Peony Varieties Around the World
Peonies are among the world's most beloved perennial flowers, prized for their spectacular blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and longevity. With over 30 wild species and thousands of cultivars, peonies offer incredible diversity in form, color, and growing habits. This florist guide explores the major peony types found across different continents and climates.
Major Peony Categories
Herbaceous Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)
These die back to the ground each winter and regrow in spring. Most garden peonies fall into this category.
Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa)
Woody shrubs that maintain their structure year-round, producing large, often fragrant blooms.
Itoh Peonies (Intersectional Hybrids)
Crosses between herbaceous and tree peonies, combining the best traits of both parents.
Asian Varieties
Chinese Peonies
Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese Peony)
Origin: Northeast China, Mongolia, Siberia
Characteristics: Most common garden peony, highly fragrant
Notable cultivars: 'Sarah Bernhardt' (soft pink), 'Festiva Maxima' (white with red flecks), 'Karl Rosenfield' (deep red)
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Cultural significance: Known as "King of Flowers" in China
Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony)
Origin: China
Characteristics: Large shrub reaching 6 feet, enormous blooms up to 10 inches across
Notable cultivars: 'Renkaku' (pure white), 'Shimane Hakugan' (white with purple base), 'Kao' (red with gold center)
Cultural significance: Symbol of honor and wealth in Chinese culture
Japanese Varieties
Paeonia obovata (Japanese Woodland Peony)
Origin: Japan, Korea, China
Characteristics: Single white or pink flowers, distinctive seed pods
Growing conditions: Prefers partial shade and woodland settings
Japanese Tree Peony Cultivars
'Hanakisoi' (yellow with red edges)
'Yachiyotsubaki' (deep pink semi-double)
'Shintenchi' (pure white single)
Korean Varieties
Paeonia japonica
Origin: Korea, Japan
Characteristics: Early blooming, single white flowers
Notable for: Extremely cold hardy, suitable for harsh climates
European Varieties
Mediterranean Species
Paeonia mascula (Male Peony)
Origin: Mediterranean basin
Characteristics: Deep pink to red single flowers, deeply divided foliage
Historical note: One of the earliest peonies cultivated in Europe
Paeonia officinalis (Common Peony)
Origin: Southern Europe
Characteristics: Deep red single flowers, historically used medicinally
Notable cultivars: 'Rubra Plena' (double red), 'Rosea Plena' (double pink), 'Alba Plena' (double white)
Eastern European Species
Paeonia tenuifolia (Fernleaf Peony)
Origin: Ukraine, Russia, Balkans
Characteristics: Finely divided fern-like foliage, early blooming
Growing conditions: Excellent for rock gardens, drought tolerant once established
Paeonia daurica
Origin: Caucasus Mountains, Turkey
Characteristics: Single pink flowers, compact growth habit
Special features: Extremely hardy, suitable for mountain gardens
North American Native and Adapted Varieties
Western North America
Paeonia brownii (Western Peony)
Origin: Western United States
Characteristics: Deeply lobed leaves, maroon and yellow flowers
Conservation status: Rare native species, protected in some states
Adapted European Varieties
Many European varieties have been successfully cultivated in North America:
'Festiva Maxima' - widely grown across temperate zones
'Sarah Bernhardt' - extremely popular in American gardens
'Bowl of Beauty' - Japanese-type peony with pink outer petals and cream center
Flower Forms and Classifications
Single Peonies
Five or more broad petals in a single row
Prominent central cluster of stamens
Examples: 'Krinkled White', 'Scarlet O'Hara'
Japanese/Anemone Form
Outer petals surround modified stamens (staminodes)
Creates distinctive two-toned appearance
Examples: 'Bowl of Beauty', 'Do Tell'
Semi-Double
Multiple rows of petals with visible stamens
Fuller appearance than singles
Examples: 'Paula Fay', 'Coral Charm'
Double
Multiple layers of petals, stamens often completely hidden
Most traditional "peony" appearance
Examples: 'Sarah Bernhardt', 'Festiva Maxima'
Bomb Type
Dense center of small petals surrounded by larger outer petals
Distinctive rounded center
Examples: 'Red Charm', 'Monsieur Jules Elie'
Color Variations by Region
Asian Color Palette
Traditional Chinese: Deep reds, pure whites, soft pinks
Japanese preferences: Subtle pastels, bi-colors, yellow tones in tree peonies
European Color Trends
Mediterranean: Deep crimsons and magentas
Northern European: Soft pinks and whites
Modern European breeding: Coral tones, near-black reds
Contemporary Breeding Colors
Coral and salmon tones ('Coral Charm', 'Coral Sunset')
True yellows in tree peonies ('High Noon', 'Lemon Chiffon')
Deep burgundy and wine colors ('Black Beauty', 'Chocolate Soldier')
Climate Adaptations
Cold Climate Varieties (Zones 2-4)
Paeonia tenuifolia
Early herbaceous varieties like 'Early Scout'
Most Paeonia lactiflora cultivars
Moderate Climate Varieties (Zones 5-7)
Tree peonies
Itoh hybrids
Most herbaceous peonies
Mediterranean species
Warmer Climate Adaptations (Zones 8-9)
Some tree peony varieties
Select herbaceous peonies with low chill requirements
Mediterranean native species
Breeding and Development Centers
Historic Centers
China: Original development of tree peonies and many herbaceous varieties
France: Major breeding center in 19th century (Lemoine, Dessert nurseries)
England: Victorian-era peony development
Netherlands: Modern commercial breeding
Contemporary Breeding Programs
United States: University programs and private breeders focusing on Itoh hybrids
New Zealand: Southern hemisphere breeding for extended seasons
Canada: Cold-hardy variety development
Japan: Continued refinement of tree peony varieties
Growing Considerations by Type
Herbaceous Peonies
Planting depth: Eyes 2 inches below soil surface
Soil: Well-draining, slightly alkaline preferred
Fertilization: Low nitrogen, high phosphorus
Division: Every 10-15 years if needed
Tree Peonies
Grafting: Often grafted onto herbaceous rootstock
Planting: Graft union should be 4-6 inches below soil
Pruning: Minimal pruning required
Protection: May need winter protection in harsh climates
Itoh Hybrids
Planting: Similar to herbaceous peonies
Characteristics: Combine tree peony flowers with herbaceous habit
Advantages: Longer bloom period, sturdy stems
Cultural Significance Worldwide
China
Symbol of honor, wealth, and nobility
Featured in traditional art and poetry
Used in traditional medicine
Japan
Associated with spring festivals
Important in traditional garden design
Symbol of prosperity and good fortune
Europe
Victorian language of flowers: bashfulness and shame
Popular in cottage gardens and formal landscapes
Associated with Memorial Day traditions in many countries
North America
Official flower of Indiana
Popular in traditional American gardens
Associated with graduation and spring celebrations
Conservation and Rare Varieties
Endangered Species
Paeonia brownii (Western Peony)
Several Mediterranean species under pressure from development
Wild Chinese tree peony populations
Conservation Efforts
Botanical garden preservation programs
Seed banking initiatives
Habitat protection in native ranges
International cooperation on genetic preservation
Florist viewpoint
The world of peonies offers remarkable diversity, from the woodland natives of Asia to the Mediterranean cliff-dwellers of Europe, and the garden aristocrats developed through centuries of cultivation. Whether you're drawn to the massive blooms of Chinese tree peonies, the delicate charm of species varieties, or the reliable beauty of herbaceous garden peonies, there's a peony variety suited to nearly every climate and garden style.
Understanding the origins and characteristics of different peony varieties helps gardeners make informed choices about which types will thrive in their specific conditions while appreciating the rich cultural heritage these magnificent flowers carry from their native lands around the world.
