Mudan

Mudan, the Chinese name 牡丹, designates the peony, a flowering plant in the genus Paeonia. In horticulture, the term typically refers to both herbaceous peonies (Paeonia lactiflora and its cultivars) and tree peonies (woody forms derived from Paeonia suffruticosa). The plants are celebrated for their large, often fragrant blossoms, which come in a range of colors from white and pink to red and yellow.

The genus Paeonia comprises about 25 to 40 species and is native to parts of Asia, Europe, and North America; many species occur naturally in China, where the plant has long been cultivated and valued. Garden varieties are widely grown in temperate climates, with cultivation requirements including cold winter dormancy, full sun to partial shade, and well-drained, fertile soil. Herbaceous peonies die back in winter, while tree peonies retain woody stems.

Culturally, mudan is a prominent symbol in Chinese art and poetry, associated with wealth, honor, and prosperity. It is linked to spring festivals in regions such as Luoyang, where large public displays celebrate blooming peonies. The flower is also used in marriage and decorative motifs and appears in many regional garden traditions.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of certain peony species (often Paeonia lactiflora) has long been used medicinally, though modern usage emphasizes consulting qualified practitioners. Worldwide, mudan remains a popular ornamental plant, admired for its majestic blooms and ongoing breeding programs that expand color, form, and disease resistance.