The peony, a celebrated flowering plant, belongs to the genus Paeonia, which is the sole member of the plant family Paeoniaceae. This genus encompasses approximately 30 to 40 species of perennial and woody plants, known for their large, often fragrant blossoms. Peonies have a profound and ancient history, with a native distribution spanning the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. To understand the origin of this remarkable flower, one must look to its deep geographical and cultural roots.
East Asia: The Cradle of the Peony
The geographical origin and center of diversity for the genus Paeonia is firmly rooted in East Asia, particularly China. Archaeological evidence suggests peonies have been cultivated in Chinese gardens for over two millennia, with records dating back as far as 1000 BCE. The earliest known use was not for the plant’s stunning flowers but for its therapeutic properties.
Ancient Chinese bencao texts, which are historical pharmacopoeias, documented the medicinal applications of the peony root. Compounds like paeoniflorin, found in species such as Paeonia lactiflora, were used in traditional remedies to treat inflammation and pain. This initial focus on healing established the peony’s place in Chinese culture long before its ornamental value was fully recognized. The shift toward aesthetic appreciation began centuries later, with tree peonies gaining prominence. By the 11th century, the tree peony earned the title Hua Wang, or “King of Flowers,” symbolizing wealth, honor, and nobility. This reverence led to the development of hundreds of new cultivars, transforming the peony into a highly prized ornamental garden subject.
The Two Types: Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies
The modern peony landscape is defined by two primary botanical classifications: herbaceous peonies and tree peonies, which reflect differing origins within Asia. Herbaceous peonies are perennials that die back completely to their underground root crown each winter, re-sprouting new stems every spring. The common garden peony, Paeonia lactiflora, is the most well-known example, originating primarily from the grasslands and northern regions of China and Siberia.
In contrast, tree peonies are woody deciduous shrubs that maintain their structure year-round. These types, such as Paeonia suffruticosa, often trace their wild ancestry to the mountainous regions of central and western China. Their permanent woody stems allow them to achieve a greater height, typically ranging from 4 to 7 feet, unlike the shorter, soft-stemmed herbaceous varieties.
This difference in growth habit dictates their longevity and presentation in the garden. Tree peonies can live for decades, developing a significant shrubby presence, while herbaceous peonies rely on a period of winter chill to properly set their flowering buds for the following season.
Western Expansion and Modern Cultivation
The journey of the peony out of Asia began with medicinal varieties, as herbaceous species like Paeonia officinalis were known in ancient Europe for their healing uses. However, the ornamental explosion in the West began with the introduction of highly cultivated Chinese varieties. Herbaceous peonies, particularly Chinese P. lactiflora cultivars, were imported into Europe in the early 1800s via trade routes.
These new imports, featuring larger and more diverse flower forms, quickly sparked a “peony frenzy” among European horticulturists. Breeding programs began in France, shifting the flower’s status in the West from a medicinal plant to a purely ornamental garden subject. This wave was followed by the introduction of the more exotic tree peonies, which became a symbol of status among wealthy garden enthusiasts.
The peony later traveled to North America, where hybridization efforts further expanded its range and form. A significant development was the creation of the intersectional hybrid, also known as the Itoh peony, named after the Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh. These hybrids successfully cross the woody tree peony with the herbaceous type, resulting in a plant that dies back but offers the unique colors and enormous blooms of a tree peony. This fusion represents the final stage of the peony’s global journey, combining the best traits of its diverse origins into resilient, modern cultivars.