‘Prof. Sargent’ is an old japonica dating to the early 1900s, bearing dark red, full peony-form blooms in late winter — vigorous and upright, and one of the hardier choices for our winters.

Morning sun or high shade with afternoon protection suits it best, in acidic, well-drained soil with a good mulch layer. It grows into a strong specimen plant, handsome against a backdrop of evergreens or on the north side of the house.