peony

Peony, the common name for plants in the genus Paeonia, is a group of flowering plants in the family Paeoniaceae. The genus comprises about 30 species of herbaceous perennials and decorative woody shrubs known as tree peonies. Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and western North America and are grown worldwide for their large, showy blossoms.

Leaves are typically divided into lobed leaflets, and the flowers are usually large, often fragrant, and can be single or double. Blooms appear in late spring to early summer. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter, while tree peonies retain a woody framework and survive as deciduous shrubs.

Two well-known garden forms are the herbaceous peony, Paeonia lactiflora, and the Chinese tree peony, Paeonia suffruticosa. The genus also includes other species and many cultivated hybrids with a wide range of colors, shapes, and bloom times. Peonies are valued for their aesthetic appeal in borders, beds, and as cut flowers.

Cultivation requires rich, well-drained soil and a sunny position. They benefit from a cold winter to promote flowering and are typically hardy in temperate climates. Members of the group need support for large blossoms, regular moisture during growth, and limited disturbance once established.

In traditional medicine, certain Paeonia species’ roots have been used in East Asian remedies. Peonies also carry cultural associations with romance and prosperity in various traditions and are widely used in ornamental horticulture.