White peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen'
ABOUT
The Paeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen', commonly known as the Chinese peony or white peony, boasts an elegant display of large, cup-shaped flowers with a simple yet striking beauty. The blooms are characterized by their pure white petals that gently curl at the edges, providing a delicate, ruffled appearance. Nestled at the center of each flower, a cluster of bright golden-yellow stamens adds a delightful contrast, creating a focal point that attracts both people and pollinators. The leaves of 'Jan van Leeuwen' provide a lush backdrop for the luminescent blooms, with their deep green color and glossy finish. They are divided into leaflets that have a rounded or slightly pointed shape, giving the foliage an attractive, feathery look. As the season progresses, 'Jan van Leeuwen' transforms through various stages. Buds appear plump and rounded, hinting at the hidden petals within. Upon blooming, the flowers reveal their full splendor, exuding a subtle fragrance that can be detected when nearby or when bending down for a closer look. Following the flowering period, the plant continues to offer visual interest through its handsome foliage, which maintains its vigor until the cooler weather sets in. Overall, 'Jan van Leeuwen' exudes a classic charm that is often associated with cottage gardens, but its timeless beauty ensures that it can adorn any garden style from formal to naturalistic settings, making it a cherished addition for gardeners seeking a touch of elegance and simplicity.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae.
Synonyms
White Peony, Chinese Peony.
Common names
Paeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Paeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen' is the peony. Peonies like this one are generally considered not highly toxic to humans. While they are not typically consumed, accidental ingestion of peony parts in small quantities is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, if large amounts are ingested, it's possible to experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Caution should still be exercised, especially with children, who might be more sensitive to the plant parts.
To pets
The peony is known to be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests peony leaves, flowers, or stems, they could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal upset. These symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, if a large amount of the plant material is ingested, more serious symptoms such as dehydration or changes in heart rate could potentially occur. It is advisable to monitor pets around peonies and seek veterinary care if they are suspected to have eaten any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal - Paeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen', commonly known as the white peony, adds a touch of elegance to any garden with its large, bowl-shaped white flowers that have a golden center.
- Attracts pollinators - The blooms produce nectar and pollen that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Longevity - White peonies have a long lifespan, often living for more than 50 years in the right growing conditions, providing long-term beauty.
- Seasonal interest - With a blooming season mainly in late spring to early summer, they create an attractive display and add seasonal interest to gardens.
- Cut flower use - The peony’s large, fragrant flowers make excellent cut flowers, providing long-lasting vase life for indoor arrangements.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Paeonia lactiflora has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: It may have pain-relieving properties.
- Immunomodulatory effects: There are indications that compounds in the plant may affect the immune system.
- Antioxidant: The root of Paeonia lactiflora contains compounds that may have antioxidant effects.
- Neuroprotective potential: There is some research suggesting neuroprotective effects, potentially useful in preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Illustration and Art: The Paeonia lactiflora, also known as the Chinese Peony, has been widely depicted in art and illustration due to its large, expressive blooms, offering a classic subject for botanical artists and illustrators.
- Photography Subject: The Chinese Peony, with its striking white flowers, is a popular subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in nature and macro photography, due to its intricate petal structures and aesthetic appeal.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals of the Chinese Peony can be used fresh as an elegant garnish for high-end culinary dishes, adding visual appeal to the presentation of desserts and salads.
- Dye Production: The petals of the Chinese Peony contain pigments that can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics or artistic materials with soft pink and red hues.
- Wedding Decorations: The lush flowers of the Chinese Peony are often incorporated into wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations for their romantic connotations and visual beauty.
- Floral Arrangements: The large, showy blooms of the Chinese Peony make them a favorite among florists for creating luxurious and voluminous floral arrangements for both private and public spaces.
- Fragrant Sachets: Dried Chinese Peony petals can be used to fill sachets, adding a subtle floral fragrance to drawers, closets, or small rooms, and serving as a natural air freshener.
- Specialty Paper Making: The fibers from the stems and leaves of the Chinese Peony can be incorporated into handmade paper, offering a unique texture and botanical element to the craft paper.
- Creative Crafts: Both fresh and dried flowers of the Chinese Peony can be used in various creative crafts, such as making flower crowns or decorating homemade cards.
- Aromatherapy: The light, pleasant scent of the Chinese Peony petals can be used in aromatherapy for creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere in home or spa settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Peony is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Peony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: The Peony, often linked with abundance, alludes to the full and round blossoms of the flower, which symbolize a bountiful and prosperous life.
- Honor: In many cultures, the Peony is associated with respect and high esteem, often regarded as an emblem of honor and nobility.
- Love: With its lush and romantic blooms, the Peony is frequently associated with romance and is often used in wedding bouquets to symbolize a happy marriage.
- Beauty: The flower's aesthetic appeal conveys a sense of innate beauty and is often used to represent the idea of being beautiful in all forms.
- Good Fortune: Holding a place in many tales and legends for bringing good luck, Peonies are considered a positive omen.
- Compassion: The soft and delicate nature of the flower signifies compassion and is believed to bring a sense of comfort and empathy.
WaterChinese peonies, including 'Jan van Leeuwen', prefer evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. An established plant typically needs watering once a week with about 1 inch of water, which is equivalent to around 0.62 gallons per square yard of soil. In the absence of rain, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring the water penetrates deeply into the soil to reach the roots. During hot, dry periods, monitor the soil moisture frequently and water as needed to maintain consistent moisture. Reduce watering after the blooming period and as the plant prepares for dormancy in the fall.
LightThe Chinese peony 'Jan van Leeuwen' thrives best in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Ideal planting spots are where the plant can receive morning sunlight and partial shade during the intense afternoon heat, although too much shade can reduce blooming. Ensure the location is protected from strong winds that could damage the blossoms.
TemperatureChinese peonies like 'Jan van Leeuwen' are cold hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°F, making them suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. The ideal growing temperature range during the active growing season is between 65°F and 75°F. They require a period of winter chilling, with at least 400 chill hours below 40°F, to ensure healthy blooming in the spring.
PruningPruning Chinese peonies like 'Jan van Leeuwen' typically involves removing spent flower heads after blooming to maintain plant vigor and appearance. In late fall or early winter, after the first frost, cut back the foliage to ground level to help prevent disease. Pruning should be done annually as a key part of peony care.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Peony 'Jan van Leeuwen' consists of well-draining, fertile loam with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Amend with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
RepottingPeony 'Jan van Leeuwen' does not need frequent repotting and can thrive for years without being disturbed. It's best to repot only if the plant has outgrown its space or after 10 to 15 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingPeony 'Jan van Leeuwen' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity, thriving in average outdoor conditions without specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Peonies are not ideal for indoor growth, prefer gardens.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, spring or fall.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePaeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen', also known as Chinese Peony, starts its life as a seed, which, once sown, will germinate given the right conditions of soil temperature and moisture. The seedling then develops into a young plant with a small root system and foliage. Over time, the plant establishes a stronger root system and grows larger, producing characteristic compound leaves. Each spring, it blooms, displaying large, fragrant white flowers with a yellow centre, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, if successful, seeds are produced and dispersed, allowing for the potential growth of new plants. In late summer to autumn, the foliage dies back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy in its roots to survive the winter and regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Paeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen', commonly known as the white peony, is most effectively propagated through the division of its tuberous roots. This is best done in the autumn after the plant has finished flowering and as it begins to die back. The root clump is lifted from the soil and carefully divided, ensuring that each section has at least 3-5 eyes, which are potential growth points for new shoots. It's important to use a sharp knife to make clean cuts and to dust the cut surfaces with fungicide to prevent rot. These divisions are then replanted at a depth where the eyes are 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the soil surface, allowing for sufficient insulation and protection over winter. As the cooler weather signals dormancy, this timing helps new divisions to establish root systems without the stress of top growth, readying them for a vigorous start come spring.
