Peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Peonies are garden royalty — enormous, fragrant, ruffled blooms in soft pinks, whites, and reds that are among the most prized cut flowers in the world. A single established plant can produce 30-50 blooms and live for 100+ years. They're the gift that keeps giving for generations. Nothing beats a peony in full bloom for sheer beauty.

Hardiness Zones

3-8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Low

Mature Size

2-3 ft H × 2-3 ft W

Growth Rate

Slow

Bloom Season

Late Spring - Early Summer

Bloom Color

Pink, White, Red, Coral, Yellow

Care Guide

Plant in fall with eyes (buds) NO MORE than 2 inches below soil surface — planted too deep = no blooms. Full sun, well-drained soil. Support heavy blooms with peony rings. Don't cut foliage until fall — it feeds next year's blooms. Requires winter chill (not ideal for zones 9+). Ants on buds are harmless.

Landscape Uses

BordersCut flower gardensFoundation plantingsSpecimen plantsCottage gardens

Best Growing Regions

northeastmidwestmountainwest

Great Companion Plants

Iris

SalviaSalvia nemorosa

CatmintNepeta × faassenii

BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens

Ornamental Grasses

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