Peony
Lives 50–100 years without transplanting
The Chinese Peony is one of the most elegant plants you can cultivate in a garden. This Asian beauty arrived in Europe in the 18th century and has since captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide. It originates from the mountainous regions of China, where it grew in natural conditions and enchanted travellers with its refinement. Today, the Chinese Peony is a garden favourite, symbolising beauty, prosperity and longevity in many cultures.
The flowers of this plant are a true aesthetic pleasure. They unfurl in magnificent, fully double or simple petals in shades ranging from soft pink to pure white and deep burgundy. Each flower can reach the size of a small plate, and the fragrance spreads throughout the garden. Over centuries of selective breeding, numerous cultivars have emerged, each with its own character — from classic double forms like 'Coral' to elegant Japanese varieties with visible stamens.
In the garden, the Chinese Peony is a 'plant and forget' specimen that thrives in a sunny spot, flowering from May to June every year without fuss. It integrates beautifully into perennial borders, serves as a stunning backdrop for spring bulbs and harmonises perfectly with roses and lavender. Its dense, dark foliage remains decorative long after flowering, gradually taking on autumn tones.
Such a garden elder — a peony can live in one place for half a century or more! This makes it a favourite of those who wish to create a lasting beauty that subsequent generations of the family will admire. If you seek a plant that offers years of effortless enjoyment and rewards you every year with magnificent blooms, the Chinese Peony is your choice.
Peony — planting & location
Single flowering season
How to water Peony
Water more generously after drought
Fertilizing and pruning: Peony
Cut stems back to the base in autumn