Types of Peonies That Smell Like Roses

Due to their gorgeous flowers and lovely scents, peonies are sometimes called “roses without thorns.” Some fragrant peonies even produce aromas similar to those of roses. In this article, we’ll explain which peonies smell like roses.

What Do Peonies Smell Like?

Many peonies produce lovely fragrances with various notes. Most peonies usually smell like roses with a refreshing floral smell. Some peonies have wonderful fruity or spicy fragrances.

Different peony cultivars produce varying strengths of fragrance. The strongest fragrances come from pink or white peonies or double peonies.

Peonies generally produce stronger scents in the morning rather than in the afternoon. Hot temperatures can prevent peonies from creating their fragrance. Some red or single-flower peony varieties may not produce any perfume at all.

What Peonies Smell Like Roses?

While most peonies smell like roses, some cultivars have particularly strong or clear rose-like fragrances. Most of these peonies are derived from the Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora), also known as the common garden peony. Here are some of the best peonies that smell like roses.

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Do Tell’ – These gorgeous peonies have soft pink anemone-like flowers and a mild rose fragrance. These mid-season peonies grow up to 3 feet tall.

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Eden’s Perfume’ – This peony variety has sumptuous light pin double blooms with a rosy scent. The petals may also be dark pink or creamy white. These peonies grow between 2.5 and 3 feet tall.

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Madame de Verneville’ – This sophisticated peony cultivar originated in France and produces white double blooms with red spots in the center. The flowers have a sweet scent similar to roses.

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Pillow Talk’ – These spectacular peonies have double pink flowers that can be up to 5 inches in diameter. These peonies grow between 2 and 3 feet high and produce a sweet rose-like fragrance.

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Vivid Rose’ – This peony cultivar dazzles with its bright pink double flowers with a strong rose fragrance. ‘Vivid Rose’ is a mid-season peony variety that makes excellent cut flowers.

Wrapping Up

Most peonies smell like roses, although some types have fruity or spicy scents. Peonies produce their most pungent fragrances in the morning. Most of the Chinese or common garden peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) have rose-like fragrances.