Peony Kansas - Peony Bulbs

About Kansas Peony Bulbs

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Kansas’
Breeder: Myron D. Bigger | Introduced: 1940 | Origin: Kansas, USA | Type: Herbaceous Double Peony | Hardiness: Zones 3–8

❤️ Bold, brilliant and unapologetically red—Kansas is one of America's great heirloom peonies.

Kansas produces large, fully double flowers in an extraordinary shade of clear ruby-red to deep watermelon red. Unlike many red peonies that develop cooler blue or purple tones as they mature, Kansas was specifically recognized for its remarkably clear color and ability to hold that color without significant fading.

Add strong stems, dependable flowering and an award-winning pedigree, and you've got a peony that's been proving itself in American gardens for more than 80 years.

🌸 Flower & Garden Details

Flower Color: Brilliant ruby to watermelon red
Flower Form: Large, fully double
Bloom: Large, densely petaled flowers
Bloom Season: Early to midseason
Foliage: Deep green
Habit: Upright, vigorous and dependable
Size: Approximately 30–36 inches tall × 30–36 inches wide
Stems: Strong and sturdy
Light: Full sun to light afternoon shade
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8
Cut Flower: Exceptional
Award: American Peony Society Gold Medal, 1957
Best Uses: Cutting gardens, perennial borders, cottage gardens, mass plantings and dramatic bouquets

🌾 A Peony Named for Home

Kansas was introduced in 1940 by Myron D. Bigger, an internationally respected peony breeder from Topeka, Kansas.

Before it had a name, Bigger simply knew the seedling as No. 2-35.

But the plant kept proving itself.

Its flowers were large.

Its stems were strong.

Its buds opened reliably.

And most importantly, its brilliant red color stayed remarkably clear instead of developing the bluish cast found in many red peonies.

Bigger eventually gave his standout seedling the most fitting name possible:

Kansas.

🏅 A Gold Medal American Peony

Kansas went on to become one of Bigger's most celebrated introductions.

It won the American Home Achievement Medal in 1942, was named Best Flower in Show in 1950 and Best Red in 1953.

Then, in 1957, the American Peony Society awarded Kansas its prestigious Gold Medal for outstanding performance across the country.

This wasn't simply a beautiful exhibition flower.

It was a peony that performed.

And more than eight decades after its introduction, gardeners are still planting it.

💛 Why Grace Rose Farm Loves It

Every cutting garden needs one really good red peony.

Kansas is ours.

The color has enough pink and watermelon in it to feel romantic rather than harsh, but it's still deep enough to create incredible contrast against white and blush flowers.

Pair Kansas with Charlie’s White for dramatic ruby and ivory.

Add Chestine Gowdy and suddenly you've got an entire bouquet of raspberry, blush, cream and red growing in the garden.

We also love that Kansas isn't simply another pretty peony.

It's an American-bred heirloom with a Gold Medal pedigree and more than 80 years of proven garden performance.

That's exactly the kind of plant worth passing along.

🌿 Planting & Care

Plant peony roots in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from intense heat.

Position the root so the eyes sit only about 1–2 inches below the finished soil surface. Avoid planting too deeply, which can delay or prevent flowering.

Space plants approximately 3 feet apart and water thoroughly after planting. Keep newly planted roots evenly moist during establishment, but avoid waterlogged soil.

Kansas develops strong stems, but those large double flowers can become heavy after rain. Mature plants may appreciate discreet support or a peony ring.

Once established, expect Kansas to become one of those perennial garden residents that can return and flower for decades.