Common Garden Peony, Herbaceous Peony

Sun Exposure: Full sun, afternoon shade in hot areas

Origin: Tibet, China, Siberia

Growth Habits: Herbaceous perennial, 2 to 3 feet tall (60-90 cm), 3 feet spread (90 cm); cluster of thick tuberous roots; leaves palmately divided in narrowly elliptic segments

Flowers: White, yellow, light orange, pink or red flowers

Watering Needs: Regular water during the growing period, dislikes drought condition, as well as wet soils

Propagation: Seeds, division, but the roots dislike disturbances

Paeonia 'Gay Paree', at the New York Botanical Garden

This plant is slightly toxic, but has medicinal properties.
The Paeonia lactiflora is a parent of almost all the herbaceous peonies. There is a large number of varieties in different shades of pink, white and reds, often with striking perfumes.

Blooming Habits:
The peony needs enough cold weather in winter to bloom. It is famous for the fact that some plants take many years to bloom, if they ever do. It is generally associated with planting the root too deep, or having it in a location that is not sunny enough.