Paeonia emodi

Paeonia emodi, the Himalayan peony, belongs to the peony family, Paeoniaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial from temperate parts of Asia. Its native range stretches from eastern Afghanistan to southwestern Xinjiang and western Nepal. It grows in forests and scrub, sometimes in groups. Wild plants occur at heights of 5,900–8,200 feet [1,800–2,500 metres].

This peony forms a bushy clump and loses its leaves each year. Garden plants reach 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. The RHS also describes flowering plants around 3.9 feet [1.2 metres] tall. The dark green leaves have a glossy surface and divided shape. Tall stems carry as many as four flowers each. These white, scented blooms open in spring. Each flower spans about 3–5 inches [8–12 centimetres]. Golden-yellow anthers stand out against the white petals. Plants take about two to five years to reach full size.

Grow it in sun or partial shade, with shelter from exposure. It needs deep, fertile soil with plenty of humus. Keep the soil moist while allowing excess water to drain. Clay, loam, and sandy soils can all suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. These ratings come from different systems and should be read separately.

Use it in flower beds, informal borders, or cottage gardens. It also suits woodland edges with sun or dappled shade. The flowers can be cut for indoor use. Remove spent blooms, then cut back dying foliage in autumn. Raise new plants from seed or divide established clumps. The RHS gives autumn and early spring as times for division. Watch for leaf and bud eelworms and swift moth larvae. Possible diseases include honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, and viral disease. Peony leaf blotch and peony wilt may also occur.

Plants For A Future records cooked young shoots as food. It also lists leaves among the edible parts. It records traditional medicinal uses for tubers, seeds, and dried flowers. Those records do not establish safe home use. Its hazard entry reports no known concerns, but RHS evidence flags harm. The supplied RHS extract flags human toxicity; its page identifies skin irritation in dogs and cats.