Species

Paeonia lactifloraChinese Peony

53 other cultivars

perennial

Chinese Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Top Hat'

The Story

Plant Bio

Paeonia lactiflora is an erect, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to Central and Eastern Asia, characterized by its stout, self-supporting stems and compound, glossy green leaves. The foliage emerges with distinct bronze-red tints in early spring before transitioning to a deep green that persists until the first hard frost.

'Top Hat' is a Japanese-type cultivar distinguished by its large terminal blooms featuring deep cardinal-red guard petals surrounding a compact, contrasting center of creamy white to pale yellow staminodes. This central dome is topped with a small tuft of matching red petal segments, creating a multi-layered, bi-colored effect.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, bi-colored Japanese-type blooms with deep red guard petals and a creamy white center, complemented by glossy green foliage.

Provides exceptionally long-lasting cut flowers and is highly resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Attracts native bees and generalist insect pollinators to its open-center flowers during the spring bloom period.

SpeciesPaeonia lactifloraChinese Peony

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Central and Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with deep, fertile, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root system and position the crown so the eyes are exactly one to two inches below the soil surface.
Fill in the hole with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots without creating waterlogged conditions.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the immediate crown area to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant the dormant crown eyes precisely one to two inches below the soil surface; burying them deeper than two inches results in lush foliage but prevents flower bud development entirely.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the spring growing and bud-development phases to ensure robust blooms.
Cut all stems flat to the ground in late fall after the first hard frost to eliminate overwintering fungal spores.
Leave established clumps undisturbed for years, as they resent frequent division and transplanting.

Don't

Do not plant the crown deeper than two inches, as this halts flower production.
Do not allow soil to become waterlogged or soggy, which triggers root rot.
Do not panic if ants crawl on the flower buds, as they are harmlessly harvesting nectar.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed BordersCut Flower GardensCottage GardensSpecimen Plantings

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Salvia sylvestris Iris sibirica Nepeta x faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chinese Peony questions

What zones can Chinese Peony grow in?

Chinese 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 Chinese Peony deer resistant?

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

When does Chinese Peony bloom?

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

Does Chinese Peony need full sun?

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