Garden Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Garden Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native alternatives to Garden Peony
Garden Peony is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 446 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA long lived clumping perennial with deeply cut foliage and large, heavily petaled flowers in late spring. Plants take two to three years to reach full size and then persist for decades with little intervention. Crowns must be planted shallow, since burying them too deep is the usual reason a peony never blooms.
In an HOA neighborhood
Garden Peony is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.
Wildlife value
Flowers offer nectar that generalist visitors will use, but as a non-native it feeds no local caterpillars. Treat it as garden interest rather than habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Garden Peony need?
- Garden Peony grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Garden Peony bloom?
- Garden Peony blooms in May and June.
- Is Garden Peony HOA-friendly?
- Garden Peony is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Garden Peony? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz