Characteristics

Paeonia ‘King’s Ransom’ steps forward early in the season, its rich red petals opening wide to reveal a centre of upright golden stamens — like a crown revealed at first light. The semi-double blooms are full yet never heavy, structured in balanced tiers that rest confidently on strong, upright stems. No side buds means each plant commits its energy to a single, showstopping flower per stem — ideal for growers who value predictability and visual impact in equal measure. With very high productivity and normal length, this variety performs cleanly and early.

Origin KING’S RANSOM Peony

Bred in 1952, ‘King’s Ransom’ belongs to a lineage of hybrids designed for reliability and field performance. It emerged in an era when peony breeders sought structure, strength, and earlier flowering — qualities that still resonate with professional growers today. A true hybrid, it draws on both cultivated refinement and species resilience, delivering early colour where other varieties are still waiting for warmth. Its endurance is a mark of thoughtful breeding: not overdone, just effective.

HYBRID

Hybrid peonies like ‘King’s Ransom’ are engineered for output. The variety exhibits early bloom time, strong flower-to-stem proportion, and a controlled, singular bud system. Its semi-double form holds shape even through inconsistent spring weather — a subtle but crucial trait for maintaining visual and commercial value. This peony is not flamboyant; it is focused, deliberate, and bred to work.

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