Common Peony

paeonia officinalis

Also known as: ["European Peony","Red Peony"]

Family: Paeoniaceae Genus: Paeonia Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous herbaceous perennial with large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, or white, native to southern Europe.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Paeoniaceae
Genus: Paeonia
Botanical Name: Paeonia officinalis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead stems in late fall or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and early summer; partial shade during hot summer afternoons.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorch.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with root rot; stunted growth despite adequate care; failure to flower in successive years.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.

Soil

well-drained, fertile, loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cold winters but needs protection from late frosts.

Protect from late frosts; shield from intense summer heat; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; avoid feeding after midsummer to prevent late-season growth; water before and after application.

Propagation

Methods

Division of roots in fall or early spring; stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Divide roots into sections with at least 3–5 eyes each.
  2. Replant immediately at the same depth.
  3. Water well.

Best Time: Early fall or early spring when the plant is dormant or just beginning growth.

Environment

Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; protect from extreme temperatures.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix with added compost or peat; sand can improve drainage if needed.

Hormone

Optional for root division; recommended for stem cuttings to encourage root development.

Timeline

Root division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 4–8 weeks, full establishment in a season.

Tools Needed

Sharp, sterile knife or spade, gloves, mulch.

Quick Tips

Divide only when necessary; ensure each division has viable buds; water thoroughly after planting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems back to the base or just above a healthy bud; remove any weak or crossing stems.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering; thin overcrowded stems to improve air circulation.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or weak stems; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early fall or early spring when the plant is dormant.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting in a container.

Method

Gently lift the plant; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth.

Suggestions

Paeonia officinalis is typically grown in-ground; container-grown plants may need repotting every 3–4 years if root-bound.

Checklist

Choose the right time; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water thoroughly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth and blooming, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may damage buds or roots if not properly mulched or protected.

Solution: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch; cover plants during hard freezes; avoid planting in frost pockets.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, flower bud abortion, and leaf scorch, especially in dry conditions.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water before and after; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Paeonia officinalis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or nitrogen, or water stress. It can also be a symptom of root rot or viral infections, which impair chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Paeonia officinalis often results from inadequate water supply or root damage, such as from root rot or nematode infestations. It may also occur due to high temperatures or drought conditions.

Leaf spots on Paeonia officinalis are typically caused by fungal pathogens such as Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and weakened plant health if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, in Paeonia officinalis is commonly caused by fungal pathogens like Phytophthora or Fusarium, leading to decay of plant tissues, eventual plant death, and reduced vigor.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Paeonia officinalis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no significant reports of adverse effects in felines after ingestion of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While non-toxic, monitor pets if they consume large amounts of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Paeonia officinalis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no significant reports of adverse effects in canines after ingestion of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While non-toxic, monitor pets if they consume large amounts of any plant material.
Humans
Non-toxic

Paeonia officinalis, commonly known as the common peony, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments without significant toxicity reports.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While generally safe, avoid ingesting large quantities of any plant material unless under professional guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I care for a Paeonia officinalis?

A: Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and provide support for tall stems.

Q: Are peonies toxic to pets?

A: Peonies are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset.

Q: Why are my peony leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal infections. Ensure proper watering and soil conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Paeoniaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","fragrance lovers"]
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