Nippon Beauty is a Japanese-form peony: a single ring of deep red petals surrounds a dense central tuft of golden staminodes, a simpler, more graceful look than the big double bombs, and one that stands up to rain without collapsing. Blooms arrive in late spring on 2 to 3 foot plants.

Japanese forms are a smart pick for Birmingham peony growers because the lighter blooms need no staking. Plant the roots barely an inch deep in morning sun and afternoon shade, in well-drained soil. Leave the foliage until fall, and give it a season or two to hit full stride.