The short answer

Quick Answer

Peony thrives in full sun or full shade on chalky soils (pH 6.5-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 60cm to 1.2m tall and wide depending on type. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -30°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Herbaceous: November. Tree peonies: spring, deadheading only

How: Herbaceous: cut all stems to ground level in November. Tree peonies: remove dead flower heads and shape lightly. Never cut into old wood hard

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe, Asia and western North America

Native or exotic: Native. Paeonia mascula is a rare British native of Steep Holm island

History: Cultivated in China for over 1,500 years. Brought to Europe in the 1780s and a fixture of English gardens ever since

Folklore: In Greek myth, the peony was named after Paeon, physician to the gods. The plant was believed to ward off evil spirits and storms

Fun fact: Peonies can live for over a century. The woody tuberous roots are incredibly tough and a neglected peony will often revive after years of neglect

Historical medicinal uses: Root of Paeonia lactiflora used in Chinese medicine. Not for self-medication

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit single and semi-double forms. Double flowers have less nectar [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides early summer pollen[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Massive flowers late May to June. Some tree peonies have colourful autumn leaves[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with roses, delphiniums and iris in June borders

Pest control: Generally pest free. Ants on buds are harmless, they are farming nectar

Common diseases and issues: Peony wilt (botrytis), leaf spot. See RHS peony wilt advice

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

The biggest mistake with peonies is planting too deep. The eyes must be no more than 3cm below soil surface or they will not flower. We always replant shallowly and they reward us the next year.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Peony

How Peony fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Aquilegia (Columbine), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Peony.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Peony are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Peony (Paeonia species (herbaceous and tree)). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Peony. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Paeonia species (herbaceous and tree). Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Paeoniaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Sang T, Zhang D, Hong DY (1997). Phylogeny of Paeonia. Systematic Botany, 22(1), 1-15.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Paeoniaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, seasonal_highlight, feeding.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Peony. The pollinator description above ("Bees visit single and semi-double forms. Double flowers have less nectar") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides early summer pollen") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Massive flowers late May to June. Some tree peonies have colourful autumn leaves".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit single and semi-double forms. Double flowers have less nectar"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Peony's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides early summer pollen") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Peony. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Peony's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Paeoniaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Peony. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Peony. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Peony. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Peony. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Peony. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Peony. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Peony. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Peony performs well locally

Towns where Peony is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover