Paeonia lactiflora Chinese peony (Paeoniaceae)

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Paeonia lactiflora
Chinese peony
(1 Page of 5)

The Paeonia lactiflora plant species is found in E. Asia - Siberia to Mongolia. It is a member of the Paeoniaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chinese peony. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. albiflora. P. edulis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Paeonia lactiflora
Common Name:  Chinese peony
Family:  Paeoniaceae
Author:  Pallas.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.75   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Dry open stony slopes, riverbanks and sparse woodland edges[74].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown and undemanding plant[250], it does best in a deep rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline[1], doing quite well in sun or light shade[1, 200]. Plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but will not survive if the soil becomes waterlogged or is too dry[250]. This species is lime tolerant[200]. Plants grown on sandy soils tend to produce more leaves and less flowers, whilst those growing on clay take longer to become established but produce better blooms[250]. Prefers a rich heavy soil that is well-drained but remains moist in the summer[187]. The species is hardy to about -25°c, but there are many named varieties some of which are hardy to about -50°[187]. Cultivated as a medicinal plant in China[178]. A very ornamental[1] and long-lived plant, surviving in gardens for 50 years or more[200]. Many hundreds of named varieties have been developed for their ornamntal value[250]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Strongly resents root disturbance, taking some time to recover if it is transplanted[1]. Plants should be planted with their crowns no more than 3cm below soil level. If planted deeper they do not flower so well[187]. Peony species are usually self-fertile, though they will also hybridise with other species if these flower nearby at the same time[250]. Plants take 4 - 5 years to flower from seed[200]. They generally breed true from seed[1].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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