Herb to about 50 cm tall. Leaves twice divided into 3, base tapering. Flowers to 10 cm wide, white in the species but cultivars pink to deep red. Stamens yellow; spring to summer. Follicles to 2 cm long.
Himalayas, Siberia
There is a variety, trichocarpa (Bunge) Stern, which has hairy carpels.
A selection of cultivars is listed under the cultivar tab. Other cultivars occasionally available include: 'Avalanche', 'Bowl of Beauty', 'Edulis Superba', 'Félix Crousse', 'Lady Alexandra Duff', 'Ladybird'.
Source: (1997). Paeoniaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
Paeonia lactiflora 'Bunkers Hill'
Semi-double with crimson petals contrasting with golden stamens.
Paeonia lactiflora 'President Roosevelt'
Flowers large, double, dark pink, fragrant.
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sara Bernhardt'
Flowers large, ruffled, purplish pink.
