Paeonia veitchii, commonly known as Veitch’s Peony, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to the forest margins, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes of North-Central and South-Central China. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 meter and features a thick, irregular taproot with thin side roots. The foliage is distinctive, with deeply incised leaves that are further divided into fine segments, giving them a delicate, lacy appearance. Veitch’s Peony produces two to four hermaphrodite flowers per stem, which are somewhat nodding and may range in color from pink to magenta-red, with rare instances of almost white blooms. The flowers are showy and are supported by two to five leaflike bracts, with several buds that do not fully develop. After the flowering season, the petals and stamens are shed.

This plant is valued for its striking flowers and is often used in border plantings, cottage gardens, and as a specimen in botanical collections. It is also appreciated for its ease of maintenance and its ability to thrive in a range of soil conditions. Veitch’s Peony prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to peony wilt (Botrytis paeoniae) and requires good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0