Corollas more than 8 inches (20 cm) across, in delicate hues, open above elegant foliage on a shrub that can rise to 6 feet (2 metres). The tree peony is grown for those spectacular blooms and for its remarkable lifespan: give it a cool, well-drained spot sheltered from harsh sun and hard frost, and it may flower for fifty years.
Certain hybrids produce gigantic flowers that span more than 8 inches (20 cm) across!
Flowers from tree peonies are among the great wonders of nature. Their delicate hues, their flaunting perfectly-shaped corollas, their elegant foliage make this plant a highly desirable addition to your garden.
Their hardiness and longevity will further our interest in this plant. Tree peonies are preferably grown in spots that are sheltered from direct sun and from strong frost.
Their longevity is truly outstanding, since they often live 50 years and more. Tree peonies must be planted with their graft line buried 4 inches (10 cm) below ground level. This leads to root development at the graft line, increasing resources available to the scion which will grow more vigorously.
The article describes the plant in general terms, but garden centres and catalogues sell tree peonies under cultivar names. Here are some of the most commonly offered, chosen on flower colour, flower form and eventual size.
| Variety | Flower colour | Flower form | Approximate height |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘High Noon’ | Clear lemon yellow with red flare | Semi-double, cupped | 5 ft (1.5 m) |
| ‘Hana Kisoi’ (Floral Rivalry) | Cherry pink | Semi-double, very large | 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) |
| ‘Shimadaijin’ (Island Minister) | Deep purple-magenta | Semi-double to double | 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) |
| ‘Souvenir de Maxime Cornu’ | Yellow flushed apricot and pink | Very large, fully double, nodding | 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) |
| ‘Renkaku’ (Flight of Cranes) | Pure white with golden stamens | Semi-double to double | 5 ft (1.5 m) |
Plant in a cool, well drained soil. Chalky soils are tolerated. Constantly moist soil is not recommended. Choose a sunlit spot that is shielded from excess heat. At planting time, you can add composted manure or organic fertilizer made with manure and seaweed: your plant will reward you generously!
Tree peonies grow slowly. A plant may need up to 7 or 8 years to reach its ideal 6-foot height. Pruning can be foregone if the plant naturally branches out, which is most often the case. Basic maintenance pruning is only called for to balance the silhouette, prune dead wood and remove wilted flowers.
This plant will mirror very well another tall variety from a well-known species: Dahlia imperialis.
Mulch the base of your tree peonies at all times with a thick layer of decomposing manure or compost. Peonies hate being transplanted. If you have a generously blooming bunch of peonies, let it be, because if you try to move it around, it will sulk at you for quite a few years!
