• Local nurseries, florists, and weekend flower markets selling peonies
• Backyards and gardens around Montecito, Hope Ranch, Mission Canyon and other parts of Santa Barbara
• Peony lanes with dozens of different varieties on display
• Seasonal salads and dishes featuring peony petals at local restaurants

Popular Varieties Grown in Santa Barbara

From frilly, lush double blooms to single, simple flowers, dozens of peony varieties can be found thriving in Santa Barbara County. Here are a few beautiful types you may spot around town:

• Coral Charm - Gorgeous semi-double blooms in a vibrant coral hue
• Karl Rosenfield - Classic bright red double blooms with ruffled petals
• Sarah Bernhardt - Stunning pink double flowers on sturdy stems
• Bowl of Beauty - Japanese peony with large magenta flowers and yellow centers
• Raspberry Sundae - Creamy white petals with vibrant pink-red centers

How to Grow Peonies

Have dreams of filling your own Santa Barbara garden with peonies? Though getting these iconic flowers established takes some patience and work, anyone can learn how to successfully grow peonies by following some key tips:

Pick the Right Spot

Choose a planting area that gets plenty of sun - peonies need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Make sure your soil drains well and has compost or aged manure worked into it. Peonies don’t do well with “wet feet”.

Buy Healthy Roots

Seek out roots that still have some pink buds on them, a sign they are vigorous. Local nurseries will offer bare root peonies in late fall and early spring. Order from reputable mail order suppliers for even more variety options.

Give Them Extra Chilling

To trigger the most flowers, potted peonies or freshly planted roots benefit from some added winter vernalization. Place bare roots in your fridge for 6-8 weeks before planting them out, or bury pots to overwinter them in the ground.

Have Realistic Expectations

It takes 3 years for most peonies to settle in and show their full potential. But the wait is worth it when those lush, romantic blooms perfume your garden every spring!

The Ultimate Spring Flower

With their beauty, grace, and delightful fragrance, it’s easy to see why peonies have been revered for centuries around the world. Santa Barbara County provides near-ideal growing conditions for peonies, making it possible for gardeners and flower lovers alike to enjoy these iconic spring flowers. From flower farms filled with acre after acre of vibrant peonies to single potted plants flowering in neighborhood gardens, keep your eyes peeled this spring to catch sight of these queens of the blossoms thriving around Santa Barbara and beyond.

FAQs

Where are the best places to see peonies blooming in Santa Barbara?

Some of the top spots include the flower fields in Carpinteria and Goleta, the Santa Barbara Courthouse sunken gardens, u-pick peony farms in the Goleta and Los Alamos Valleys, local nurseries and weekend flower markets, and private gardens around Santa Barbara County.

What is the best time to view peonies in Santa Barbara?

The peak peony bloom season around Santa Barbara runs from early April through late May. For the biggest floral displays, visit during April and early May.

What are some popular peony varieties grown in the area?

Some renowned peony varieties grown locally include Coral Charm, Karl Rosenfield, Sarah Bernhardt, Bowl of Beauty and Raspberry Sundae.

How can I grow peonies successfully in my Santa Barbara garden?

Key tips include choosing a sunny spot with well-draining soil, buying healthy bare root divisions in fall or early spring, giving roots extra chill time before planting, and having realistic expectations about the time it takes peonies to mature and bloom.