How to Care for Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony)

Korean name: 작약

Paeonia lactiflora is a perennial flowering plant that produces large, showy blooms. Its leaves are broad and deeply lobed, and flowers come in various colors such as pink and white, making it popular for gardens and pots. It grows slowly but establishes long-lasting roots once established.

Key facts

• Category: Flowering plant
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Where to keep: indoors or outdoors
• Native to: East Asia
• Growth rate: Slow
• Pets: Toxic, so keep it well away from pets and children.
• Flower meaning: wealth and honor, feminine beauty
• Traits: flower, cold hardy, perennial, ornamental
• Also known as: Chinese peony, Garden peony

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright indirect light or partial shade.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil surface is dry.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining fertile soil.
• Humidity: Thrives in average humidity.
• Temperature: 15~25°C
• Fertilizer: Apply liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and early summer growth periods.

Common questions

How often should you water Paeonia lactiflora?

Water thoroughly when the soil surface is dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Paeonia lactiflora?

It likes Prefers bright indirect light or partial shade.. You can grow it indoors or outdoors. Use Prefers well-draining fertile soil..

Is Paeonia lactiflora safe around pets?

Toxic, so keep it well away from pets and children.

Is Paeonia lactiflora good for beginners?

Difficulty: Moderate. Keep it around 15~25°C. Humidity: Thrives in average humidity.. Fertilise Apply liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and early summer growth periods..