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Paeonia ludlowii
Ludlow's tree peony
SE Tibet/Xizang, China (scrub, open woodlands; 9000-11500 ft / 2700-3500 m; Ludlow & Sherriff 1936)
Overview
Paeonia ludlowii (syn. P. delavayi var. ludlowii spp.) is a large, deciduous shrub (tree peony) reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall with a spread of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) and an upright, openly branched, multi-stemmed habit. Native to southeastern Tibet (Xizang), this is the largest-flowered yellow tree peony species. The biternately compound leaves are deeply divided into 9 or more segments, each 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, medium to bright green with a slightly glaucous underside. The flowers are large, cup-shaped, 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) across, golden-yellow with a darker gold center, single, held upright above the foliage in May-June. Large ornamental seed pods follow, splitting open in autumn to reveal glossy black seeds. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 6. The vigorous, large stature and upright flower orientation distinguish this from the smaller, nodding-flowered P. lutea.
Native Range
Paeonia ludlowii is native to southeastern Tibet (Xizang, China), in scrub and open woodlands at 9,000-11,500 feet (2,700-3,500 m). Collected by Frank Ludlow and George Sherriff in 1936.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen or in mixed borders at 6-8 foot (1.8-2.4 m) spacing. The largest yellow tree peony species. Large upright golden-yellow flowers. Ornamental autumn seed pods. Blooms on old wood—do not hard prune. Late spring frost can damage buds. Slow to establish. Not suitable for exposed frost pockets or sites with late spring frost.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Large single cup-shaped golden-yellow flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm), held upright above foliage, May-June. Bloom duration is 2-3 weeks. Large ornamental seed pods split in autumn revealing glossy black seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Golden-yellow; large single cup-shaped 3-5 inches; upright; May-Jun; ornamental seed pods autumnFoliage Description
Medium to bright green; biternately compound deeply divided; slightly glaucous undersideGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Hardy to zone 6. Plant with the graft union (if grafted) 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) below the soil surface to encourage scion rooting. Avoid late spring frosts which damage flower buds. Shelter from morning sun in cold climates to prevent frost damage to emerging buds. Does not transplant well once established.Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter. Do not cut to ground—tree peonies bloom on old wood. Remove spent flowers after bloom unless seed pods are desired for autumn interest.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring