Paeonia lactiflora

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese peony
Chinese peony Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Other common names

edible-rooted peony, white-fruited peony

Synonyms

Paeonia lactiflora 'Good Form'
Paeonia lactiflora var. trichocarpa
Paeonia japonica misapplied
Paeonia albiflora
Paeonia lactiflora var. sinensis
Paeonia lactiflora wild
Paeonia sinensis

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to about 60cm with large, dark green leaves with nine leaflets. Scented, white or pale pink flowers up to 10cm across, with pale yellow stamens,are produced in early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Paeoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Paeonia may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous sub-shrubs with large, divided leaves and showy large bowl-shaped flowers, usually in early summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best in a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. Long-lived but resents disturbance. See herbaceous peony cultivation for further information.

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Remove dead flowers as they fade, then cut plant back as the foliage dies down in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth larvae

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt