Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' is a bushy, clump forming shrubs in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Paeonia lactiflora is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Paeoniaceae, native to central and eastern Asia from eastern Tibet across northern China to eastern Siberia.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Paeonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State'
- Propagation
- Division, Lifting and dividing established clumps in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Leaf and bud eelworm, Swift moth caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- Virus, Honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, Peony leaf blotch, Peony wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Empire State' 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 'Empire State'?
Division, Lifting and dividing established clumps in autumn.
More in the Paeonia genus
- Paeoniapeony

- Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'

- Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony

- Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony

- Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony

- Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'

- Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'

- Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)
