The common garden peony, with its massive, ruffled blooms, is not a true wildflower in the sense most people imagine. While the showy varieties lining garden beds are highly cultivated plants, the genus Paeonia does contain many distinct species that grow in the wild across the Northern Hemisphere. To understand the difference between the garden favorite and its wild relatives, it is necessary to consider how botanists classify plants based on their origin and relationship with humans. The distinction lies between the original, naturally occurring species and the hybrid forms developed through centuries of human selection.
Clarifying Plant Terminology
The term “wildflower” generally describes any flowering plant that grows in the wild without deliberate human planting or care. This definition is broad and includes both native and non-native species that have established themselves in an area.
A native species must have originated and evolved within a specific region over a long period, making it adapted to local climate and soil conditions. A naturalized species was introduced to a new environment but can now reproduce without human assistance. Some naturalized plants can become invasive, disrupting the local ecosystem.
A cultivated or hybrid plant is one that has been deliberately bred or selected by humans for desirable traits, such as larger flowers or specific colors. These plants often cannot survive or reproduce effectively on their own in the wild.
The True Origins of Peonies (Genus Paeonia)
All peonies belong to the single genus Paeonia. This genus is found naturally across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with species native to Asia, Southern Europe, and Western North America. Scientists estimate there are about 33 distinct wild peony species.
The greatest diversity of wild peonies exists in Asia, particularly in the mountainous regions of China. Europe hosts native species, such as Paeonia officinalis and Paeonia mascula, which were recognized in ancient times for their medicinal properties. North America is home to two wild species, Paeonia brownii and Paeonia californica, both native to the western part of the continent.
The flowers of these true wild species are typically simple, with only a single row of petals, unlike the densely petaled garden varieties. For instance, Paeonia brownii has small, pendant flowers that are dark purple-red or brown. These wild forms represent the original blueprint from which all modern garden peonies were developed.
From Wild Ancestor to Garden Staple
The transformation of the simple wild peony into the dramatic garden flower began over 2,000 years ago, primarily in China, where the plants were initially valued for medicinal uses. Through centuries of selection and breeding, growers focused on ornamental traits, leading to the development of early cultivars from species like the herbaceous Paeonia lactiflora. This selection process resulted in plants with multiple, many-petaled flowers on strong stems.
The vast majority of peonies seen in modern gardens, such as the large, double-flowered varieties, are complex hybrids and cultivars. These plants are the result of deliberate crosses between different wild species, a process that continues today with the creation of intersectional hybrids, also known as Itoh peonies. These intersectionals combine the traits of herbaceous and woody peonies.
These cultivated forms are genetically distinct from their wild ancestors and have been selected for traits that compromise their ability to survive in natural environments without intervention. The massive, heavy flowers of many cultivars, for example, frequently require staking to prevent breakage, a vulnerability that would not allow them to thrive in the wild. The cultivated peony is therefore a garden staple and not a true wildflower.