Peonies: The Old-Fashioned Perennials That Bloom for Generations

Sometimes the best flowers are the old-fashioned ones Grandma grew, like peonies. These long-lived flowering perennials come in a stunning color array and are typically low maintenance, making them a gardener favorite. But choose your spot wisely—once planted, peonies happily reside in the same place for up to 15 years before needing division.

Botanical name: Paeonia spp. or Paeonia suffruticosa
Common names: Peonies, tree peonies, garden peonies
USDA zones: 2–8, but generally grow and flower better in cooler climates
Water requirement: Average
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: 2–4 feet tall for garden peonies; up to 10 feet for tree peonies
Benefits and tolerances: Showy, fragrant flowers tolerating wide soil range if well-drained
Seasonal interest: Blooms late spring to early summer
When to plant: Early fall or spring when soil is warm

Shown: Paeonia lactiflora 'Chocolate Soldier'

Distinguishing Traits

These old-fashioned flowers bloom in nearly every color except blue, are highly fragrant, and easy to grow. They typically need winter chill to perform best, so peonies traditionally excel in cooler zones rather than Deep South gardens. Early-, mid-, and late-season bloomers mean careful planning yields six to eight weeks of blooms (though each bloom lasts about a week).

Shown: Paeonia 'Golden Wings'

Shown: Paeonia 'Golden Frolic'

How to Use Them

Peonies are gorgeous in mixed perennial beds and borders, and make excellent cut flowers. Their old-fashioned appeal suits traditional or cottage gardens planted with other flowering perennials.

As flowers fade, foliage stays for welcome summer green fill. Look for varieties like 'Chocolate Soldier', 'Coral Sunset', 'Golden Frolic', and 'Fantastic'.

What to Watch For

Peonies have few pest/disease problems but occasionally fall prey to fungal issues or scale. Remove diseased foliage or use antifungal spray. For scale, use insecticidal soaps/oils and encourage natural predators like wasps and ladybugs.

Use low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring when stems are 2 inches tall—too much nitrogen produces weak stems and fewer blooms. Avoid cutting more than a third to half of flowers for cutting, and leave maximum foliage to encourage more blooms.

Shown: Paeonia lactiflora 'Coral Sunset'

Planting Notes

Best planted in early fall, but spring works once soil is warm and workable.

• Dig hole larger than root ball
• Add compost to bottom
• Plant with eyes (small reddish buds) 1–2 inches below soil surface
• Add soil, gently tamp, water in

Leave peonies for many years, but if flower production decreases, dig up and divide. Gently tap soil from roots, separate, and replant immediately. Each peony needs about 3 feet diameter for best health and growth.

Shown: Paeonia lactiflora 'Fantastic'

Popular Peony Types

Hybrid: Cross between two peony species. Bloom earlier, offer additional colors/foliage, but often only one bloom per stem. Die to ground in winter, return each spring. Try 'Coral Charm', 'Do Tell'.

Lactiflora: Native to China, most common in nurseries. Most produce side buds for multiple blooms per stem. Die to ground in winter, return in spring. Try 'Dark Purple Silk', 'Brightly Colored Golden Star'.

Tree: Lose leaves in fall but stems stay intact through winter. Slower growing. Try 'Big Deep Purple', 'Black Dragon Brocade'.

Intersectional: Cross between tree and herbaceous peonies. Feature tree peony leaf formation but die back in winter before returning. Higher priced as newer introductions. Good choices: 'Garden Treasure', 'Cora Louise'.