- 1). Observe the height and growth pattern of the plant. Peonies emerge from plants that measure 2 to 4 feet in height. They are round in form.
- 2). Note the time of year in which blooms appear. Peonies typically blossom in late spring to early summer. Dark green foliage turns brownish-red as autumn approaches.
- 3). Look at the flower size and colors to identify peonies. The blossoms are large, measuring 6 inches across, and may be yellow, white, maroon, pink, bi-color or red.
- 4). Take notice of where the flowers are found growing. Peonies enjoy full sun or a slightly shady location.
- 5). Count the number of petals that border the outside of the blossom. Peonies produce at least five large petals---or guards---in one or more rows, and each variety displays a particular center crown. Single and semi-double peonies, for example, contain guards that encompass a group of stamens at the crown of the blossom, while double and bomb peonies have numerous rows of petals that completely cover the stamen and stigma.
Japanese and anemone peonies have a distinct form in which the stamens appear as narrow, compressed petals in the center of the bloom.
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