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Paeoniaceae
Red Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
Prosperity, honor, and romantic devotion.
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Genus
- Paeonia
- Native to
- China, Mongolia, Siberia
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Early Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 60–100 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
- Water
- medium
- Hardiness
- 3–8
- Lifespan
- exceptionally long-lived; 50–100+ years
Did you know
- Peonies can live over 100 years — some documented plants in China have been blooming for centuries.
- Red peonies are called the 'king of flowers' in China, symbolizing prosperity and national beauty.
- Ants are often seen on peony buds; they feed on the sugary secretions but do not help or hinder bloom opening.
- Peonies require a period of winter chill (vernalization) to bloom, which is why they struggle in warm climates.
- A single peony bloom can contain over 100 petals in fully double cultivars, creating a lavish ruffled sphere.
Color meanings
Red
wealth, honor, and passionate love