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Chinese Peony

Paeonia Lactiflora

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Overview

The Chinese Peony, or Paeonia lactiflora, is a beloved perennial with large, fragrant flowers in shades from white to deep pink. Thriving in zones 3-8, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and spread. Preferring full sun to partial shade, it flourishes in well-drained soil. Blooms appear in late spring, offering a spectacular display. The lush foliage provides a backdrop for summer plants after flowering. Deer resistant and low maintenance.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 3–10

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, High
USDA zones
3–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Ranunculaceae

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Photos (106)

Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — fragrant flowers in shades from white to deep pink
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — Thriving in zones 3-8, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and spread
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — Preferring full sun to partial shade, it flourishes in well-drained soil
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — Blooms appear in late spring, offering a spectacular display
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — Deer resistant and low maintenance
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — The lush foliage provides a backdrop for summer plants after flowering
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — is a perennial plant renowned for its lush
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — floriferous blooms that serve as a stunning centerpiece for any garden
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — this species boasts a rich horticultural history and is celebrated for its beauty and fragrance
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — When designing landscapes
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — consider that an individual plant can reach a mature size of roughly 2 to 3 feet in height and spread
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — thus it requires ample space to thrive.<br><br>Blossoms
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — which can span up to 10 inches across
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — exhibit a variety of hues including whites
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — and some cultivars feature enchanting multicolored petals
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — Early to mid-spring is when these impressive blooms typically make their first appearance
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — gracing gardens with their presence in May or early June
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — recognized for their alluring scent
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — attract pollinators to the landscape
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — It's vital to ensure adequate spacing between plants for air circulation, which helps prevent disease
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — peonies are generally cold-hardy
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — suitable for USDA zones 3 to 8
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — Little pruning is needed, just the removal of spent flowers to promote health and aesthetics
Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora) — and require minimal winter insulation once established

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