Tree Peony

The tree peony has a long and glorious history. In cultivation for more than 2500 years, the tree peony is the national flower of China. The plant has been the favorite flower of both the imperial dynasties and commoners. The tree peony is a deciduous shrub with woody stems that does not die back to the ground. This is a very slow growing and long lived plant. A mature plant will eventually reach 4 to 5 feet in height and 4 to 5 feet in width. It is not unusual to see specimens that are several hundred years old in China adorned with hundreds of fragrant blossoms in the spring.

Thousands of varieties of tree peonies are currently in cultivation, with new plants continuing to come onto the market every year. Thanks to scientific advances, hybridizers have been able to breed plants that have produced interesting flower forms and flower colors. Today, gardeners can select varieties of tree peonies that have contrasting flower forms, such as anemone, chrysanthemum, crown, globular, golden circle, and lotus, or flower colors ranging from black, green, maroon, multi-colored, red, pink, purple, white and yellow.

Herbaceous Peony

The herbaceous peony is a preferred spring perennial. The plant is hardy from zones 3 to 8. Tough, vigorous and easy to grow, herbaceous peonies produce extraordinary blooms in a wide spectrum of colors and forms. While the leaves and flowers are similar to the tree peony, herbaceous peonies produce new growth every spring, in an upright habit and spreading clump form. The plant will eventually reach 2 to 3 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in width. Once established, herbaceous peonies are seldom bothered by pests and need little care or maintenance. The herbaceous peony is a permanent perennial plant that belongs in every garden.