Both European and Asian peonies have been cultivated since ancient times. Those native to central China and Siberia (P. lactiflora) were first introduced to the West in 1784 and breeding with the European Peony took place in France and Britain. Because peonies are such long-lived plants, many nineteenth-century cultivars are still available. Thomas Jefferson noted "Piony" in a list of hardy perennials as early as 1771. Mid- to late-nineteenth-century cultivars are grown here.

Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Peony.

Typical Blooming Dates: mid-April–June
Blossom Color(s): Pink, White, Reds
Location at Monticello: West Lawn