The World's Premier Peony Growing Regions: A Complete Ellermann Guide

Peonies, with their spectacular blooms and intoxicating fragrance, have captivated gardeners and flower enthusiasts for centuries. While these hardy perennials can be grown in many temperate regions, certain areas of the world have become renowned for their exceptional peony cultivation. This guide explores the major peony-growing regions globally, examining what makes each unique and significant in the world of peony production.

China: The Ancient Homeland

China stands as the undisputed birthplace and largest producer of peonies worldwide. The country's peony heritage spans over 1,500 years, with both herbaceous peonies and tree peonies (woody shrubs) deeply embedded in Chinese culture and horticulture.

Shandong Province serves as China's peony capital, particularly around Heze City, which produces an estimated 80% of the world's tree peonies. The region's continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, creates ideal conditions for peony cultivation. Luoyang in Henan Province is equally famous, hosting an annual peony festival that attracts millions of visitors to see over 1,200 varieties in bloom.

The northwestern regions, including Gansu Province, have emerged as major commercial producers, taking advantage of the high altitude and temperature variations that promote vigorous growth and intense flower colors. Chinese growers have developed sophisticated propagation techniques and maintain extensive breeding programs that continue to introduce new varieties to the global market.

Alaska, United States: The Surprising Giant

Alaska has become one of the world's most significant peony producers, a development that might surprise many given its harsh climate. The state's unique growing conditions—nearly 20 hours of daylight during summer months and cool temperatures—create peonies with exceptionally large blooms, strong stems, and extended vase life.

The Matanuska-Susitna Valley, about an hour north of Anchorage, contains the majority of Alaska's commercial peony farms. Farms like Alaska Perfect Peony and Peony Ridge Farm have established the region's reputation for producing premium cut flowers that command high prices in markets from Seattle to Tokyo.

The growing season is compressed but intense, with peonies blooming from late June through August. The cool nighttime temperatures and extended daylight create flowers with remarkable substance and longevity, making Alaskan peonies highly sought after by florists and consumers willing to pay premium prices.

The Netherlands: European Excellence

The Netherlands has established itself as Europe's peony powerhouse, combining traditional Dutch horticultural expertise with modern growing techniques. The country's mild maritime climate and advanced greenhouse technology allow for both field production and controlled environment cultivation.

Dutch growers have become masters of peony forcing, using temperature manipulation to extend the flowering season and provide cut flowers to European markets from March through October. The Westland region, known globally for its greenhouse production, houses many of the country's leading peony operations.

Companies like Vletter & Den Haan and P. Aker have pioneered techniques for year-round peony production, utilizing cold storage of roots and precise environmental controls. The Netherlands also serves as a major distribution hub, with many internationally traded peonies passing through Dutch auction houses and logistics networks.

Oregon, United States: Pacific Northwest Paradise

Oregon's Willamette Valley has developed into a premier peony-growing region, particularly for herbaceous varieties. The region's Mediterranean-like climate, with wet winters and dry summers, closely mimics the natural growing conditions that peonies prefer in their native habitats.

The valley's deep, fertile soils and reliable water sources support both large commercial operations and numerous smaller specialty growers. Many Oregon farms focus on heirloom and rare varieties, serving both the cut flower market and plant collectors seeking unusual cultivars.

The region has also become a center for peony breeding and research, with growers like Adelman Peony Gardens and Peony's Envy developing new varieties adapted to Pacific Northwest conditions while maintaining the classic characteristics that make peonies so beloved.

France: Traditional Excellence

France maintains a strong tradition of peony cultivation, particularly in the Loire Valley and surrounding regions. French growers have historically focused on herbaceous peonies, with many family-owned operations passed down through generations.

The French approach emphasizes quality over quantity, with many producers specializing in heirloom varieties and maintaining small-scale operations that supply local florists and farmers markets. Pivoines Rivière and other established nurseries continue to preserve classic European varieties while also introducing new selections.

French peony production is closely tied to the country's strong floriculture traditions, with many growers also producing other cut flowers and ornamental plants. The emphasis on artisanal production and local markets reflects broader French agricultural values.

Emerging Regions and Future Trends

Several other regions are developing significant peony industries. New Zealand has emerged as a Southern Hemisphere producer, taking advantage of its reversed seasons to supply Northern Hemisphere markets during their off-season. Canada's British Columbia and Eastern provinces are expanding production, while northern European countries like Denmark and Sweden are exploring peony cultivation in their cool climates.

Chile and Argentina are also developing peony industries, primarily focused on cut flower export to North American and European markets during their spring seasons. These Southern Hemisphere producers offer the advantage of counter-seasonal production, providing fresh peonies when Northern Hemisphere producers are dormant.

Climate and Growing Conditions

Successful peony cultivation requires specific environmental conditions that explain why certain regions dominate global production. Peonies need a prolonged cold period (vernalization) of at least 10-14 weeks below 40°F (4°C) to bloom properly, which limits commercial production to temperate and cold climate zones.

The ideal growing conditions include cold winters for proper dormancy, moderate spring temperatures for steady growth, and warm but not excessive summer heat. Well-draining, fertile soils with good organic content and neutral to slightly alkaline pH provide the foundation for healthy peony plants.

Many of the world's premier growing regions share these characteristics: distinct seasons with adequate chill hours, reliable precipitation or irrigation, and soils that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Economic Impact and Market Trends

The global peony market has experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by increasing demand for premium cut flowers and landscape plants. Cut peony production is particularly lucrative, with wholesale prices often exceeding those of roses and other traditional flowers.

The rise of social media and wedding industry trends has boosted peony popularity, creating strong demand for both cut flowers and garden plants. This has encouraged expansion in traditional growing regions and development of new production areas.

Export markets are increasingly important, with major producing regions shipping to international destinations. Alaska's peonies reach Asian markets, Dutch production supplies throughout Europe, and Southern Hemisphere producers serve Northern markets during off-seasons.

The world's major peony growing regions each bring unique strengths to global production, from China's ancient expertise and vast scale to Alaska's premium quality and extended daylight, to the Netherlands' technical innovation and year-round production capabilities. Understanding these regional differences helps explain why peonies remain one of horticulture's most cherished flowers, with dedicated growers worldwide working to meet ever-increasing demand for these magnificent blooms.

As climate change and evolving agricultural practices continue to shape global flower production, these established regions will likely adapt while new areas may emerge to join the ranks of the world's premier peony growing destinations.