The ancient Common or European peony, Paeonia officinalis, has been cultivated for centuries and was found in the gardens of France and Britain since the sixteenth century where they were grown in the medicinal gardens of monasteries. The genus name derives from the Greek name for Paeon, the physician of the gods and reputed discoverer of the medicinal properties of plants in this genus. Philadelphia nurseryman John Bartram sent several peonies to the botanical garden of Elizabeth and Thomas Lamboll of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1761 and Thomas Jefferson most likely was referring to the European peony when he noted “Piony” in a list of hardy perennials as early as 1771. This species was also included in “A Calendar of the bloom of flowers in 1782.” European peony is a smaller perennial with soft, medium green foliage as compared to the Asian sorts and it comes into bloom earlier in the spring.
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Peony.
Typical Blooming Dates: March - April
Blossom Color(s): Purple, Red
Location at Monticello: West Lawn Oval Flower Bed
