Paeonia lactiflora 'Gay Paree'
perennial

Gay Paree Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Gay Paree'

$34.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Known for its large, blooms with a soft, romantic appearance.

Features large, anemone-type flowers with vibrant cerise-pink guard petals surrounding a fluffy center of creamy-white to pale pink petaloids.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesPaeonia lactiflora Gay Paree offers stunning, fragrant blooms that elevate garden aesthetics and attract pollinators.
Practical UsesIts robust nature makes it a reliable cut flower with a long vase life.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
SpeciesPaeonia lactifloraChinese Peony, Common Garden Peony

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Decades with proper care

Native To

Central and Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot
In Stock$34.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a well-draining, fertile soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
  2. Plant peony roots in early spring or fall, 2-3 inches deep and 3-4 feet apart.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and promote root growth.
  4. Mulch around the plant with organic matter to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping during heavy blooms.
  6. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and after blooming.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in a sunny spot with good air circulation for the best blooms and disease resistance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Apply mulch to retain soil moisture
  • Stake tall cultivars for support
  • Prune back dead foliage in late fall or early spring

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Do not disturb roots during blooming
  • Skip fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Plant
Stake
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant perennial borderFragrant cut flower arrangementShade-loving woodland garden accent

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Alliums SalviaDaylilies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gay Paree Peony questions

What zones can Gay Paree Peony grow in?

Gay Paree Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gay Paree Peony deer resistant?

Yes — Gay Paree Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Gay Paree Peony bloom?

Gay Paree Peony typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gay Paree Peony need full sun?

Gay Paree Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Gay Paree Peony with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.