Also known as Peony · 3.4k saves
Paeonia
Paeonia, the genus most gardeners know as peony. We track 89 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Paeonia varieties
See all 89 Paeonia varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Paeonia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Paeonia in Sow
Save the Paeonia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Paeonia
Whats common across all Paeonia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Paeonia year
- PlantAugust–October98% of varieties
Plant bare root or container stock in early spring or fall.
- FertilizeFebruary and March93% of varieties
Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around the drip line as new growth emerges.
- StakeMarch and April73% of varieties
Install peony rings or cages early before stems grow tall and heavy
- DeadheadMay and June60% of varieties
Snip spent flowers (deadhead) to keep the shrub tidy.
- PruneSeptember–November55% of varieties
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth starts.
- Spring CleanupFebruary40% of varieties
Clear away old mulch and debris to improve air circulation and prevent fungal issues
- Winter PrepOctober40% of varieties
Cut foliage back to the ground after it yellows to prevent disease
- DivideSeptember and October30% of varieties
Divide only if absolutely necessary (flowering declines), every 10+ years
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Do not disturb roots during the growing season
What goes wrong with Paeonia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curled, yellowing leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Thrips | Discolored or deformed flowers | Use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects |
| Botrytis (gray mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and stems | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and flowers | Handpick or use appropriate insecticides |
| Botrytis blight | Gray mold on flowers and stems | Improve air circulation and remove affected parts |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use fungicidal sprays and ensure proper spacing |
Making more Paeonia
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate the root clumps with a sharp knife.
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for roots to establish.
Seed
- Collect seeds after seed pods mature in late summer or fall.
- Sow seeds in well-draining soil in fall or early spring.
- Lightly cover with soil and keep moist.
- Germination may take several weeks to months.
Paeonia questions
How many types of Paeonia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 89 distinct Paeonia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.4k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Paeonia grow in?
Across its varieties, Paeonia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Paeonia bloom?
Most Paeonia varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring, mid spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Paeonia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.