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Paeonia suffruticosa
tree peony
China (Gansu, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan; scrub, forest margins; 3000-10000 ft / 900-3000 m; cultivated 1500+ years)
Overview
Paeonia suffruticosa is a deciduous shrub (tree peony) reaching 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 m) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) and an upright, rounded, multi-stemmed habit. Native to China, where it has been cultivated for over 1,500 years, this species produces the largest flowers of any peony—single to fully double, 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) across in a wide color range including white, pink, red, magenta, purple, and bicolored forms. The biternately compound leaves are deeply divided, medium to dark green, with a slightly glaucous underside. Flowers appear in May on previous year's wood. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 4. Extremely long-lived—individual plants persist for decades to centuries. The woody stems do not die to the ground in winter (unlike herbaceous peonies). Late spring frost is the primary threat to flower production.
Native Range
Paeonia suffruticosa is native to China—Gansu, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces—in scrub, forest margins, and rocky slopes at 3,000-10,000 feet (900-3,000 m). Cultivated in China since the Sui dynasty (c. 600 AD).Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen in borders or prominent positions at 4-6 foot (1.2-1.8 m) spacing. The largest flowers of any peony. Extremely long-lived (decades to centuries). Blooms on old wood—do not hard prune. Short bloom period (1-2 weeks). Late spring frost damages buds—avoid frost pockets. Slow to establish. Not suitable for exposed sites with late frost.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 7'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Large flowers 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) across in May, single to fully double, in white, pink, red, magenta, purple, or bicolored forms. Bloom on previous year's wood. Bloom duration is 1-2 weeks (shorter than herbaceous peonies). Flowers may be fragrant depending on cultivar.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Variable: white, pink, red, magenta, purple, bicolored; single to fully double; 6-10 inches; MayFoliage Description
Medium to dark 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 4. Plant graft union 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) below soil to encourage scion rooting. Shelter from late spring frost and morning sun in cold climates to protect flower buds. Does not transplant well once established. Extremely long-lived.Pruning
Minimal pruning. Remove dead wood in late winter. Do not cut to ground—blooms on old wood. Light shaping after flowering if needed. Remove spent flowers.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons