Peony 'Joker'

‘Joker’ is an herbaceous hybrid peony listed by the American Peony Society as originating with Bockstoce / Landis / Allan Rogers in 2004. Its full-double flowers open dark pink, then develop a white center edged in pink; the cultivar blooms early to midseason, has very strong stems, reaches about 32 inches tall, and is not fragrant. [American Peony Society cultivar registry](https://americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry/joker/). ## Garden Use and Growing Conditions The changing flower pattern adds interest to a sunny perennial border, and the registry notes that the flowers are borne one to three per stem. Illinois Extension recommends full sun and moist, well-drained soil for peonies. Avoid planting the root crown too deeply or applying heavy fertilizer, both of which can reduce bloom. [University of Illinois Extension peony guide](https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/peony). ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry spells without leaving the soil waterlogged. Remove old foliage in early spring. The registry describes Joker’s stems as very strong, so staking is not indicated by that source.