Paeonia officinalis
Paeonia officinalis, the Common Peony, is a perennial ornamental plant that prefers full sun and medium water conditions. It grows to a height of 0.6–1 meter and blooms with pink, red, and white flowers from May to July. This plant thrives in loamy, sandy, or chalky soils and is suitable for USDA zones 3–8. It is known for its fragrant flowers.
Light
Full sun
Watering
Medium water
Soil
Loamy, Sandy, Chalky
Height
0.6–1 m
Spread
0.4–0.6 m
Zones
3–8
Flower colors
Native to Europe, the Common Peony has a long history of cultivation, often associated with medicinal uses historically. It is a perennial plant, returning year after year.
This peony prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It needs medium watering and well-drained soil. Suitable soil types include loamy, sandy, and chalky conditions. USDA zones 3–8 are ideal for its growth, with a mature height of 0.6–1 meter.
The Common Peony produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white during May, June, and July. Its blooms are notably fragrant, attracting pollinators.