Paeonia

As no species is specified, this description is given at genus level. Paeonia comprises some thirty perennial species of the temperate Northern Hemisphere (Eurasia, western North America), including several herbaceous or tuberous-rooted "species peonies" with thick, fleshy storage roots. The often finely divided foliage dies down in winter; large solitary flowers, single or double, ranging from white through pink and yellow to deep red, appear in spring. Young plants prefer light shade, while established clumps tolerate full sun; fertile, well-drained soil and a cold winter rest are needed to induce flowering.