Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Peony
Also known as: Common garden peony, White peony
Peony is a perennial herbaceous bushy plant native to central and eastern Asia. It is highly regarded for its lush, white, pink, or crimson rose-like flowers, with pronounced yellow stamens. White peony was first introduced to England in the mid-18th century, and today there are several hundred cultivars common in temperate gardens around the world.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Spring
Bloom Time
Late summer
Harvest Time
50 cm to 90 cm
Plant Height
50 cm to 70 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
6 cm to 16 cm
Flower Size
Brown, Red, Green
Fruit Color
White, Pink, Yellow, Red, Purple
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
5 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring
Growth Season
Slow
Growth Rate

Images of Peony

Distribution of Peony

Distribution Map
The native range of peony is from southeastern Siberia to eastern China, where it can be found growing on rocky slopes, riverbanks, and on the edges of forests. This plant has also been cultivated widely for its ornamental value.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Dry open stony slopes, riverbanks, sparse woodland edges, woods, grasslands
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value
Oils can be extracted from the seeds to make soap and blended with paint as coating materials. Tannin can be extracted from its roots and leaves.
Garden Use
Peony is one of the most common perennial flowers, found in gardens across temperate climates. Peony is renowned for its large, showy flowers and beautiful array of colors. Its strong stem makes it great as a cut flower, and the wide variety of cultivars make for great borders, specimen plants, cottage or urban gardens, and more. It works well with alliums, roses, and bearded irises.
Symbolism
Have a heart, beautiful and moving, reluctant, inseparable, honor, good fortune
Interesting Facts
Its flower shape is large and its color is bright and diverse, comparable to the peony, which is welcomed by people. Just like the peony, the peony is also a flower of wealth and represents beauty and wealth. In ancient times, people gave the flower to each other to convey feelings of love, to express their yearning for each other, and also sadness and unwillingness in saying goodbye. In addition, it symbolizes firm friendship.
Name Story
Common garden peony: As an ornamental plant, it happens to have up to hundreds of different species varying in color, size and appearance. Any of the varieties add beauty to any garden. Considering it is commonly planted in gardens, it is called the common garden peony. Interestingly, the word “peony” is derived from the Latin name “paeonia”.
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Peony is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause poisoning with symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for their recovery. Prevent access to peony to protect pets.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: Toxicity of Peony

Quickly Identify Peony

1
Large, fragrant flowers (6-8 inches, 15-20 cm) in various colors like pink and cream.
2
Compound leaves with 9 elliptical leaflets, dark green, turning orange in fall.
3
Sturdy herbaceous stem (1-3 feet, 30-90 cm) with smooth texture, branching at base.
4
Horizontally split follicles with glossy black ovoid seeds (0.2 inches, 5 mm).
5
Robust rhizomes providing resilience and longevity to the plant.
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to identify Peony

Care Guide for Peony

Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
5 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Peony thrives in moderate moisture and needs consistent soil hydration without waterlogging. It requires watering every 1-2 weeks and has low drought tolerance. Best cultivated outdoors, peony demands careful watering during its active growing season for optimal blooming.
Fertilize: To ensure optimal growth of peony, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and switch to high phosphorus during budding. Apply every 4-6 weeks, using 1/4 cup per plant. Water thoroughly after fertilizing, and reduce feeding in fall as peony enters dormancy.
Pruning: Peony thrives with careful pruning in early spring to remove dead stems and improve airflow. Deadheading in late spring promotes additional blooming. Sterilizing tools is essential to prevent disease, leading to vigorous growth and more abundant flowers in your garden.
Propagation: Peony is a perennial from the buttercup family, appreciated for its vibrant blooms in gardens. Effective propagation is achieved through careful division of the root ball, ensuring each section has roots and a bud. Replant sections in well-draining soil, no deeper than 2 inches for optimal growth.
Repotting: Repot peony every 2-3 years in early spring, using a pot one size larger. After repotting, water moderately and avoid deep planting to encourage flowering. Minimize root disturbance for optimal growth and success.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Peony
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app