The peony, a globally cherished perennial flower belonging to the genus Paeonia, is celebrated for its lush, often fragrant blooms and remarkable longevity. These plants are a popular choice for gardeners in temperate climates due to their spectacular size and wide color palette. The peony’s origin is deeply rooted in antiquity, tracing a path that begins in the mountain ranges of Asia and extends across the globe through centuries of human cultivation.
Primary Origin: Historical and Geographical Roots in Asia
The ancient heartland of the peony lies in Asia, specifically China, where cultivation began thousands of years ago. Historical texts suggest that peonies were in use as early as 1000 BC, initially valued for their pharmacological properties rather than their petals. Early use focused on the root of the herbaceous peony, known as Radix Paeoniae Alba, which was prepared as a traditional remedy for ailments like fever and pain.
The plant’s status shifted during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), when its ornamental value was recognized and celebrated by the imperial court. This led to a boom in cultivation, transforming the peony from a medicinal herb into a symbol of wealth, nobility, and honor. The Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa group) became particularly revered, earning the title “King of Flowers” (Moutan). The city of Luoyang became a famous center for peony cultivation, a tradition that persists with an annual festival dedicated to the flower.
The Two Major Peony Groups and Their Specific Native Habitats
The genus Paeonia is composed of about 30 to 40 wild species, broadly categorized into two forms: herbaceous and tree peonies. Each group possesses a specific native habitat that reflects its evolutionary path.
The Tree Peonies form woody shrubs that do not die back in winter and are almost exclusively native to the mountainous regions of Central and Western China. Wild species like Paeonia suffruticosa are found in the scrub and forested mountains of China, Tibet, and Bhutan. These species thrive in environments that provide winter chilling and good drainage.
In contrast, herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each season and have a more extensive native range across Eurasia. The most common garden parent, Paeonia lactiflora, is native to a vast area spanning from eastern Tibet across northern China and into eastern Siberia. The genus is not exclusive to Asia; several species, such as Paeonia officinalis, are native to Southern Europe, and a few species evolved in Western North America.
Spread and Cultivation: Peonies Across Continents
The peony’s journey beyond its Asian birthplace began with human intervention and trade. By the 8th century CE, Chinese Buddhist monks introduced the plant to Japan and Korea, where it quickly became a significant part of horticultural and artistic culture. Japanese growers developed unique cultivars and refined planting techniques that emphasized the flower’s form and structure.
The first Chinese peonies reached European gardens much later, starting in the mid-18th century, primarily through trading routes that brought the herbaceous Paeonia lactiflora to England. Tree peonies followed in the early 1800s, creating a sensation among wealthy collectors and sparking interest in Western cultivation. Western breeding efforts focused on developing new cultivars for the cut flower trade.
A breakthrough occurred in Japan in 1948 when Dr. Toichi Itoh successfully cross-pollinated a Tree Peony with an Herbaceous Peony. The resulting Intersectional hybrids, now known as Itoh peonies, combine the large, colorful blooms of the tree variety with the robust, die-back habit of the herbaceous type. These modern hybrids represent the culmination of a global cultivation history that began millennia ago in Asia.