The trick to enjoying the same peonies for a lifetime is to start by planting large, top-quality root divisions. But finding such quality divisions has become increasingly difficult. Top varieties are frequently unavailable, and quite often only small field divisions are offered for sale.

That's why Breck's^® is especially pleased to be able to offer our gardening friends in Canada this particularly outstanding Historic Lifetime Peony Collection. Our Dutch experts have arranged with leading peony specialists to obtain three of their finest peony masterpieces—all ideal for planting in Canadian gardens.

Our historic peonies are the result of years of patient development. The big, healthy, 2–3 eye field divisions are easy to plant and require little care—a gardener's dream! Even if entirely neglected, your one-time garden investment will reward you with beautiful, fragrant blooms decade after decade.

In recognition of our 200th anniversary, we at Breck's^® are proud to offer our Historic Lifetime Peony Collection. These peony cultivars were first introduced to gardeners throughout the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Interest in peony breeding was intense during this time, producing a boom in the number of peonies entering the market. It's likely your grandparents grew one or more of these varieties in their own gardens.

The peonies in this collection are a one-time investment for a lifetime of beauty. In fact, no other plant gives so much with so little care. We've combined three of our most distinctive historic varieties to create this one-of-a-kind collection. Properly planted, your peonies will bloom faithfully every spring, even if entirely neglected!

About the time your tulips have finished, big flower buds will appear and your peonies will begin to bloom. One soft petal after another slowly breaks away from the tight, round bud until each massive bloom is 12–18 cm across and spreading its heavenly fragrance. Peonies also make delightful cut flowers— each beautiful bloom almost becomes a bouquet on its own. You'll love peonies for planting in those special spots where you want a dramatic floral show. They are excellent for open spaces among shrubs, at the edge of woodlands, as a backdrop for lower-growing flowers or along a foundation or fence. And what a delight to create a dramatic hedge all spring and summer along your walks and driveways. Plant your peonies 60–90 cm apart in full sun or partial shade. They're not at all fussy about soil!

Each of our Historic Lifetime Peony varieties is extremely hardy, growing and blooming with no special attention in zones 3–9. Even harsh winter weather is no problem. You and your family will enjoy a lifetime of delightful foliage and fragrant, latespring to early-summer blooms. And since roots can be divided again and again, a single planting may even provide beauty for several generations.

This collection includes one each of the following varieties: