paeonies

Paeonies are flowering plants belonging to the genus Paeonia, the sole genus in the family Paeoniaceae. They are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. Paeonies are well-known for their large, showy blooms, which come in a wide array of colors including pink, red, white, yellow, and coral. The flowers can be single, semi-double, double, or anemone-flowered in form. Their foliage is typically a deep green and can be quite attractive even when the plant is not in bloom.

There are herbaceous perennial paeonies, which die back to the ground each winter and regrow from their roots in spring, and tree paeonies, which are woody shrubs that retain their stems year-round. Herbaceous paeonies are the most common type grown in gardens. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Paeonies are long-lived plants, often flourishing in the same spot for decades. They are relatively low-maintenance once established, though some may require staking to support their heavy blooms.

Paeonies have a rich cultural history. In China, they are considered the "king of flowers" and symbolize prosperity, honor, and good fortune. They are also popular in European and American gardens, where they are prized for their beauty and fragrance. Various parts of the paeony plant have been used in traditional medicine. While generally hardy, paeonies can occasionally be susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis blight.