Peony vs Paeonia Lactiflora: The Difference Explained

Paeonia lactiflora, a perennial herbaceous flower of the Paeonia genus, has a long cultivation history in China and is esteemed with titles like ‘flower fairy,’ ‘flower minister,’ and ‘May flower god.’ However, some people often confuse it with the tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), both of which belong to the same genus, leading to a situation where P. lactiflora is mistaken for the tree peony.

Both P. lactiflora and tree peonies are esteemed flowers in China, with their differences lying in the leaf shape, flower buds, flower shape, color, blooming period, stems, and fruit. Not only do both have high standing in the world of flowers, but they also have distinct ornamental value.

Below, I will provide specific information to help you understand the differences between the herbaceous P. lactiflora and the woody tree peony.

1. Different Root Systems

The tree peony is a deciduous woody shrub, while P. lactiflora is a herbaceous perennial. The tree peony’s root system is more extensive and woody compared to the fleshy, tuberous roots of P. lactiflora. This fundamental difference in root structure affects their growth habits and longevity.

2. Different Stems

The stem of a tree peony is woody and robust, persisting above ground year-round, while the stem of P. lactiflora is herbaceous and dies back to the ground each winter. P. lactiflora stems can reach up to about 1 meter in height, while tree peonies typically grow to 1-2 meters tall, which helps distinguish between the two.

3. Different Leaves

The leaf morphology is a key distinguishing feature between tree peonies and P. lactiflora. P. lactiflora has large, compound leaves with leaflets that are typically elliptical to lance-shaped, dark green, and glossy.

In contrast, tree peony leaves are more deeply divided, often biternate or triternate, with leaflets that can be further lobed or divided. Tree peony leaves are generally larger, creating a more complex silhouette. They are typically a lighter green color compared to the darker green of P. lactiflora leaves.

4. Different Blooming Periods

P. lactiflora typically blooms in late spring to early summer, with the peak flowering period in May-June. In contrast, tree peonies generally bloom earlier, with their peak flowering period in April to early May. This difference in blooming time is a reliable way to distinguish between the two.

Additionally, tree peony flowers are generally larger than those of P. lactiflora, and tree peony flower buds form on old wood, while P. lactiflora produces new flowering stems each year from the crown.

5. Different Flower Buds

Tree peony flower buds are typically larger and more rounded compared to the elongated, pointed buds of P. lactiflora.

6. Different Flower Shapes

Tree peony flowers are usually large and solitary, often measuring 15-25 cm in diameter. P. lactiflora flowers are generally smaller, typically 8-16 cm in diameter, and can have single, semi-double, or fully double forms. P. lactiflora often produces multiple flowers per stem, while tree peonies usually have one flower per stem.

7. Different Flower Colors

Tree peony flowers come in a wide range of colors, including shades of white, pink, red, purple, and yellow, often with dramatic blotches at the base of the petals. P. lactiflora also offers a variety of colors, mainly white, pink, red, and some cultivars in coral or pale yellow. Both species can have single to fully double flower forms, with P. lactiflora cultivars often having more numerous petals in double forms.

8. Different Fruits

P. lactiflora fruits are typically follicles, 2-4 cm long, that split open when mature to reveal large, glossy black seeds. Tree peony fruits are similar but generally larger, often 3-5 cm long. Both types turn brown and split open when ripe, revealing seeds that are initially red but turn black as they mature.

Understanding these differences can help gardeners and enthusiasts better appreciate and cultivate these beautiful and historically significant flowers.