What hardiness zones is Paeonia ssp. suitable for?

Paeonia ssp. is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Paeonia ssp.?

Paeonia ssp. requires Full Sun.

How much water does Paeonia ssp. need?

Paeonia ssp. has Medium water needs.

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Perennials

Paeonia ssp.

tree peony

Paeoniaceae

Herbaceous peonies (P. lactiflora): native to Siberia and China. Tree peonies (P. suffruticosa): native to western China, cultivated in China and Japan for over a millennium. Intersectional (Itoh) peonies: hybrids of Japanese garden origin, 1940s

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitMounding

FoliageDeciduous

Height2–7 feet (60–210 cm)

Width2–5 feet (60–150 cm)

Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Fragrant (strong)

Maintenancelow

Overview

A genus of approximately 33 species of perennial herbs and deciduous shrubs in Paeoniaceae, grown in Pacific Northwest gardens primarily as herbaceous peonies (P. lactiflora hybrids), tree peonies (P. suffruticosa hybrids), and intersectional Itoh peonies. Herbaceous types produce large fragrant flowers 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) across in May–June then die to the ground each winter. Tree peonies are deciduous shrubs reaching 3–7 feet (90–210 cm) retaining woody stems year-round, with flowers up to 12 inches (30 cm) across in April–May. Intersectional peonies combine large tree-peony flowers on herbaceous plants. All parts mildly toxic to pets. Long-lived — established clumps may persist 50+ years. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8.

Native Range

Paeonia lactiflora (herbaceous peony) is native to Siberia and China. P. suffruticosa (tree peony) is native to western China and has been cultivated in China and Japan for over a millennium. Intersectional Itoh peonies are hybrids of Japanese garden origin developed in the 1940s.

Suggested Uses

Planted in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens at 3–4 foot (90–120 cm) spacing. Herbaceous peonies (P. lactiflora) are among the longest-lived perennials — established clumps may persist and flower for 50 years or more with minimal care. Tree peonies (P. suffruticosa) provide a shrub-scale flowering specimen for late April–May color with extraordinarily large blooms. All parts mildly toxic to pets.

How to Identify

Herbaceous peonies: deeply divided compound-pinnate leaves with 9–15 elliptic leaflets; large flowers 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) across in May–June; ants frequently visit the sticky flower buds; stems die to the ground each fall. Tree peonies (P. suffruticosa): persistent woody stems year-round reaching 3–7 feet (90–210 cm); flowers up to 12 inches (30 cm) across in late April–May; deeply lobed blue-green compound leaves; stems do not die back. Intersectional peonies: large flowers resembling tree peonies on herbaceous plants that die back.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 7'

Width/Spread2' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

red

yellow

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Herbaceous peonies (P. lactiflora) bloom May through June, for 1–2 weeks per cultivar — planting multiple varieties extends the season. Flowers 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) across, single to double, fragrant in many cultivars. Tree peonies (P. suffruticosa) bloom late April through May, slightly ahead of herbaceous types, with even larger flowers. Intersectional peonies bloom May–June, often with longer season than herbaceous types.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Large, 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) across, in white, cream, yellow, pink, rose, coral, red, and bicolor; single, semi-double, or double; many are fragrant

Foliage Description

Herbaceous types: deeply divided compound-pinnate leaves with 9–15 elliptic leaflets, medium to dark green. Tree peonies: deeply lobed blue-green compound leaves, more textural

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3–5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant herbaceous peonies (P. lactiflora) with eyes (buds) 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) below the soil surface — planting too deep prevents flowering. Plant tree peonies (P. suffruticosa) with the graft union 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) below the surface. Full sun essential. Well-drained, fertile, slightly neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Space 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Water regularly. Stake tall varieties to prevent flower stem breakage in wind and rain. All parts mildly toxic to pets.

Pruning

Herbaceous peonies: cut stems to the ground in fall after frost. Tree peonies (P. suffruticosa): remove dead wood in early spring — do not cut back to the ground as the woody framework is permanent. Intersectional peonies: cut stems to ground level in fall, leaving 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) of stem. Deadhead spent blooms promptly.

Pruning Schedule

fallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets