Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Paeonia lactiflora grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates deep and fertile loam or clay soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6–H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and garden beds. It is native to China.

About

Paeonia lactiflora is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial with fragrant flowers in May to June. Plants reach about 0.8 m and carry deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young. It prefers deep, fertile loam or clay in full sun to partial shade on a sheltered site. Useful in borders and beds and grown for cut flowers, but note its sap can be a skin irritant for pets.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia lactiflora

About the genus

The peony or paeony is any flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Scientists differ on the number of species that can be distinguished, ranging from 25 to 40, although the current consensus describes 33 known species.

Wikipedia contributors, "Peony", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Peony

In the garden

Paeonia lactiflora originates from China and has been cultivated as a herbaceous perennial for its scented late-spring blooms. Flowering occurs in May to June, when the clump-forming, upright stems carry the season’s flowers above deeply divided leaves that often show a bronze flush when young. Plants do best in deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist but is well drained. Position in full sun to partial shade on a sheltered aspect; avoid deep shade and take care not to expose emerging buds to early-morning sun where frost is likely. Soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline. In UK terms Paeonia lactiflora is very to fully hardy (H6–H7), so it tolerates typical outdoor winters when given a protected site. Use Paeonia lactiflora in mixed borders, garden beds or for cutting for vases while in flower. Its deciduous foliage dies back after the season, leaving space for later summer planting beneath. Be aware the plant’s sap can irritate the skin of pets; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Take particular care with early buds and frost to avoid losing the season’s flowers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Paeonia

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Deep, fertile loam or clay
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: Any but deep shade; avoid early morning sun on frosted buds
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6–H7

Plant details

Paeonia lactiflora size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.8 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, garden beds
Native to: China
Fragrance: Flower
Toxicity: Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora

Cultivation: Plant herbaceous peonies with the crown no more than 3cm below the surface — deep planting is the commonest reason a clump never flowers. Enrich the ground thoroughly before planting, then leave undisturbed, and support the heaviest doubles before the buds open.
Pruning: Cut herbaceous stems to ground level once the foliage has died back in autumn and clear the debris away, which reduces the risk of peony wilt. Tree peonies need only dead or crossing wood removed after flowering.
Propagation: Divide herbaceous crowns in late autumn into sections carrying at least three dormant buds with roots attached, and only once flowering begins to decline. Tree peonies are grafted or layered; seed is slow and variable.
Pest resistance: Rarely troubled by pests. Ants on swelling buds are drawn to the nectar and do no harm.
Disease resistance: Susceptible to peony wilt in damp seasons; open spacing and prompt removal of affected growth are the best defence.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Paeonia lactiflora?

Plant herbaceous peonies with the crown no more than 3cm below the surface — deep planting is the commonest reason a clump never flowers. Enrich the ground thoroughly before planting, then leave undisturbed, and support the heaviest doubles before the buds open.

Where is the best place to plant Paeonia lactiflora?

Paeonia lactiflora prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora need?

Paeonia lactiflora grows best in deep and fertile loam or clay soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.

How do I prune Paeonia lactiflora?

Cut herbaceous stems to ground level once the foliage has died back in autumn and clear the debris away, which reduces the risk of peony wilt. Tree peonies need only dead or crossing wood removed after flowering.

How big does Paeonia lactiflora grow?

Paeonia lactiflora reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Paeonia lactiflora?

Divide herbaceous crowns in late autumn into sections carrying at least three dormant buds with roots attached, and only once flowering begins to decline. Tree peonies are grafted or layered; seed is slow and variable.

Is Paeonia lactiflora toxic?

Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Paeonia genus

Browse all Paeonia →