Chinese Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
- Native to:
- China, Russia
Another one of my pictures: This photograph was taken by Medium69 (William Crochot) and released under the license stated below. You are free to use it for any purpose as long as you credit the author (William Crochot), the Source (Wikimedia Commons) and
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Paeoniaceae
- Genus:
- Paeonia
- Species:
- Paeonia lactiflora
- USDA Symbol:
- PALA27
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, red, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Spotted Apatelodes (Apatelodes torrefacta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to forest edges and meadows in East Asia
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–365 days
- Notes:
- Seeds exhibit double dormancy; root emerges first season, shoot emerges after second cold period. Germination can take 1-2 years.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: 20°C x 3 months or longer until a 4 cm radicle appears, then 4°C x 3 months, leaf appears while chilled or in next 20°C cycle