Paeonia lactiflora aka Common Garden Peony

Paeonia lactiflora is the Chinese peony, a member of Paeoniaceae. This perennial grows in temperate parts of Asia. Its native range includes Siberia, Mongolia, China and Korea. Wild plants grow on stony slopes and beside rivers. They also grow in woods, grasslands and at woodland edges. Gardeners in China have grown it since the seventh century. It reached North America in the nineteenth century.

The plant forms an upright clump of leafy stems. It looks like a small shrub but dies back. Garden plants stand about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre) tall. Their spread falls within the same range. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a narrower height range of 1.7–2.5 feet (0.51–0.76 metres). The stems have a red tint and dark green leaves. Each large, compound leaf divides into smaller leaflets. The foliage lasts through summer and into early fall. Frost kills the stems back to ground level.

Flowers open from May into early June, depending on conditions. Each plant flowers for about seven to ten days. The scented blooms may be white, pink or crimson. Yellow stamens fill the centre of the flowers. The RHS describes blooms reaching about four inches across. Butterflies visit the flowers, which also suit cutting. Plants work well alone or in groups within borders. Rows can form low, leafy hedges beside paths or fences. The leaves provide a backdrop for other summer flowers.

Choose sun or partial shade and shelter from strong exposure. Afternoon shade helps in places with hot summers. Give plants deep, rich soil that drains well. Clay, loam and sand can all suit this species. It accepts acidic, neutral and alkaline soils. Keep the soil moist, with ample water during early growth. Plant the rootstock buds about two inches below the surface. These long-lived plants dislike disturbance. Divide them in autumn or early spring when needed. Remove faded flowers and cut back dead autumn foliage. The listed hardiness ratings are USDA 3–8 and RHS H6.

Heavy blooms may need support, especially during rain. Harmless ants may gather on the flower buds. Blights, wilt, leaf blotch and mildew can affect plants. Eelworms and swift moth larvae are also possible pests. Poor planting depth, shade or frost can prevent flowering. PFAF records cooked roots and stems as food uses. It also records powdered seeds mixed with tea. Roots have a long history in Chinese medicine. These records do not establish safe use at home. The supplied safety records flag human toxicity and pet skin irritation.