How big does Chinese peony grow?

About 90 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.5–1 m × 0.5–1 m.

What soil does Chinese peony grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Chinese peony hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Chinese peony flower?

Flowering: May–June, white, pink, red.

How much water does Chinese peony need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Chinese peony cost?

It sells for roughly €7.30 to €27 in local shops, depending on size.

Chinese peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €7.30.

Illustration of Chinese peony — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A long-lived, bushy perennial with large, scented flowers in late spring and foliage that makes a good backdrop in the border until autumn. Plant it in sun in rich, well-drained soil with the buds only a few centimetres below the surface, because a crown set too deep will not flower. Leave it in place for years, as it resents being moved, and give the heavy double-flowered forms some support.

Watch out for

Peony wilt (botrytis) browns the shoots and buds in wet springs, so cut down and remove the foliage in autumn. Planted too deep, in too much shade or recently moved, it can refuse to flower for years. Double flowers bend to the ground after rain, and powdery mildew is common on the leaves in autumn.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white, pink, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.5–1 m × 0.5–1 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white, pink, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	90 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €7.30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €7.30 – €27

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Low-maintenance perennials Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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