This column is offered as an extension service by the Division of Extension and Community Relations and the Department of Horticulture Science, University of Saskatchewan. The peony is native to many parts of Europe and was first brought to England by the Roman legions about the year 1200. Other species originated in China, where as early as 1596 at least 30 varieties were listed in nursery catalogues. A French missionary stationed in China, Pere Delevay, introduced some of these to Europe in the 1800s. Many types of peonies are available to Saskatchewan gardeners.
Chinese peonies have large double flowers in shades of red, pink, and white.
Semi-double peonies are characterized by several rows of petals and a centre of petals mixed with stamens. Because they have fewer petals, the flowers weigh less and therefore do not bend over under windy or rainy conditions. Anemone peonies are similar to the double Chinese, but with a centre of narrow petals. The fernleaf peonies have delicate, fern-like foliage, are dwarf in stature, and bloom very early. They are more difficult to propagate than the other types and therefore tend to be less available and more expensive.