They are large and round, opening into fragrant, cup- or bowl-shaped flowers 8–16 cm (3–6 in) in diameter, with 5–10 white, pink, or crimson petals and yellow stamens.

[2] Its habitats include dry open stony slopes, riverbanks and sparse woodland edges.

[6] There are several hundred selected cultivars in a range of colours, sizes and forms; many have double flowers, with the stamens modified into additional petals.

[7] There are many colors now available, from pure milk white, to pink, rose, and near red, along with single to fully double forms.

[22] Paeonia lactiflora became a popular still life subject for Impressionist artists in the late 19th century.