Many semidouble and double tree peonies are fragrant. Scents tend to be sweet, spicy or a combination of the two. These delightful shrubs are cold-hardy in zones 4 to 9. Grow them under a window you keep open in spring so it floats in for your enjoyment. Don’t worry if your double flower produces singles the first few seasons — it can take up to five years for these shrubs to produce mature blooms. Even after that, plants may occasionally produce one that’s different. Here are just a few fragrant tree peonies:
‘Color of Eternity’ 8-in. double lavender-pink blooms; strong, sweet fragrance; 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide
‘Multi-Colored Butterfly’ (in photo) 7- to 8-in. semidouble pink blooms with deep red flares; spicy, sweet scent; 2½ to 3 ft. tall and wide
‘Silver Waves on a Magenta Ocean’ 8- to 10-in. double purple-violet blooms; spicy, sweet scent; 4 to 5 ft. tall and wide
‘Sweet Green Ball’ 8-in. double green blooms; strong, spicy, sweet scent; 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide
