ABSTRACT
The genus is a member of the family Paeoniaceae which has about 33 species found in Europe, Asia, and one species in North America. The herbaceous species P. lactiflora is from Siberia and the far East. P. officinalis L. from Europe is also an important parent in modern herbaceous cvs. The woody “tree” types, P. suffruticosa and lately P. delavayi, as well as P. lutea, are important contributing species in this group and are from Tibet and China. The common herbaceous peony is primarily derived from P. lactiflora Pall., and the tree peony from P. suffruticosa Andr. The peony is an important and attractive herbaceous or woody perennial grown in gardens for spring and early summer color or in commercial fields for cut flowers. Flower initiation commenced in July or August, depending upon cv. Both terminal and lateral flower buds have been initiated by September, just before the onset of dormancy.
