Understanding What Are Tree Peonies and Their Types

Tree peonies are a type of flowering plant that's often mistaken for regular peonies, but they're actually a distinct species. They're known for their large, showy flowers that bloom in late spring.

Tree peonies are perennials, which means they come back year after year, and they can grow quite large, often up to 6 feet tall. Their stems are thick and woody, which is how they got their name.

On a similar theme: How Often to Water Peonies

Growing tree peonies is a commitment that requires patience and the right conditions. These plants need lots of space and take at least three years to start blooming.

To cultivate tree peonies, it's best to plant them in the fall, as nurseries often graft cuttings from mature shrubs onto rootstock to produce new plants. You can also grow one from seeds or purchase a peony seedling that has already been growing.

Tree peonies should be planted as bare roots in the fall, or as potted specimens in the fall or spring, avoiding summer months when temperatures are at their zenith. The planting site should be away from the roots of other trees in soil and 3 feet (1m) away from neighboring plants.

Soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, neutral to slightly alkaline, and can be amended with garden compost or well-aged manure if necessary. A soil test will tell you if you need to amend the soil before planting.

For more insights, see: Peonies Grow Zone

Growing a peony is a commitment that requires patience and the right conditions. Tree peonies need lots of space and take at least three years to start blooming.

You should plant tree peonies as bare roots in the fall, but you can also find them as potted specimens that can be planted in the fall or spring. Just avoid summer months when temperatures are at their zenith.

Tree peonies prefer well-drained and rich soil that's neutral to slightly alkaline. If your soil needs amending, use garden compost or well-aged manure and incorporate additional iron in the form of iron sulfate.

It's essential to plant tree peonies away from the roots of other trees in soil and 3 feet away from neighboring plants. This will give them the space they need to thrive.

Tree peonies can be slow to establish and may not flower in the first few years after planting. But once they're established, they're low maintenance and drought tolerant.

For more insights, see: Peonies Autumn Care

Pruning is an essential part of tree peony care, and it's best to prune dead branches and diseased portions in the spring and fall to promote the plant's overall health.

Tree peonies can become leggy over time, so if you want to prune your mature tree peony for shape, it's best to do so over a few seasons.

Spring pruning will remove leaves and limit the plant's ability to photosynthesize, while fall pruning will trim off next year's flower buds.

It's essential to prune in both seasons to limit the impact, but be sure to prune early in the spring and just as the plant begins to go dormant in the fall.

Never remove more than a third of the woody portion of the plant in one season, as this can cause too much stress and potentially kill the plant.

If you need to prune a large portion, be patient and take only a portion of what you want to remove the first year, and prune it to the shape you desire in the coming years.

Expand your knowledge: Can You Prune Peonies

When pruning branches, always cut them at an angle, just above a leaf node, to promote branching.

You can use the cut-off portions of the tree peony to graft the plant to an herbaceous nurse root, but unfortunately, you can't stick the end of the stem in rooting hormone and expect it to grow a tree peony.

Tree peonies come in three main groups, each with its own unique characteristics and bloom times. These groups are: Classic Tree peonies, Gansu Tree Peonies, and Yellow Tree Peonies.

Classic Tree peonies are the largest group and have a long history of cultivation. They're a great choice for gardeners who want a traditional tree peony look.

The main groups of tree peonies are in order of bloom: Classic Tree peonies, Gansu Tree Peonies, and Yellow Tree Peonies.

Related reading: What to Do after Peonies Have Finished Flowering

The Suffruticosa group of tree peonies is one of the largest and most genetically-diverse classifications, originating from the Central Plains of China.

These tree peonies are known for their vibrant colors, which range from white and pink to a deep maroon.

Fragrance dominates in this group, making them a great choice for those who love the scent of blooming flowers.

The leaves of Suffruticosa tree peonies are quite varied, ranging in shape from medium to round/orbicular.

Their leaf color also varies tremendously, so you're sure to find one that fits your garden's style.

This group includes a mix of single and bomb flowers, as well as the classic chrysanthemum form.

A different take: What Time of Year Do Peonies Bloom

Japanese tree peonies have a fascinating history, arriving in Europe in the mid-19th centuries.

They quickly made their way to the United States by the 1890s. Today, finding pure Japanese peonies can be challenging, but you can still get stunning hybrids like the yellow 'High Noon' and apricot 'Marchioness'.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Japanese Peonies

Tree peonies are a type of flowering plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Their flowers are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 12 inches. They can be pink, purple, white, or a combination of these colors. The flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies.

Tree peonies are known for their long lifespan, often living for 100 years or more.

Take a look at this: Red Peonies Flowers

The Moutan is a hybrid tree peony that's known for its vibrant colors and delicate petals. It's a popular choice among gardeners because of its unique characteristics.

This tree peony has a compact growth habit, reaching heights of around 3-4 feet. It's a great option for smaller gardens or containers.

The Moutan is often used in cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting blooms.

Tree peonies come in a variety of shapes, each with its own unique characteristics.

The shape of a tree peony is determined by the individual cultivar, and they are typically classified into three major shapes: Tall/Conical, Medium/Part Spreading, and Dwarf/Spreading.

Taller varieties tend to grow a bit faster than dwarf varieties, with three to four inches of growth each year being common.

Tree peonies grow slowly and take 10+ years to reach full size, so be patient and give them plenty of time to mature.

Planting them 5 feet apart will also help them establish a healthy root system and reach their full potential.

Here are the three major shapes of tree peonies:

Tree peony flowers can be quite varied in their posture, with some growing upright and others leaning towards the ground.

Upright flowers are typically carried at the ends of stiff stems, well above the leaves. This is a common sight in many tree peony varieties.

Some tree peonies, like those with Lutea yellow and orange hybrids, have pendulous flowers that hang down under the leaves.

Pendulous flowers have short, flexible stems that allow them to droop downwards, creating a beautiful, delicate appearance.

Tree peonies are known for their stunning blooms, and understanding their bloom time is essential for planning and enjoying their beauty.

All tree peonies will bloom within a 3-week window, which is a relatively short period.

Each individual plant will bloom for 5-10 days within that period, making the most of this brief but spectacular time.

The timing of this period is based on your location, so if you live in New Jersey, you can expect tree peonies to bloom from around May 1 to May 20.

If you live south of New Jersey, you'll likely see blooms a bit earlier, while those north of New Jersey will have a later bloom.

Here's a rough guide to the bloom times of different tree peony groups:

Tree peonies are relatively low maintenance, but they do require some care to thrive.

Tree peonies can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet, which can be a major issue.

Regular watering is essential, but it's also important to ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogged soil.

Tree peonies are also prone to pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can cause damage to the leaves and flowers.

Deadheading spent flowers can help promote healthy growth and prevent seed production.

Tree peonies typically bloom for 7-10 days in the spring, and it's best to enjoy the flowers while they last.

With proper care, tree peonies can live for up to 100 years, making them a long-term investment for any gardener.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Soil for Peonies

Tree peonies come in a range of varieties, including single, semi-double, and double types. You can find gorgeous tree peony varieties like fluffy white 'Renkaku', creamy yellow 'High Noon', and bright pink 'Hanakisoi'.

The main groups of tree peonies are Classic Tree peonies (Suffruticosa), Gansu Tree Peonies (AKA Rockii), and Yellow Tree Peonies (Lutea hybrids). Classic Tree peonies are the largest and most genetically-diverse group.

Classic Tree peonies are known for their diverse characteristics, including a wide range of colors from magenta to white and pink, and varying leaf shapes and colors. They also have a strong fragrance.

For your interest: Light Pink Peonies Bouquet

Tree peonies come in a variety of forms, including single, semi-double, and double varieties. Some of the most popular tree peony varieties include fluffy white 'Renkaku', creamy yellow 'High Noon', and bright pink 'Hanakisoi'.

The history and hybridization of each peony plant greatly influences its behavior in the garden. Classic tree peonies (Suffruticosa) are the largest group, followed by Gansu tree peonies (AKA Rockii) and Yellow Tree Peonies (Lutea hybrids).

The Classic Tree peonies are known for their large, showy blooms. Gansu Tree Peonies, on the other hand, are often used to create intersectional peony hybrids, which combine the best traits of different types of peonies.

The Lutea group, also known as Delavayi, is a Tibetan species that blooms last among the tree peonies. This group is known for its wide variety of yellows, bronzes, and oranges.

Here are some popular tree peony varieties to consider:

Using Gansu tree peonies can be a great choice for gardeners. These plants are originally from the Gansu region of China.

They are fast-growing for tree peonies, exceptionally hardy, and can grow up to 7 feet tall. This makes them a great option for gardeners with limited space.

The Gansu group of tree peonies is also known as Rockii peonies, thanks to Joseph Rock who helped make them famous outside of China.

Tree peony varieties can be quite different from one another. The 'Red Charm' variety, for instance, has large, fragrant flowers that are a deep reddish-pink color.

Some tree peonies are more compact and suitable for smaller gardens, like the 'Prairie Joyce' variety, which grows to be around 3-4 feet tall. This variety is perfect for adding a pop of color to a smaller space.

The 'Moon of Nippon' variety is known for its unique, pale yellow flowers with a delicate fragrance. Its compact size makes it a great choice for container gardens.

The 'Rubra Plena' variety has large, double flowers that are a vibrant red color, while the 'Shirley Temple' variety has delicate, pale pink flowers with a sweet fragrance.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Hot Pink Peonies

Tree peonies are a significant investment for gardeners, and it's essential to consider their costs and requirements before deciding to grow them.

They take a long time to mature, typically four years from transplanting to bloom, which means you'll need to be patient and committed to caring for them.

Tree peonies can be challenging to propagate, unlike some other peonies that are easier to multiply.

They prefer a stable environment and don't like to be moved, so be prepared to provide a permanent home for them.

Significant adjustments in growing conditions can also be detrimental to their health, so it's crucial to choose a location with consistent conditions.