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Key characteristics

Height: 18–24 inches tall
Width: 20–30 inches wide
Flower color: Single, cup-shaped white blooms sometimes tinged with cream
Foliage color: Green; new growth may appear reddish
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Light: Part sun to light shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low to medium, remove spent blooms, cut back foliage after frost; rarely requires division
Growing zone: USDA zones 4a–7b
Wildlife: Showy flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; deer- and rabbit-resistant

Perennials

Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae

Chinese Woodland Peony

Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae is a woodland peony native to the shaded, mountainous forests of central China, including the Qinling Range, and parts of Japan. It blooms in spring with single, white to cream cup-shaped flowers and a vibrant display of golden stamens often tipped with purple-red filaments. The blooms are mild-scented, and leaves emerge with a reddish flush before maturing to deep green. After flowering, the plant forms distinctive seed pods that ripen into bold red structures.

Light

Part sun to light shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early to mid-spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums · Hostas

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.