About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Zi Feng Chao Yang' is a cultivar of Paeonia lactiflora (family Paeoniaceae) that bears the species' characteristic cup- to bowl-shaped flowers. Blooms are fragrant and appear in the UK from May to June. As a Paeonia lactiflora selection it follows the herbaceous peony habit of dying back after flowering and re-emerging the following season.

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 'Zi Feng Chao Yang' belongs to the genus Paeonia and the family Paeoniaceae and is a garden cultivar of the species commonly grown for its large, bowl-shaped flowers. The parent species originates from central and eastern Asia and garden-grown selections are valued for their showy spring display; flowering in the UK occurs in May to June. Place peonies where they receive good light and air movement to reduce disease on the foliage. A fertile, well-drained soil suits them best; incorporate organic matter when planting and avoid waterlogged sites. Staking or support is often helpful while the flower heads are in bud and bloom. Cut back the foliage after the first heavy frost to tidy the bed and reduce overwintering pests and disease. Use 'Zi Feng Chao Yang' where spring colour and structured form are needed: it sits well towards the front or middle of a mixed border, in a dedicated peony bed, or as part of a cutting area for fresh blooms. The flowers also attract pollinators, so placing it where insects can access the blooms benefits wildlife. Expect its scented bowl-shaped stems to be at their best for cutting during the May to June flowering window.

More in the Paeonia genus

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  Paeoniapeony
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  Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'
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  Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony
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  Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony
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  Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony
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  Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
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  Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
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  Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)