Peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Peonies are fluffy, colorful flowers that bloom in late spring! They are loved for their big, beautiful blooms.

Habitat: Gardens and flower beds

Appearance

The Peony has large, often fragrant blooms with many layers of petals, ranging from crisp white and soft pink to vibrant red and deep purple, sometimes with yellow accents. Its lush, deep green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the showy flowers, making it easily distinguishable.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilyPaeoniaceaeGenusPaeonia

Peony

Interesting facts

Ancient China considered peonies the 'King of Flowers'!

Different peony varieties can smell like roses, citrus, or even cloves!

Peonies can symbolize good fortune and happy marriage.

Some peonies change color as their flowers mature!

Special abilities

Peony produces large, colorful, and often fragrant flowers to attract insects like bees, helping it reproduce effectively.

Peony buds produce sweet nectar attracting ants, which may help protect the plant from chewing pests.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-100 cm
Spread: 60-90 cm
Flower Size: 10-20 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen, aiding reproduction.

symbiotic with

Black garden ant

Formica fusca

Attracted to nectar on buds, potentially deterring pests.

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

May browse on leaves and buds in wild areas.

Traits

Perennial

These strong plants come back year after year, bringing joy to gardens with their enduring presence and beautiful blossoms season after season.

Herbaceous

These amazing plants have soft, green stems that typically die back to the ground each year, making way for fresh new growth when the time is right.

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!