How long do peonies live?

Peonies are long-lived perennials and can thrive for 50 years or even much longer with good care.

Why do ants like peonies?

Ants are attracted to the sugary nectar produced by the buds, which they use as a food source.

When is the best time to plant peonies?

The best time to plant peonies is in the fall, allowing their roots to establish before winter.

Do peonies need full sun?

Yes, peonies generally prefer full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours per day, for best flowering.

Why aren't my peonies blooming?

Reasons can include planting too deep, insufficient sunlight, or the plant being too young.

Plant guide

Peony.

Paeonia

Pronounced Pee-OH-nee

Also known as Paeony, Peonies, Peony

common peony — Photo by Yves Bas (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Peonies are beloved for their large, showy blooms and lush foliage. They are long-lived perennials that add a touch of romance and elegance to any garden. These plants are relatively low maintenance once established.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herbaceous or woody shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Peonies prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid disturbing their roots once planted, as they dislike being moved. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Watering: Water regularly, especially when young and during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged soil.
Feeding: Fertilize in early spring just as new growth appears, using a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Cut back herbaceous peonies to the ground in late fall after foliage dies back. Prune woody peonies lightly after flowering to shape.
Repotting: Peonies are best left undisturbed for many years; transplant only when necessary, ideally in fall.
Soil: Rich, well-drained loam
Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Temperature: -34.4 to 26.7°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, often living for 50+ years.
Fragrance: light
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Reduced flowering or smaller blooms.
Roots growing out of drainage holes.
The plant appears crowded and is difficult to water.
Slower growth than usual.

Safety

People: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting.
Children: While not highly toxic, children might experience mild stomach upset if they eat peony parts.
Contact allergens: The sap can be a mild skin irritant for some individuals.
Airborne allergens: Peony pollen can be a respiratory irritant for those with pollen allergies.
Edibility: While some parts of peonies have been used in traditional medicine, they are not generally considered edible and can cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Large, often double flowers
Deeply lobed leaves
Woody or herbaceous stems
Fragrant blooms
Tuberous roots

Height: 0.9 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.9 to 1.2m
Leaves: Green, Dark green, deciduous
Flowers: Pink, Red, White, Yellow, Coral, 10 to 30cm

Common problems

Botrytis blight — A gray mold that can affect stems, leaves, and buds, especially in wet conditions.
Powdery mildew — A white, powdery coating on leaves, common in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Root nematodes — Microscopic worms that can damage roots, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
Ants — Ants are attracted to the nectar produced by peony buds and do not harm the plant.

Growing it

Propagation: Division, Seed
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Overwintering: In colder climates, cut back the dead foliage after the first frost. Mulch the crown lightly to protect it from extreme cold. In milder climates, simply remove dead foliage.
In containers: Peonies can be grown in large containers, at least 15-20 gallons, but they prefer to be planted in the ground where they can establish a deep root system.

Division

Carefully dig up the peony clump in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Gently wash away excess soil to expose the root structure.
Using a clean, sharp knife or spade, divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each section has at least 3-5 healthy buds and good root system.
Replant the divisions immediately in well-prepared soil, ensuring the 'eyes' (buds) are no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Water thoroughly after planting.

Seed (rarely done)

Collect seeds from mature seed pods in late summer or fall.
Stratify seeds by storing them in a moist medium (like peat moss or sand) in the refrigerator for several months.
Sow seeds in pots or a prepared seedbed in the spring.
Be patient, as seedlings may take several years to mature and bloom.
Note: Seed-grown peonies may not come true to the parent variety.

Plant peonies with companions that have similar sun and soil requirements, and consider their bloom times for continuous garden interest.

Grows well with

Roses — Roses and peonies bloom around the same time and share similar light and soil needs, creating a beautiful display together.
Catmint — Catmint's low-growing habit and long bloom time can fill in around the base of peonies, providing continuous color.
Salvia — Salvia offers vertical interest and blooms that complement the large, showy flowers of peonies.
Alliums — Allium's globe-shaped flowers provide a different texture and bloom earlier, fading as the peonies start to open.

Keep away from

Aphids — Aphids can sometimes infest new growth, though peonies are generally resistant.
Mealybugs — These pests can occasionally be found on peonies, particularly in warmer climates or greenhouses.

Similar species

Tree Peonies — Tree peonies are woody shrubs that do not die back to the ground in winter, unlike herbaceous peonies.
Itoh Peonies — These are a hybrid between herbaceous and tree peonies, offering unique flower forms and colors.

Science

Family: Paeoniaceae
Genus: Paeonia
Order: Saxifragales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Asia, Europe, and western North America.
Conservation: Peonies are not currently considered endangered or of conservation concern.

In their native habitats, peonies often grow in woodlands, meadows, and on rocky slopes, preferring well-drained soil and adequate sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, pollen source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: Ornamental, Cut flowers, Medicinal (traditional)

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How long do peonies live?: Peonies are long-lived perennials and can thrive for 50 years or even much longer with good care.
Why do ants like peonies?: Ants are attracted to the sugary nectar produced by the buds, which they use as a food source.
When is the best time to plant peonies?: The best time to plant peonies is in the fall, allowing their roots to establish before winter.
Do peonies need full sun?: Yes, peonies generally prefer full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours per day, for best flowering.
Why aren't my peonies blooming?: Reasons can include planting too deep, insufficient sunlight, or the plant being too young.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Paeonia is derived from Paeon, the Greek god of healing in mythology. The common name 'peony' shares this origin.

Good to know

Peonies can live for many decades, sometimes over 100 years.
The name 'peony' comes from Greek mythology.
Some varieties have a delightful fragrance.
Ants are often seen on peony buds, drawn to their sweet nectar.

Is your peony looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.