Perennial
Chinese peony
Paeonia lactiflora
A long-lived herbaceous perennial with large, often fragrant early-summer flowers. It dies back in winter and prefers fertile, well-drained soil; planting the crown too deeply can reduce flowering.
- Size
- 0.5–1 m high · 0.5–1 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Hardy
- Seasonal form
- Dies back
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Set the crown shallowly; avoid burying the buds under deep soil or mulch.
- Plant material may irritate the skin of dogs and cats; keep it away from pets.
Why choose it
- Large flowers bring a seasonal focal point to perennial borders.
Care
- Water during dry growth periods without leaving the soil waterlogged.
- Support heavy flowers when necessary and cut away dead foliage in autumn.
Good to know
- Cultivars differ in colour, flower form and size; this is a herbaceous peony, not a tree peony.