An exceptional very-early peony, Athena is prized for both beauty and rarity. Large, single flowers open ivory white, each petal marked with a clear rose-pink flare at the base, drawing the eye toward a bold crown of golden stamens. The contrast is striking yet refined, giving the flower clarity and presence even from a distance. Strong, upright stems hold the blooms cleanly above the foliage without support. As a Saunders quad-hybrid—combining albiflora, officinalis, macrophylla, and mlokosewitschii—Athena carries both historical and genetic significance. It is surprisingly easy to grow for such a sophisticated plant and reliably announces the start of peony season.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Athena brings rarity, pedigree, and performance together in one plant. It blooms when little else is flowering, stands beautifully without fuss, and carries one of the most elegant color patterns among early peonies. For collectors and early-season enthusiasts, this is a cornerstone variety.