Chinese Peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks'
ABOUT
The peony 'Goldilocks' is a striking perennial plant well-known for its enchanting flowers. It features deeply lobed, green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the blooms. The blossoms of 'Goldilocks' are particularly eye-catching, with a fluffy, full appearance reminiscent of a cheerleader's pompom. The petals radiate from the center in a disorderly fashion, giving the flower a somewhat tousled, yet utterly charming, look. The petals themselves are a vibrant shade, often described as a buttery yellow, which imbue the garden with a sense of warmth and cheerfulness. At the heart of each bloom, a cluster of golden-yellow stamens adds to the vivacity of the flower, creating a lovely contrast with the paler petal color. The overall effect of the 'Goldilocks' peony is one of lush extravagance and sumptuous beauty, a true standout in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Peony, Common Garden Peony
Common names
Paeonia lactiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause mild stomach irritation if ingested in large quantities. It is not commonly regarded as a poisonous plant and serious symptoms from ingestion are rare. Handling the plant may sometimes cause skin irritation to those with sensitive skin or specific allergies.
To pets
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks') is considered mildly toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. If ingested, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. While the risk of serious poisoning is relatively low, pet owners should still prevent their animals from eating this plant to avoid any potential discomfort or health issues it might cause.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herbaceous
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Paeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks', commonly known as Peony 'Goldilocks', is highly valued for its large, fluffy double flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal interest: Peonies have a distinct blooming season, which provides a burst of color and interest in the garden in late spring to early summer.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial, once established, it returns each year, reducing the need for replanting.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, which are important for the pollination of many plants.
- Cut flower use: Peonies are popular in floral arrangements and can last for a week or more when cut, making them a favorite for bouquets and decorations.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, peonies are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Variety of uses: Besides its use as a specimen plant, Peony 'Goldilocks' can be used in borders, flower beds, and as a hedge or screen.
- Easy to grow: Peonies, including 'Goldilocks', are generally easy to care for and can thrive with minimal maintenance once established.
- Tolerance of different soils: They are adaptable to a variety of soil types, although they prefer well-drained, fertile soil.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Paeonia lactiflora, commonly known as Chinese peony, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: It may have pain-relieving properties.
- Immunomodulatory effects: It's believed to have effects on the immune system, potentially modulating immune responses.
- Antispasmodic: There are indications that it can be used to alleviate muscle spasms.
- Antioxidant: Chinese peony is thought to have antioxidant properties, which can help in preventing oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other UsesAs a motif in artwork and design, the Paeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks' or peony has been an inspiration due to its lush, full blooms, often appearing in paintings, wallpaper, fabrics, and even jewelry.
Peony petals are sometimes used in crafting, for example, to create delicate, biodegradable confetti for weddings or celebrations.
In the culinary world, peony petals can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts, adding a touch of elegance and a floral essence.
Some cultures use the petals for making a naturally scented peony water, which is then used as a rinse or fragrance for linens.
The blooms of peonies are used in the practice of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, where their structure and beauty are highly valued.
During festive occasions, such as the Chinese New Year, peonies are incorporated into celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and happiness.
As a natural dye, peony petals can be used to impart subtle colors to fabrics or paper, providing an eco-friendly dyeing option.
Peony flowers are sometimes incorporated in the creation of perfumes, where their sweet scent is used as a heart note in fragrance compositions.
Breeders may use the peony as a parent in hybridization processes to create new ornamental plant varieties with desired characteristics.
The image of peonies can be integrated into stamp designs and postal items, celebrating their beauty and cultural significance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPeonies, including the Paeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks', are used in Feng Shui to promote love and romance. They should be placed in the southwest area of the garden or home to enhance the relationship sector. Ensure that the plant is healthy and well-cared for, as wilted flowers can attract negative energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPeonies are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: Peonies, including the 'Goldilocks' variety, are often associated with wealth and prosperity due to their full, rounded blooms.
- Romance: The lush petals of the peony symbolize romantic love, often used in wedding bouquets and decorations.
- Honor and High Value: Because peonies are regarded as magnificent and sometimes rare, they can represent honor and high esteem.
- Beauty in All Forms: The peony's wide range of colors and forms illustrates the idea of embracing diverse types of beauty.
- Good Fortune: In many cultures, peonies symbolize good luck, making them popular gifts for various celebrations.
- Happy Marriage: The historical use of peonies in bridal bouquets has led to their association with the happiness and longevity of marriage.
- Compassion: Peonies can also represent compassion, possibly because of their lush, generous blooms and soft, welcoming appearance.
WaterPeonies, including 'Goldilocks', should be watered deeply to encourage strong root development, typically about 1 inch of water per week. They prefer consistent moisture, especially during the growing season and when buds and flowers are forming. In the absence of rainfall, provide supplemental watering using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. During dry spells, water the peonies once a week, making sure to apply the water slowly and deeply, which might equate to around 3 to 4 gallons per plant, depending on the soil type and weather conditions.
LightPeonies, such as 'Goldilocks', thrive best in full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They excel in a spot that gets bright, morning light with some afternoon shade in hotter regions or can handle full, unfiltered sunlight in cooler climates. Avoid planting in deep shade as this will limit flowering and can lead to weakened plants.
Temperature'Goldilocks' peony prefers a temperate climate, thriving in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F. The plant can survive winter cold down to about -20°F, and it actually needs a chill period of at least 400 hours below 40°F to bloom properly. Summer heat should not exceed 85°F to 90°F for extended periods as high temperatures may reduce the quality and duration of blooms.
PruningPeonies such as 'Goldilocks' do not require regular pruning but can benefit from the removal of spent flowers to maintain appearance and encourage health. In late fall after the first frost, cut back the foliage to about 3 inches above ground level to prepare the plant for winter and to remove any potential disease or pest-infested material. It's essential to discard the cuttings rather than compost them to prevent disease spread.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPeonies like 'Goldilocks' thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. The best soil mix for peonies should include two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingPeonies like 'Goldilocks' rarely need repotting as they are typically planted outdoors. If grown in containers, they should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & Misting'Goldilocks' peonies prefer average outdoor humidity and do not have specific humidity requirements. They are drought-tolerant once established, suggesting that regular garden humidity levels are adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot, ensure good drainage, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot; mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePaeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks', commonly known as the Chinese peony 'Goldilocks', begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in the soil and germination occurs, typically in the fall after a period of stratification to mimic winter conditions. Once the seedlings emerge in spring, they develop into young plants with characteristic deeply lobed leaves and undergo vegetative growth. As the plants mature, they establish a robust root system and in the following spring or early summer, the plants produce buds that develop into large, showy double yellow flowers. After blooming, the plants enter a phase of pollination, often facilitated by insects, and if successful, seed formation takes place within the prominent seed pods. Once seeds have matured by late summer or fall, they are released into the soil, completing the reproductive phase. With the onset of autumn, the plant starts senescing, with leaves turning brown and dying back as the Chinese peony 'Goldilocks' enters dormancy over the winter, conserving energy within its underground rhizomes for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The Paeonia lactiflora 'Goldilocks', commonly known as the Goldilocks peony, is best propagated through division, which allows gardeners to clone the parent plant and ensure the progeny have the same desirable traits. The optimal time for dividing peonies is in the fall, after the plants have gone dormant. To divide a Goldilocks peony, carefully dig up the plant, taking care to minimize root damage. Once the plant is out of the ground, rinse the soil off the roots to better see the eyes, which are the potential growth points. Using a sharp and sterile knife, cut the root mass into sections, making sure each section has at least 3-5 eyes and a good amount of roots attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing originally, as planting too deep can prevent the peony from blooming. It's important to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them.
