How to grow Chinese Peony

For winter, cut down to below soil level (so: cover with a thin layer of soil). It will grow back in spring.
Lactiflora has side buds from the main flowering stem that open later to extend the season
The seed pods are also attractive if left on the plant to mature
Peonies easily topple over and benefit from staking. Do this before the plant has grown fully in the spring, so that the sticks and string support the growth and are covered by new leaves

Very slow from seed, seeds sown in late summer may take one or two winters to emerge, and growth is slow, taking many years to produce a crown large enough to flower
Mature plants can be divided after flowering

Peonies enjoy the sun and have deep long roots to allow them to survive in dry situations.
Transplanting peonies is difficult, and the replanting depth must be replicated exactly or the plant will not flower

Peonies last well in the vase and open from buds.

Peony seeds can be harvested in late summer. Quite often there are two colours of seed in the pod, black ones can germinate but may take two winters to show. Make sure you label the pot and don’t discard it until it as had a good chance to grow.

These estimates for how long Chinese peony takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

It is often said that once planted; a peony cannot be moved. This is not entirely true but if you need to move yours do it in the autumn rather than the spring so as to be sure to not disturb it as it starts into growth very early in the spring. Lift the plant with as much of the soil as possible and be prepared for a poor show of flowers in the first season after the relocation
The rhizome contains paeonol with some anti inflammatory properties

Peony

Misspellings: Peony gardinia