Peony 'Shawnee Chief'

Paeonia 'Shawnee Chief' is a Lactiflora peony introduced by Bigger in 1940, with double dark-red flowers and sturdy stems. The American Peony Society and Kansas Roots describe it as a vigorous, midseason bloomer with long stems suited to cutting. [American Peony Society](https://americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry/shawnee-chief/) · [Kansas Roots](https://www.kansasroots.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantdetail/plant_id/611/whichname/common/index.htm) ## Garden Interest Expect a clump about 30–36 inches tall and 24–36 inches wide, with green foliage that remains attractive after the flowers fade. Plant it in a sunny perennial border or use several plants together where the flowering stems can be enjoyed in the garden and brought indoors as cut flowers. Kansas Roots lists USDA zones 3–8. ## Siting and Care Peonies grow best in a sunny site with moist, well-drained soil. Give the clump room for air circulation and avoid moving it once established unless division is needed. Its strong stems are noted in the peony registry, though heavy rain can still weigh down large double flowers. ## Maintenance Remove faded flowers if you want a tidy display, and cut back old herbaceous stems after they die back in fall. Taller peonies may need support; install it early in spring before the foliage has fully opened. Keep watering at soil level during dry spells and avoid leaving the crown in saturated soil.