Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Paeoniaceae
Botanical Name
Paeonia suffruticosa
Plant Common Name
Tree Peony
General Description
The blooms of tree peony, or moutan, are huge, bowl-shaped and stunning. This long-lived deciduous shrub originates from China, where it is referred to as the “King of Flowers”, and has been cultivated for over 1500 years.
The sparsely branched, deciduous shrub puts forth lush, irregularly cut, compound leaves of soft green in mid-spring. In late spring to summer, mature plants produce enormous bowl-shaped flowers with large crepe paper-like petals that may be single or double and frilled or ruffled. These come in shades of red, pink, white and yellow and are much larger than those of standard herbaceous peonies. Insects pollinate the blooms, and the subsequent fruits are five-parted, green capsules that dry to brown and split open to reveal the dark seeds within.
Tree peonies prefer sheltered locations with full or dappled sunlight and soil that is cool, porous, moist and fertile. Peonies require dormancy, so they must be planted where winters are cold. Inadequate dormancy will result in poor flower development, though late season frosts can also damage developing buds, which explains the need for a sheltered planting site. Once established, these shrubs do not like to me moved or transplanted, so choose a good stable location for your peony before planting.
Though tree peonies only stay in bloom for two weeks or so, they are well worth planting and ideal for protected foundation plantings, woodland settings or mixed borders.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-7' / 0.9m - 2.1m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
China, Japan
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Brown, Sienna
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single, Double, Semi-Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
