I'm sure I have the tag for this guy somewhere...And I know the cultivar plays a lot of importance for questions

Purchased as a bold red (believe me I don't trust tags for color anymore) and planted 3 years ago. Probably came in a 4 or 6" pot.

It's come a long way. Multiple buds, pleasant mild scent, and peak height would be 30" if it weren't so droopy. I actually wish I had put a tomato cage around it when it started to show...No heavy wind or storms and gently watered.

*Assuming* this droopy condition to be age related and something that will correct itself as it matures more?

I would guess that it needs support. I buy 54" tomato cages and cut then in half. I use the large ring half to support my Peonies.

Thanks Frank!

I'm more accustomed to ancient peonies closer to my age and I figure this won't be so "leggy" as it ages? I rigged some bamboo stakes for the time being but next year it gets a cage! I'm surprised that I actually like it. Years of mowing for a living, I hated pulling away from a cut after the peonies had been beat up with a soaker. Petals everywhere, just too much for a perfectionist to deal with. Homeowners didn't care, it was just me. Most lawn crews don't give a hoot one way or the other either. Not the flower or the job, just a pet peeve of my very own.

Years have taken their toll and my "perfectionism" has been redefined. I'm still picky and peony debris is a no-win situation. Blower or rake, you'll just make it worse!

I did make sure to plant this one away from the mow zone.