The American Peony Society, by way of awarding medalsand certificates, has long recognized exceptional peonies.The peonies in this section have been awarded with the APS Gold Medal and/or the Award of Landscape Merit. While the Gold Medal Awardhas always been considered the ultimate accolade, the latter one is given for superior ornamental value, overall appearance in the landscape and throughout the growing season, and reliable performance across North America.

No matter what the award given to these peonies, all peonies in this category are superior garden plants.