The peony, a flowering plant of the genus Paeonia, is celebrated worldwide for its large, often fragrant blooms. Peonies are categorized into herbaceous types, which die back each winter, and tree peonies, which are woody shrubs. Cultivated for over two millennia, the plant was initially used for medicinal purposes before its ornamental beauty secured widespread popularity. Peonies are cold-hardy, long-lived garden staples, symbolizing prosperity and honor, and remain a highly valued commodity in the global cut flower trade.
Global Origins and Native Habitats
The Paeonia genus is naturally distributed across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, spanning Asia, Europe, and western North America. Asia holds the greatest species diversity, making it the primary center of origin. Early cultivation began in China, where the plant was first used in traditional medicine over 2,000 years ago, primarily utilizing the root of Paeonia lactiflora.
Tree peonies are primarily native to the mountainous regions of northwestern China, where all wild species of this woody shrub type are endemic. Herbaceous peonies have a broader native range, including Eastern Asia (Paeonia lactiflora) and Southern Europe (Paeonia officinalis). A few species, such as Paeonia brownii, are naturally occurring in the western United States.
Major Commercial Production Centers
Commercial cultivation of peonies is concentrated in regions that efficiently meet global market demands for cut flowers and nursery stock. The Netherlands is the dominant global hub for the cut flower trade, selling millions of stems annually. This success relies on advanced greenhouse technology for climate control and a sophisticated logistics infrastructure, including the world’s largest flower auction. The Dutch industry also supplies planting stock to growers worldwide.
China maintains its historical position as a major producer, focusing on tree peonies, medicinal varieties, and thousands of cultivars. The United States contributes significantly, with production centers located to fill seasonal gaps. Alaska has developed a niche market by capitalizing on its extreme northern latitude. Its cool climate delays the bloom season until mid-June through August, a period when peonies are typically unavailable from growers in the Lower 48 states.
This late-season availability is highly valued for summer weddings and events, giving Alaskan growers a unique market advantage. The combination of cool nights and extended summer daylight hours contributes to blooms that are larger and have a longer vase life. Other US regions, like Washington State, also support the cut flower market during the standard late spring and early summer season. Southern Hemisphere countries, notably New Zealand and Chile, leverage their opposite seasons to supply peonies to the Northern Hemisphere during its winter months.
Essential Climate Requirements for Cultivation
Peonies are best suited to temperate climates and thrive within USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Their survival and ability to produce flowers depends entirely on a period of winter dormancy. This dormancy must be induced by a sustained cold period, often referred to as “chilling hours.”
Herbaceous peonies require between 500 and 1,000 hours below 40–45°F to properly set flower buds for the following spring. Without sufficient chilling, plants may produce foliage but fail to bloom, which is a common challenge in warmer climates. Successful commercial and home cultivation is limited to regions with reliably cold winters.
Beyond the cold requirement, peonies demand well-drained soil, as they cannot tolerate standing water, which leads to root rot. They perform best when planted in a location that receives full sunlight (at least six hours of direct sun daily). Proper planting depth is critical; burying the root crowns more than two inches below the soil surface can impede flower production.