Peony 'Dark Eyes'

Dark Eyes is a vigorous intersectional peony with deep green foliage and dark purple flowers that appear nearly black against their bright yellow centers. It grows as a substantial perennial for a sunny or lightly shaded border, with flowering that spans late spring into early summer. ## Flowers and placement The American Peony Society records Dark Eyes as an Itoh hybrid introduced by Laning in 1996. Its dark, medium-sized flowers and persistent green leaves give the plant strong contrast in a mixed border. The Royal Horticultural Society describes plants in this group as around 0.5–1 m tall and wide; mature size varies with site and growing conditions. [American Peony Society registry](https://americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry/dark-eyes/) · [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/383257/paeonia-dark-eyes-i/details) ## Growing conditions Choose full sun or partial shade and deep, rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates light shade but should not sit in waterlogged ground. Water to keep the root zone evenly moist while the plant establishes and during dry spells. ## Maintenance Remove faded flowers if desired, then cut the stems back after the foliage dies in autumn. Leave healthy foliage in place through the growing season and avoid disturbing an established plant unnecessarily.