39 Popular Types Of Peony Pictorial Guide

Peony, the beautiful flowering plant, is a favorite of many gardeners and flower enthusiasts. Peonies have long been a favorite flower for gardens and floral arrangements due to their vivid colors, delicate petals, and alluring aroma.

The peony is native to Asia, particularly China and Japan, where it has been cultivated for over a thousand years. It is additionally commonly grown in North America and Europe. There are many different types of peonies, including herbaceous peonies, tree peonies, and intersectional peonies, each with its own unique characteristics.

One of the most striking features of the peony is its large, showy flowers. Depending on the variety, peonies can have single, semi-double, or double blooms, with petals ranging in color from white and pink to red and even yellow. Some peonies also have a sweet, spicy fragrance that adds to their charm.

Peonies typically bloom in late spring or early summer and require full sun or partial shade to thrive. They prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and benefits from regular fertilization. Once established, peonies are relatively low-maintenance, though they may require staking to support their heavy blooms.

Peonies have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. In traditional Chinese medicine, the roots of the peony plant were used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and inflammation. In Japan, peonies were a symbol of wealth and nobility and were often featured in art and literature.

Today, peonies continue to be a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. Their beauty and versatility make them a perfect addition to any landscape, whether as a focal point or as part of a mixed border. They also make excellent cut flowers, with some varieties lasting up to a week in a vase.

In addition to their aesthetic qualities, peonies also have a rich cultural significance. In Chinese culture, the peony is known as the “king of flowers” and is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and honor. In Western culture, the peony is often associated with romance and is a popular choice for wedding bouquets.

In conclusion, the peony is a stunning and versatile flowering plant with a rich history and cultural significance. Whether grown in a garden or used in a floral arrangement, its beauty and fragrance are sure to captivate anyone who beholds them.

Here are 39 Popular Types Of Peony Pictorial Guide:

Paeonia Wendelboi – Wendelbo’s Peony

Paeonia Wendelboi, also known as Wendelbo’s Peony, is a species of flowering plant in the peony family. It is native to Iran and is characterized by its large, showy pink flowers and deeply divided leaves. The species is relatively rare in cultivation and is prized by gardeners and horticulturists for its ornamental value.

Paeonia Saueri – Sauer’s Peony

Paeonia Saueri, also known as Sauer’s Peony, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to the Caucasus Mountains region. It is characterized by its striking pink to magenta flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer. Sauer’s Peony requires well-draining soil and partial shade to thrive and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. However, it is considered a threatened species in its natural habitat due to habitat loss and overharvesting for medicinal purposes.

Paeonia Ruprechtiana – Ruprecht’s Peony

Paeonia Ruprechtiana, also known as Ruprecht’s Peony, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus Mountains and produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink and purple. The plant has been traditionally used in medicine and as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Paeonia Jishanensis – Jishan Peony

Paeonia Jishanensis, commonly known as Jishan Peony, is a species of flowering plant in the Paeoniaceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial that is endemic to China, specifically Jishan County in Shanxi Province. The Jishan Peony is characterized by its large, bowl-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to purple. It blooms in the late spring and early summer and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Paeonia Intermedia – Intermediate Peony

Paeonia Intermedia, commonly known as the Intermediate Peony, is a flowering plant species native to the Caucasus Mountains region. It produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white with a yellow center. The plant grows up to 60 cm in height and prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks, valued for its beautiful blooms and easy cultivation.

Paeonia Brownii – Brown’s Peony

Paeonia Brownii, also known as Brown’s Peony, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to western North America. It is characterized by its striking, deep pink to purplish-red flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant typically grows to a height of 30–90 cm and has large, dissected leaves with a bluish-green hue. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and is often used for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. However, Paeonia brownii is also considered a threatened species in the wild due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.

Paeonia Lutea – Yellow Peony

Paeonia Lutea, commonly known as Yellow Peony, is a perennial herbaceous plant with large, showy, yellow flowers. It is native to the Balkans and the Caucasus region and is highly valued in ornamental gardening for its beautiful blooms. The plant typically grows to be about 3–4 feet tall and wide and blooms in late spring to early summer. Full light is preferred over limited shade, along with soil that is well-drained. The Yellow Peony is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its striking appearance and ease of cultivation.

Paeonia Emodi Subsp. Himalaica – Himalayan Peony

Paeonia Emodi subsp. Himalaica, commonly known as the Himalayan Peony, is a subspecies of the Paeonia Emodi plant found in the Himalayan region. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 meters tall and produces large, showy, fragrant flowers that range in color from deep pink to white. The Himalayan Peony is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Paeonia Daurica subsp. Macrophylla – Large-Leaved Daurian Peony

Paeonia Daurica subsp. Macrophylla, commonly known as Large-Leaved Daurian Peony, is a subspecies of the Paeonia Daurica plant that belongs to the peony family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is known for its large, attractive leaves and beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. This species is native to Central Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens and parks for its ornamental value. It is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

Paeonia Coriacea – Leatherleaf Peony

Paeonia Coriacea, also known as Leatherleaf Peony, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Paeoniaceae family. It is characterized by its unique leathery and glossy green foliage, which provides a stunning contrast to its large, showy, pink or white flowers. The Leatherleaf Peony is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia and is a popular garden plant due to its beautiful flowers and attractive foliage.

Paeonia Banatica – Banat peony

Paeonia Banatica, also known as Banat peony, is a flowering plant species native to the Banat region of southeastern Europe. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that produces large, showy, pinkish-purple flowers with yellow stamens in the spring. The Banat peony prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Paeonia Decomposita – Fern-Leaf Peony

Paeonia Decomposita, commonly known as Fern-Leaf Peony, is a perennial herbaceous plant species native to China. It is known for its delicate, fern-like foliage and large, showy flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers can range in color from deep red to pink, and occasionally white. This species is highly prized by gardeners for its beauty and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Paeonia Wittmanniana – Wittmann’s Peony

Paeonia Wittmanniana, also called Wittmann’s peony, this herbaceous perennial plant is indigenous to the Caucasus. It is characterized by its large, showy, deep pink flowers with yellow centers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall and wide and prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Wittmann’s peony is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Paeonia Veitchii var. Woodwardii – Woodward’s Peony

Paeonia Veitchii var. Woodwardii, commonly known as Woodward’s Peony, is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Paeoniaceae. It is native to the mountains of central China and is prized for its striking flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are large and fragrant, with pale pink petals surrounding a central cluster of yellow stamens. The plant prefers a cool, moist climate and well-drained soil and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Woodward’s Peony is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Paeonia Tenuifolia – Fernleaf Peony

Paeonia Tenuifolia, commonly known as the Fernleaf Peony, is a species of flowering plant in the peony family. This herbaceous perennial is prized for its finely divided, fern-like foliage and vibrant crimson-red flowers. It is a hardy plant that blooms in late spring to early summer and prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. The Fernleaf Peony is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and texture to their landscape.

Paeonia Rockii – Rock’s Peony

Paeonia Rockii, commonly known as Rock’s Peony, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the Paeonia family. It is native to the rocky hillsides and mountainous regions of western China and is highly prized for its large, fragrant, and showy flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers range in color from white to various shades of pink, and are often accented with dark red or purple markings. Rock’s Peony is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.

Paeonia Potaninii – Potanin’s Peony

Paeonia Potaninii, commonly known as Potanin’s Peony, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Paeoniaceae. It is native to China and is named after the Russian explorer Grigory Potanin, who first discovered it in the early 1900s. This peony species produces large, showy flowers with distinctive maroon and white coloring, and it is highly prized by gardeners and horticulturists for its beauty and resilience. Potanin’s Peony is also valued for its medicinal properties, with its roots being used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a range of ailments.

Paeonia Ostii – Ost’s Peony

Paeonia Ostii, commonly known as Ost’s Peony, is a deciduous flowering plant species belonging to the Paeoniaceae family. It is native to China and is highly valued for its large, fragrant white flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant typically grows to about 1.2 meters in height and has a bushy habit with glossy, green leaves. Ost’s Peony is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties.

Paeonia Obovata – Obovate Peony

Paeonia Obovata, commonly known as Obovate Peony, is an herbaceous perennial plant that produces showy, bowl-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink to purple-red. This species is native to Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia and is known for its hardiness and adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. Its leaves are deeply lobed and glossy, and the plant blooms in late spring to early summer. Obovate Peony is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks and is often used for cut flowers and as a medicinal herb.

Paeonia Mlokosewitschii – Molly the Witch Peony

Paeonia Mlokosewitschii, commonly known as Molly the Witch Peony, is a herbaceous perennial plant species that belongs to the family Paeoniaceae. It is a rare and highly sought-after species of peony that is native to the Caucasus Mountains. The plant produces large, yellow flowers that bloom in late spring and can reach up to 25 centimeters in diameter. Molly the Witch Peony requires well-draining soil and full sunlight to thrive and is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.

Paeonia Mairei – Maire’s Peony

Paeonia Mairei, also known as Maire’s Peony, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to China. It produces large, showy pink or purplish-red flowers in late spring to early summer and has dark green, lobed foliage. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Paeonia Ludlowii – Ludlow’s Peony

Paeonia Ludlowii, also known as Ludlow’s Peony, is a species of flowering plant native to Tibet, Bhutan, and China. It is a deciduous perennial that produces large, showy, yellow flowers with red flares in the center, blooming in late spring to early summer. This plant needs full sun to partial shade and soil that is well-draining. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers and is also used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties.

Paeonia Lactiflora var. Trichocarpa – Hairy-Fruited Garden Peony

Paeonia Lactiflora var. Trichocarpa, commonly known as the Hairy-Fruited Garden Peony, is a type of herbaceous perennial plant that produces large, fragrant, and showy flowers. This particular variety is distinguished by its hairy fruit, which develops after the flowers have bloomed. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, valued for its attractive foliage and beautiful blooms.

Paeonia Kesrouanensis – Kesrouan Peony

Paeonia Kesrouanensis, commonly known as the Kesrouan Peony, is a species of flowering plant native to Lebanon. It belongs to the peony family and is prized for its showy, fragrant pink and white flowers that bloom in the late spring to early summer. The Kesrouan Peony is a relatively rare species that is threatened by habitat loss and overharvesting and is therefore considered a conservation priority.

Paeonia Japonica – Japanese Peony

Paeonia Japonica, commonly known as the Japanese Peony, is a species of flowering plant in the peony family. It is native to Japan, where it grows in mountainous regions. The plant produces large, showy, deep red or pink flowers in the late spring and early summer and has attractive, deeply lobed foliage. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks, prized for its stunning blooms and elegant form.

Paeonia Emodi – Emodi Peony

Paeonia Emodi, commonly known as the Emodi Peony, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to the Himalayas in Asia. It is characterized by its large, fragrant, and showy pink flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The Emodi Peony is a popular garden plant and is often grown for its ornamental value. It is also used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.

Paeonia Delavayi – Delavay’s Peony

Paeonia Delavayi, commonly known as Delavay’s Peony, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to western China. It is characterized by its attractive crimson-red flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, and its deeply cut, glossy green leaves. Delavay’s Peony is highly prized by gardeners for its ornamental value and is often cultivated for use in flower arrangements.

Paeonia Daurica – Daurian Peony

Paeonia Daurica, commonly known as Daurian Peony, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Central Asia and Siberia. It is a popular ornamental plant for its large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple, which bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Daurian Peony has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Paeonia Clusii – Clusius’ Peony

Paeonia Clusii, commonly known as Clusius’ Peony, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is a popular ornamental plant, prized for its large, showy pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The foliage is also attractive, with deeply lobed, glossy leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. Clusius’ Peony is a relatively low-maintenance plant, preferring well-drained soil and partial to full sun.

Paeonia Cambessedesii – Cambessedes’ Peony

Paeonia Cambessedesii, commonly known as Cambessedes’ Peony, is an herbaceous perennial plant species that belongs to the peony family. It is native to Spain and is distinguished by its large, showy pink flowers with yellow centers that bloom in the spring. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, making it a popular choice in gardens and landscapes. Despite its ornamental value, Cambessedes’ Peony is considered a rare and endangered species due to habitat loss and over-collection in the wild.

Paeonia Californica – California Peony

Paeonia Californica, also known as California Peony, is a species of flowering plant native to California. It belongs to the peony family and produces showy, deep red to pink flowers that bloom in the spring. This plant prefers to grow in moist, shady areas and is a popular choice for ornamental gardens. However, due to its limited natural range and vulnerability to habitat destruction, it is considered a species of special concern in California.

Paeonia Broteri – Broter’s Peony

Paeonia Broteri, also known as Broter’s Peony, is a species of flowering plant native to the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It is a perennial herb that produces large, showy flowers with shades of pink, red, or purple. Broter’s peony is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and has been cultivated for centuries for its beauty and fragrance. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Paeonia Anomala – Anomalous Peony

Paeonia Anomala, commonly known as the Anomalous Peony, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of central Asia. It is characterized by its striking deep pink to magenta flowers, which bloom in early summer atop sturdy stems with deeply divided, glossy green foliage. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Paeonia Veitchii – Veitch’s Peony

Paeonia Veitchii, also known as Veitch’s Peony, is an herbaceous perennial plant with beautiful, fragrant pink or white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It is native to Western China and has a relatively compact growth habit, reaching a height of around 2 feet. Veitch’s Peony is a popular ornamental plant that is widely cultivated in gardens and parks for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage.

Paeonia Suffruticosa – Tree Peony

Paeonia Suffruticosa, commonly known as the Tree Peony, is a deciduous shrub native to China, Japan, and Tibet. It is known for its large, showy, and fragrant flowers, which come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. The Tree Peony is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks worldwide, and it blooms in late spring to early summer. Its woody stems and thick, leathery leaves make it a long-lived and durable addition to any landscape.

Paeonia Lactiflora – Common Garden Peony

Paeonia Lactiflora, commonly known as the Garden Peony, is an herbaceous perennial plant prized for its large and showy flowers. Native to China, this popular garden species is widely cultivated for its fragrant blooms in shades of white, pink, and red and is a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. With a long history of cultivation in Asia and Europe, the Garden Peony has been prized for its beauty and medicinal properties for centuries.

How To Grow And Care For Peony

Peonies are beautiful, low-maintenance flowering plants that are perfect for any garden. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for peonies:

• Choose the right location: Peonies thrive in full sun or light shade. Choose a location with well-draining soil that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.

• Plant at the right time: Peonies are typically planted in the fall but can also be planted in the spring. Plant the root ball about 2 inches below the soil surface, and space plants about 3 feet apart.

• Water regularly: Peonies like moist soil but not waterlogged soil. During hot, dry conditions, water deeply more frequently than once per week.

• Fertilize annually: In the spring, apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and flowering. Follow the application rate recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

• Support the plants: Peony blooms can be heavy, so it’s important to provide support for the plants. Use stakes or cages to keep the stems from bending or breaking.

• Deadhead spent blooms: Remove spent blooms as soon as they wilt to encourage the plant to put its energy into producing new flowers.

• Cut back in the fall: After the first frost, cut the foliage back to the ground and dispose of any plant debris to prevent disease and pests.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of your peony plants for years to come.

How To Propagate Peony

Peonies can be propagated through two methods: division and seed sowing. Division is the most common method and is typically done in the fall, while seed sowing can be done in the fall or early spring. Here are the steps for both methods:

Propagation By Division

• Wait until the fall, when the peony plant has gone dormant.
• Carefully dig up the entire plant with a garden fork, being careful not to damage the roots.
• Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the root ball into several sections, making sure each section has at least one bud and a healthy amount of roots.
• Dust the cut areas with a fungicide powder to prevent infection.
• Plant the divided sections immediately at the same depth as the original plant in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.
• Maintain the soil hydrated but not soggy by giving it ample watering.

Propagation By Seed Sowing

• Collect ripe peony seeds in the fall or early spring when the seed pods begin to open.
• Give the seeds a 24-hour soak in water that’s at room temperature.
• Sow the seeds in a pot or seed tray filled with moist, well-draining soil, and cover them lightly with soil.
• Place the pot or seed tray in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
• It may take many weeks for the seeds to begin to grow; therefore, keep the soil moist but not soggy and be patient.
• When the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.
• Space the transplanted seedlings about 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper growth.
• Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize the young plants with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Be patient, as it can take several years for the seedlings to reach maturity and produce flowers.

It’s important to note that peonies grown from seed may not resemble the parent plant, as they may have different flower colors or sizes. However, propagation by division ensures that the new plants will be identical to the parent plant. Additionally, peonies grown from seed may take longer to mature and flower than those propagated by division.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Peony

Q: How do I plant peony bulbs?

A: Peony bulbs should be planted in the fall, ideally six weeks before the first frost. Choose a spot with plenty of direct sunlight and drained soil.
Dig a hole that is about two feet deep and wide, and add compost or other organic matter to the soil. Place the peony bulb in the hole, making sure that the “eyes” (where the stems will emerge) are facing up and are no more than two inches below the surface. Cover with soil and water well.

Q: When do peonies bloom?

A: Peonies typically bloom in late spring or early summer, depending on the variety and climate. They require a period of cold weather in order to bloom, so they are best suited for temperate climates with distinct seasons.

Q: How must I take care of over my peony plant?

A: Peonies require relatively low maintenance. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth. In the fall, cut back the foliage to the ground after the first frost.

Q: Can peonies be grown in containers?

A: Yes, peonies can be grown in containers, although they may not reach their full size and potential. Use a large container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the peony bulb as you would in the ground, and water regularly. Keep the container in a spot with full sun.

Q: How do I divide my peony plant?

A: Peonies can be divided every three to five years in the fall, after the foliage has died back. Dig up the entire plant and use a sharp knife to divide the root system into sections, making sure each section has several “eyes.” Replant each section in a new spot, following the planting instructions above.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Peony

1. Peonies have been continuously grown for more than 2,000 years and are native to Asia, Europe, and North America.
2. They are named after Paeon, a character in Greek mythology who was said to have been transformed into a flower by the gods to save him from his enemies.
3. Large, beautiful flowers on peonies can be a variety of hues, including white, pink, red, and yellow.
4. In Chinese culture, the peony is known as the “king of flowers” and is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and honor.
5. Peonies are often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a range of ailments, including inflammation, pain, and liver disease.
6. The official flower of Indianapolis in the United States is the peony.
7. Peonies require a period of cold weather to bloom, making them well-suited to temperate climates.
8. The peony has been the subject of many works of art, including paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
9. In Japan, the peony is a popular subject for tattoos and is often associated with bravery and honor.
10. Some peonies can live for more than 100 years, and there are records of some Chinese peony trees that are over 1,000 years old.