Peonies, belonging to the genus Paeonia in the Paeoniaceae family, are cherished perennials and woody shrubs celebrated for their opulent blooms and lush foliage. With approximately 33 species, they are native to Asia, Europe, and western North America. Renowned for their longevity, peonies can thrive for decades, making them a staple in ornamental gardens. They come in two main types: herbaceous peonies, which die back annually, and tree peonies, which are woody shrubs with persistent stems.
Peonies typically grow 1–7 feet tall, forming bushy clumps or upright shrubs. Their leaves are deeply lobed, glossy, and usually dark green, sometimes emerging with reddish or bronze tints in spring, turning vibrant in fall. Herbaceous types have softer, more flexible stems, while tree peonies have woody, sturdy branches. The foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the flowers and adds seasonal interest.
The hallmark of peonies is their large, showy blooms, ranging from 3–12 inches wide, appearing in late spring to early summer. Flowers come in single, semi-double, double, or anemone forms, with colors including white, pink, red, coral, yellow, or purple, often with contrasting centers or stamens. Many emit a sweet, rose-like fragrance, making them prized for cut flowers and garden displays.
After blooming, peonies produce leathery, pod-like follicles that split open to reveal glossy, black or red seeds. In some species, the pods add ornamental value, especially in fall when they contrast with the foliage. While seeds are viable for propagation, they are slow to germinate, and most gardeners rely on divisions or grafts for faster establishment.
Peonies thrive in full sun to light shade, preferring rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). They are hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, tolerating cold winters but requiring a chilling period for optimal blooming. Deep planting and minimal disturbance are key, as peonies dislike being moved. Regular watering during establishment and mulching in winter ensure healthy growth.
Peonies are versatile in gardens, used in borders, mixed beds, or as focal points. Herbaceous peonies suit cottage or perennial gardens, while tree peonies add structure to shrub borders. Their blooms attract pollinators like bees, and their longevity makes them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. However, heavy flowers may require staking, and gardeners should monitor for botrytis blight in humid conditions. Their non-invasive nature makes them a reliable, long-term investment for beauty.
Varieties of Peony (Paeonia)
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
This herbaceous peony, growing 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a bushy clump of glossy, dark green, deeply lobed leaves. Its large, double, soft pink flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in late spring to early summer, with a delicate fragrance and ruffled petals. The sturdy stems support the blooms, making it ideal for borders or cutting gardens.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’
A herbaceous cultivar, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with lush, dark green, divided leaves. Its anemone-form flowers, 6–8 inches across, bloom in early summer, featuring vibrant pink outer petals surrounding a creamy-yellow center of petaloids, creating a striking contrast. This vigorous plant is perfect for mixed borders.
Paeonia officinalis (Common Peony)
This herbaceous species, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has deep green, lobed leaves that turn reddish in fall. Its single, cup-shaped flowers, 4–5 inches wide, bloom in late spring, typically in deep red or pink with golden stamens, exuding a mild fragrance. It’s a classic choice for cottage gardens.
Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony)
A woody shrub, 3–5 feet tall and wide, with attractive, deeply cut, blue-green leaves. Its massive, single to double flowers, 8–12 inches wide, bloom in late spring in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow, often with darker basal blotches. A focal point in mixed borders, it requires minimal pruning.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’
This herbaceous peony, 2–3 feet tall and wide, features glossy, dark green foliage. Its semi-double flowers, 6–7 inches across, open coral-peach in early summer, fading to creamy yellow, with a subtle fragrance. The sturdy stems make it excellent for cut flowers or sunny borders.
Paeonia tenuifolia (Fernleaf Peony)
A compact herbaceous species, 1–2 feet tall and wide, with fine, fern-like, needle-like green leaves. Its single, crimson-red flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in early spring, showcasing bright yellow stamens. Its delicate foliage and early blooms suit rock gardens or front borders.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’
Growing 2–3 feet tall and wide, this herbaceous cultivar has dark green, divided leaves. Its large, double, white flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in early summer with crimson flecks at the petal bases, emitting a strong, sweet fragrance. It’s a timeless choice for classic gardens.
Paeonia mlokosewitschii (Molly-the-Witch)
This herbaceous species, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has bluish-green, rounded leaves that emerge reddish in spring. Its single, lemon-yellow flowers, 4–5 inches wide, bloom in early spring with a subtle fragrance and golden stamens. Ideal for woodland gardens, it’s a rare, eye-catching addition.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’: A robust herbaceous peony, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with glossy, dark green foliage. Its double, crimson-red flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in early summer, offering a rich, velvety hue and mild fragrance. Its strong stems make it perfect for borders or as a cut flower.
Paeonia obovata
This herbaceous species, 1.5–2 feet tall and wide, has broad, oval, green leaves with a slight glaucous sheen. Its single, cup-shaped flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in late spring in white or soft pink, with yellow stamens and a faint scent. Red seed pods add fall interest, ideal for naturalistic gardens.
Paeonia ‘Itoh Bartzella’
An Itoh (intersectional) hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with sturdy stems and lush, dark green, lobed leaves. Its large, semi-double to double, lemon-yellow flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in late spring to early summer with red central flares and a sweet fragrance. Perfect for mixed beds or containers.
Paeonia delavayi
A tree peony species, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with deeply cut, dark green leaves tinged reddish when young. Its single, nodding, maroon or reddish-purple flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in late spring, with golden stamens and a subtle scent. It’s a dramatic choice for shrub borders.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Duchesse de Nemours’
This herbaceous cultivar, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has glossy, dark green foliage. Its double, creamy-white flowers, 6–7 inches wide, bloom in early summer with a strong, sweet fragrance and a hint of yellow at the center. It’s a favorite for elegant borders or bouquets.
Paeonia anomala
A herbaceous species, 1.5–2 feet tall and wide, with finely divided, dark green leaves. Its single, deep pink to red flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in early spring with bright yellow stamens and a mild fragrance. Its compact size and early flowering make it ideal for rock or woodland gardens.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Krinkled White’
This herbaceous peony, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a bushy clump of glossy, dark green, lobed leaves. Its single, pure white flowers, 5–6 inches wide, bloom in early summer with crinkled petals and a bright yellow center of stamens, exuding a light fragrance. Ideal for borders or cutting gardens, its airy look suits mixed plantings.
Paeonia ‘Itoh Cora Louise’
An Itoh hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with sturdy stems and deeply cut, dark green leaves. Its semi-double, 6–8-inch flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, displaying white petals with soft lavender-pink bases and yellow centers, with a mild fragrance. This robust plant is perfect for containers or focal points.
Paeonia veitchii
A herbaceous species, 1–2 feet tall and wide, with finely divided, fern-like, green leaves. Its single, magenta-pink flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in early spring, featuring golden stamens and a subtle scent. Compact and early-flowering, it’s well-suited for rock gardens or woodland edges.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Red Charm’
This herbaceous cultivar, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has glossy, dark green foliage. Its large, double, deep red flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in early summer with a bomb-type form, tightly packed petals, and a faint fragrance. Its bold color makes it a standout in borders or as a cut flower.
Paeonia suffruticosa ‘High Noon’
A tree peony, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with blue-green, deeply lobed leaves. Its semi-double, lemon-yellow flowers, 8–10 inches wide, bloom in late spring with red basal flares and a sweet fragrance. The woody stems and large blooms make it a striking focal point in shrub borders.
Paeonia ostii
A tree peony species, 3AGENDA 3–5 feet tall and wide, with dark green, divided leaves. Its single, white flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in early spring, often with pinkish tones and yellow stamens, and a mild scent. Ideal for mixed borders, it adds an airy elegance.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’
Growing 2–3 feet tall and wide, this herbaceous peony has lush, dark green foliage. Its semi-double, coral-pink flowers, 6–7 inches wide, bloom in early summer, fading to soft pink, with a light fragrance and yellow centers. Its vibrant color suits sunny borders or cutting gardens.
Paeonia japonica
This herbaceous species, 1.5–2 feet tall and wide, has glossy, dark green, deeply lobed leaves. Its single, white to pale pink flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in late spring with yellow stamens and a delicate fragrance. Compact and shade-tolerant, it’s perfect for woodland or shade gardens.
Paeonia ‘Itoh Garden Treasure’
An Itoh hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with sturdy stems and dark green, lobed leaves. Its semi-double, golden-yellow flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in late spring to early summer with red central markings and a sweet scent. This vigorous plant is ideal for mixed beds or containers.
Paeonia emodi
A herbaceous species, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with soft green, divided leaves. Its single, pure white flowers, 4–5 inches wide, bloom in early spring with golden stamens and a mild fragrance. The plant’s graceful form and early blooms make it a lovely choice for borders or naturalized areas.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sorbet’
This herbaceous cultivar, 2–3 feet tall and wide, features glossy, dark green leaves. Its double, 5–6-inch flowers bloom in early summer, with layers of pink and creamy-white petals, resembling a dessert, and a light fragrance. Its compact form is great for borders or cutting.
Paeonia rockii (Rock’s Peony)
A tree peony, 5–7 feet tall and wide, with large, deeply cut, blue-green leaves. Its semi-double, white to pale pink flowers, 8–10 inches wide, bloom in late spring with dark purple basal blotches and a sweet scent. A majestic shrub for mixed borders or as a specimen plant.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Do Tell’
A herbaceous peony, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with dark green, lobed foliage. Its anemone-form flowers, 5–6 inches wide, bloom in early summer with soft pink outer petals and a creamy-pink center of petaloids, lightly fragrant. Perfect for adding soft elegance to borders.
Paeonia peregrina
This herbaceous species, 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide, has glossy, dark green leaves. Its single, deep red to scarlet flowers, 4–5 inches wide, bloom in late spring with bright yellow stamens and a faint scent. Its bold color and compact size suit rock gardens or front borders.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Moonstone’
This herbaceous peony, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a bushy clump of glossy, dark green, lobed leaves. Its double, blush-pink to creamy-white flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in early summer with a soft, rose-like fragrance and pale yellow centers. The sturdy stems make it ideal for borders or as a cut flower in elegant arrangements.
Paeonia ‘Itoh Morning Lilac’
An Itoh hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with strong stems and deeply cut, dark green leaves. Its semi-double, 6–7-inch flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, showcasing vibrant fuchsia-purple petals with creamy-yellow streaks and a mild fragrance. This vigorous plant is perfect for mixed beds or containers.
Paeonia mascula (Coral Peony)
This herbaceous species, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has glossy, dark green, divided leaves that emerge with a reddish tint. Its single, cup-shaped, coral-red to pink flowers, 4–5 inches wide, bloom in late spring with golden stamens and a subtle scent. It’s well-suited for woodland gardens or naturalized borders.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’
Growing 2–3 feet tall and wide, this herbaceous cultivar has lush, dark green foliage. Its double, 6–8-inch flowers bloom in early summer, transitioning from pale pink to pure white, with a sweet fragrance. Its compact form and classic beauty make it a favorite for cottage gardens or cutting.
Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Renkaku’
A tree peony, 3–5 feet tall and wide, with blue-green, deeply lobed leaves. Its large, semi-double, pure white flowers, 8–10 inches wide, bloom in late spring with golden stamens and a delicate fragrance. This woody shrub is a stunning focal point for shrub borders or mixed plantings.
Paeonia wittmanniana
This herbaceous species, 2–3 feet tall and wide, features soft green, rounded leaves with a glaucous sheen. Its single, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers, 4–5 inches wide, bloom in early spring with yellow stamens and a faint scent. Its early flowering suits rock gardens or woodland settings.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Big Ben’
A herbaceous peony, 2–3.5 feet tall and wide, with glossy, dark green leaves. Its double, deep crimson flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in early summer with a strong, sweet fragrance. The robust stems support the heavy blooms, making it ideal for borders or as a bold cut flower.
Paeonia ‘Itoh Scarlet Heaven’
An Itoh hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with sturdy stems and dark green, lobed foliage. Its single to semi-double, 6–7-inch flowers bloom in late spring, displaying vivid scarlet-red petals with yellow centers and a light fragrance. Perfect for sunny beds or as a container specimen.
Paeonia caucasica
This herbaceous species, 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide, has glossy, dark green, divided leaves. Its single, magenta-red flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in early spring with bright yellow stamens and a mild scent. Its compact size and vibrant color make it suitable for rock gardens or front borders.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Kansas’
Growing 2–3 feet tall and wide, this herbaceous cultivar has dark green, glossy foliage. Its large, double, watermelon-red flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in early summer with a mild fragrance. The sturdy stems and bold color make it a standout in borders or cutting gardens.
Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shima Nishiki’
A tree peony, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with deeply cut, blue-green leaves. Its semi-double, 8–10-inch flowers bloom in late spring, featuring red petals with white streaks and golden stamens, with a sweet fragrance. This shrub adds dramatic flair to mixed borders.
Paeonia brownii
A herbaceous species, 1–2 feet tall and wide, with thick, dark green, deeply lobed leaves. Its single, nodding, reddish-brown to maroon flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in early spring with yellow stamens and a subtle scent. Its unique color and compact form suit rock or alpine gardens.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Gardenia’
This herbaceous peony, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has glossy, dark green leaves. Its double, creamy-white flowers, 6–7 inches wide, bloom in early summer with a blush-pink center and a strong, gardenia-like fragrance. Ideal for borders or as a fragrant cut flower.
Paeonia ‘Itoh Yellow Crown’
An Itoh hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with robust stems and dark green, divided foliage. Its semi-double, 6–8-inch flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, displaying bright yellow petals with red basal flares and a sweet scent. A vibrant choice for beds or containers.