Paeonia japonica (Japanese Peony, Japanese Woodland Peony)
Paeonia japonica, or the Japanese woodland peony, is a rare herbaceous perennial native to the forests of Honshu, Japan. This elegant species is treasured for its refined appearance and natural ability to thrive in shaded, woodland gardens, making it a standout among wild peonies.
In early to mid-spring, it produces single, cup-shaped blooms about 3 inches wide. The flowers are typically white or ivory, accented by a central cluster of bright yellow stamens and occasionally a burgundy or claret-hued base. These delicate, lightly fragrant blossoms offer a quiet charm before giving way to ornamental seed pods in late summer. The pods split open to reveal metallic-blue seeds on vivid red stalks, creating a striking contrast and lasting seasonal interest.
The foliage is deeply lobed, matte to bluish-green, and remains attractive after flowering, offering lush ground cover throughout the growing season. The plant grows in tidy clumps reaching 18–24 inches tall and wide, dying back in winter and reemerging each spring with fresh growth.
Paeonia japonica prefers part to full shade and flourishes in humus-rich, well-drained soils. It thrives with consistent moisture and cool root zones, making it ideal for woodland or understory plantings. While it enjoys protection from intense sun, it is cold-hardy in USDA zones 4–7 and reliably perennial under the right conditions.
This species is both low-maintenance and deer-resistant, with the added benefit of attracting pollinators. Its modest stature and long-lasting beauty make it well-suited for shaded borders, naturalized garden beds, and serene woodland landscapes.
Valued for its subtle elegance, Paeonia japonica brings structure, seasonal variety, and gentle color to shaded spaces, with spring blossoms and late-summer seed displays that contribute to year-round visual appeal.
Botanical Name : Paeonia japonica
Common Name : Japanese Peony, Japanese Woodland Peony
Height : 1-2 ft
Spread : 3-4 ft
Germination Info : 60-90 days warm stratification followed by 60-90 days cold stratification recommended
Hardiness zone : 4-7
Other info : You can begin by warm stratifying the seeds in a sealed bag until roots emerge, then transition to cold stratification in the same bag as outlined. After that, sow the seeds in flats placed in a greenhouse. Alternatively, you can direct sow outdoors at the appropriate time to let natural seasonal changes provide the same stratification process. The parent plants have white petals with a yellow center. Note that germination may occur gradually over several years..
Average seed per ounce : Approx. 215