Chinese Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
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Pl. 584F — Paeonia lactiflora
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IOverview
Overview
Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a perennial herb native to the northern and central regions of China, as well as parts of Russia such as Amur, Chita, and Khabarovsk. Known for its edible roots, seeds, and stems, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is particularly adapted to dry and moist conditions and can be found growing at elevations where the hardiness ranges from zone 4 to zone 10. The Chinese Peony reaches a height of about 0.8 meters and is distinguished by its large, showy flowers that range in color from white to pink.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Peony?
Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a perennial herb native to the northern and central regions of China, as well as parts of Russia such as Amur, Chita, and Khabarovsk. Known for its edible roots, seeds, and stems, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
What is Chinese Peony used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Chinese Peony
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Chinese Peony appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Peony thrives in light to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-10, making it adaptable to various climates. Ensure the soil is not too dry but also avoid overwatering; moist conditions are ideal. For propagation, divide mature plants or use seeds. The plant grows up to 0.8 meters tall and can be grown as a perennial in gardens. Harvest edible parts such as roots, stems, and seeds when ripe.
Light
6/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Peony for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Chinese Peonies in your garden for a rewarding beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Peony roots, well-draining soil, compost, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early fall or late winter before the ground freezes.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is loose, well-draining, and slightly acidic (pH 7-7.5).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant roots about 10 cm deep with the eyes facing up.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Fertilize in early spring, mulch around plants for winter protection.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage and spent blooms after flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting winter mulching.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootSeedStem
Edible uses: The Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is used for its edible parts, including the root, stem, and seeds. The roots can be dried or cooked, while stems are often eaten raw or lightly cooked. Seeds may also be consumed after proper preparation. These parts add a unique flavor to various dishes in traditional cuisine.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 8 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 10 native· 8 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)DenmarkFinlandSwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (2)ChinaMongolia
introduced (1)South Korea
Broader regions
native:Primorye, Amur, Chita, Khabarovsk
introduced:Vermont, Czechoslovakia, New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 584f59a6-2afe-4a17-b2c6-abdcff51b1d8
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