Abstract: 【Objective】 To investigate the contents of secondary metabolites and total nitrogen,total phosphorus,and total potassium in Paeonia lactiflora with different flower colors,providing a reference for the development and utilization of P. lactiflora resources. 【Methods】 Twelve varieties of P. lactiflora belonging to four color series（red,purple,yellow,and white）were used as experimental samples. The contents of secondary metabolites（total phenols,tannins,proanthocyanidins,flavonoids,and anthocyanins） and total nitrogen,total phosphorus,and total potassium in the petals were determined. 【Results】 The red color series P. lactiflora exhibited all higher contents of total phenols,tannins,flavonoids,and anthocyanins,with the ranges of 47.582-52.167,66.768-82.746,6.194-9.055,and 0.187-2.844 g/kg,respectively. The total nitrogen,total phosphorus,and total potassium contents in the purple color series P. lactiflora were 4.787-5.756,1.085-1.541,and 2.757-3.822 g/kg,respectively;these contents in the red color series P. lactiflora were 4.456-4.740,0.860-1.204,and 2.338-3.432 g/kg,respectively;these contents in the yellow color series P. lactiflora were 3.884-4.371,0.923-1.143,and 2.294-3.526 g/kg,respectively;these contents in the white color series P. lactiflora were 4.638,1.076,and 2.329 g/kg,respectively. 【Conclusion】 The red color series P. lactiflora exhibited all higher contents of secondary metabolites as well as total nitrogen,total phosphorus,and total potassium,indicating stronger biological activity and higher application value.

Key words: Paeonia lactiflora, Secondary metabolites, Total nitrogen, Total phosphorus, Total potassium