Today, peonies are no longer strictly the domain of the wealthy. In America, peony culture has continued for almost three centuries. There are two main types: woody and herbaceous. Woody peonies are evergreen and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The herbaceous varieties are smaller, growing up to 4 feet high and dying back each winter. The plants flourish in USDA Zones 2 through 8, because they need winter chilling. Once established in a garden, peony plants can live as long as fifty, seventy, or even one hundred years, becoming heritage plants to treasure for generations to come.
Text Karen L. Dardick
Photography Kristine Foley
To learn more about peonies and other blooms, collect your copy of our hardcover volume, The Art of Flowers, available at Victoriamag.com.
