Paeonia lactiflora, commonly known as the Chinese peony, is a classic herbaceous perennial revered for its lush, fragrant blooms and graceful form. Native to eastern Asia, particularly China, Mongolia, and Siberia, this species has been cultivated for centuries and serves as the foundation for countless garden cultivars and hybrids. In late spring to early summer, Paeonia lactiflora produces large, showy flowers in an array of colors—ranging from pure white and soft pink to deep crimson and even bicolored forms—often filled with layers of silky petals that can be single, semi-double, or fully double in structure. The blooms are richly scented, making them a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements. Its dark green, divided foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, forming dense clumps that die back to the ground in winter and return reliably each spring. Paeonia lactiflora thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Once established, it can live for decades, often improving with age and producing more abundant flowers each year. Highly valued for its beauty, longevity, and versatility, Paeonia lactiflora is a timeless favorite in cottage gardens, perennial borders, and formal plantings, embodying both elegance and endurance in the landscape.