As one of the representatives of traditional Chinese culture, the peony has won widespread love for its beautiful flowers and unique cultural connotation. To appreciate the beauty of peonies, it is necessary to understand their growing environment and characteristics. This article will discuss this topic, hoping to bring readers a more in-depth understanding.

I. Geographical Distribution of Peonies
Peonies are distributed in China, Japan, North Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and the United States. Among them, China is the hometown of peonies and the country with the most peony varieties in the world.
II. Photophilic Nature of Peonies
Peonies are photophilic and very sensitive to sufficient sunlight. Insufficient light will affect the development of flower buds and the extension of the flowering period.

III. Suitable Temperature Range for Peonies
Peonies are warm-loving plants, and the suitable temperature range for growth is 15-25℃. When the temperature is below 5℃ or above 35℃, it will have adverse effects on their growth and flowering.
IV. Soil Requirements for Peonies
Peonies require fertile, well-drained, acidic or neutral soil. They are not tolerant of saline-alkali or excessive moisture.
V. Water Requirements for Peonies
The water demand for peonies is moderate; it should be neither too much nor too little. Generally, watering once a week is sufficient, but it needs to be strengthened appropriately during dry weather.

VI. Breeding Development of Peonies
With the deepening of people's understanding of peonies, the breeding of peonies has also made great progress. Now, many varieties have been formed, including single-petaled, semi-double-petaled, double-petaled, and tree peony series.
VII. Landscape Application of Peonies
As an ornamental plant, peonies are widely used in landscape design and greening construction. They coordinate and set off other plants and landscapes, making gardens more beautiful and ecological.
VIII. Cultural Connotation of Peonies
As one of the representatives of traditional Chinese culture, peonies have a unique position and connotation in Chinese culture, and are endowed with beautiful symbolic meanings and implications.
IX. Peonies and Literature and Art
Since ancient times, peonies have been a favorite subject for scholars and artists, becoming an important element in many works of art such as poems, songs, novels, and paintings.
X. Peonies and History and Culture
Peonies also have rich connotations and historical value in Chinese history and culture. They are not only an important part of court culture but also a key element of folk beliefs and cultural traditions.
XI. Peonies and International Exchange
With the continuous strengthening of our country's foreign exchanges, peonies have gradually become one of the windows for our country to show the world its excellent traditional culture. Through international exchanges of peonies, our country's excellent culture and art have been promoted.
XII. Peonies and the Tourism Industry
As one of the important tourism resources, peonies have attracted a large number of tourists to come and watch and travel, becoming a new type of tourism economic form.
XIII. Artistic Expression of Peonies
Expressing the beauty of peonies through artistic techniques can not only enrich the cultural connotation but also stimulate people's aesthetic sense and creative inspiration, providing richer elements for artistic creation.
XIV. Protection and Research of Peonies
With the continuous renewal of peony varieties and changes in the ecological environment, the protection and research of peonies have become more important. This is not only related to the development of our country's garden culture but also an important measure for the inheritance and development of Chinese traditional culture.
XV. Ecological Value of Peonies
As an important garden plant, peonies also have high ecological value. They have various ecological functions such as improving the environment, purifying the air, and absorbing harmful substances.
This article introduces the growing environment and characteristics of peonies from the aspects of their geographical distribution, photophilic nature, suitable temperature range, soil requirements, and water requirements, and focuses on the value and significance of peonies in culture, art, history, and tourism. At the same time, it also emphasizes that the protection and research of peonies are becoming more and more important, and hopes that more people can pay attention to and value this precious cultural and ecological resource.