Discover the unique beauty of Paeonia californica, also known as California Peony, a stunning perennial native only to the southwestern landscapes of California. This extraordinary plant flourishes across the dry, sun-drenched hillsides of the coastal sage scrubs and chaparral communities from Monterey County to San Diego. California Peony is particularly favored for its eye-catching, globe-shaped maroon to scarlet flowers, which bloom vividly from February to April, contrasting beautifully with its deeply cut, fleshy gray-green foliage. It thrives on a dry summer, making it a sustainable choice for water-conscious gardeners. With its impressive resilience, this drought-tolerant plant endures a variety of soils, including clay, serpentine, and decomposed granite, and withstands temperatures as low as -5°F. Deer-resistant and adapted to part shade, California Peony is a rewarding challenge for those seeking an exceptional addition to their native plant garden.