Monticello Gardens

Common name: Peony, Jefferson's name: "Piony"

Family: Paeoniaceae (Peony)

Distribution: Europe

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Usage: Ornamental

Comments: The ancient European peony, or "Piney," has been cultivated for centuries and considered "a household friend" by Joseph Breck in his "Book of Flowers," 1851. Philadelphia nurseyman John Bartram sent several peonies to the Lambolls of Charleston, SC in 1761 and Jefferson listed the "piony" among his "hardy perennials flowers" as early as 1771. The European peony is a smaller plant than the Asian sorts and comes into bloom somewhat earlier in the spring.