Species
Paeonia lactifloraChinese Peony, Common Garden Peony52 other cultivars
‘Sarah Bernhardt’Sarah Bernhardt Peony
‘Daydream’Daydream Peony
‘Philomele’Philomele Peony
‘Festiva Maxima’Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony
‘Duchess de Nemours’Duchess de Nemours Peony
‘Honey Gold’Honey Gold Peony
‘Bowl of Beauty’Bowl of Beauty Peony
‘Mother’Mother's Choice Peony
‘Gardenia’Garden Peony
‘Red Charm’Red Charm Peony
‘Gay Paree’Gay Paree Peony
‘Pillow Talk Peony’Pillow Talk Peony
‘Karl Rosenfield’Karl Rosenfield Peony
‘Lady Alexandra Duff’Lady Alexandra Duff Peony
‘Cora Stubbs’Cora Stubbs Peony
‘Henry Bockstoce’Henry Bockstoce Peony
‘Garden Treasure’Garden Treasure Itoh Peony
‘Dinner Plate’Dinner Plate Peony
‘Shirley Temple’Shirley Temple Peony
‘Lady Liberty’Lady Liberty Peony
‘Paula Fay’Paula Fay Peony
‘Monsieur Jules Elie’Monsieur Jules Elie Peony
‘Miss America’Miss America Peony
‘Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt’Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony
‘Felix Crousse’Felix Crousse Peony Peony Felix Crousse
‘Do Tell’Do Tell Peony
‘Sword Dance’Sword Dance Peony
‘Abalone Pearl’Abalone Pearl Peony
‘Exceptionally Fragrant Peony Trio’Exceptionally Fragrant Peony Trio
‘Lollipop’Lollipop Itoh Peony
‘Singing in the Rain’Singing in the Rain Peony
‘Felix Supreme’Felix Supreme Peony
‘Elsa Sass’Elsa Sass Peony
‘Bu-Te’Bu-Te Peony
‘Prairie Charm’Prairie Charm Peony
‘Collection’Chinese Peony
‘Bowl of Cream’Bowl of Cream Peony
‘Duchesse de Nemours’Duchesse de Nemours Peony
‘Scarlet OHara’Scarlet O'Hara Peony
‘Madame Emile Debatene’Madame Emile Debatene Peony
‘Hermione’Hermione Peony
‘Peter Brand’Peter Brand Peony
‘Martha Bulloch’Martha Bulloch Peony
‘Edulis Superba’Chinese Peony Peony Edulis Superba
‘Sorbet’Sorbet Peony
‘Fancy Nancy’Fancy Nancy Peony
‘The Fawn’The Fawn Peony
‘Topeka Garnet’Topeka Garnet Peony
‘Dr. Alexander Fleming’Peony Chinese Peony Dr. Alexander Fleming Peony
‘Cheddar Charm’Cheddar Charm Peony
‘Krinkled White’Krinkled White Peony
‘Pink Parfait’Pink Parfait Peony
The Story
Plant Bio
Paeonia lactiflora, or Chinese peony, is a herbaceous perennial forming a bushy clump of glossy, deep green, divided foliage. In late spring and early summer, it produces large, often fragrant, single, semi-double, or double flowers in shades of pink, red, or white.
A classic double-flowered peony, 'La Donna' produces very large, highly fragrant, soft rose-pink blossoms that fade to a lighter pink at the edges. It is prized for its strong, sturdy stems that hold the heavy blooms upright without staking.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Central and Eastern Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions in early spring for best growth.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Prune after flowering to shape and promote new growth.
- Mulch around roots to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Divide mature clumps every 4-5 years for rejuvenation.
Pro Tip
Plant peonies in well-drained soil with full sun for optimal blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 💧
- Feed with organic compost annually 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during the growing season
- Never plant too deeply, as it hampers blooming
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
La Donna Peony questions
What zones can La Donna Peony grow in?
La Donna 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 La Donna Peony deer resistant?
Yes — La Donna Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does La Donna Peony bloom?
La Donna 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 La Donna Peony need full sun?
La Donna Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Paeonia to compare
Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Tree Peony 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Paeonia suffruticosa 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Tibetan Tree Peony
Paeonia deltoidea
Daydream Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Daydream'
Philomele Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Philomele'
Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow La Donna 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.