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Tree peony

Paeonia suffruticosa

Paeonia suffruticosa

This upright, sparsely branched, woody shrub reaches 4 to 10 feet tall. It’s easy to grow but slow-growing. It displays dark green leaves that are blue-green beneath, and large, silken blossoms 6 to 12 inches across in late spring and early summer. The plants maintain a graceful branching structure throughout the winter.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsFlowers come in a multitude of shapes, colors, and fragrances.

CareBlooms best in dappled shade, with three to four hours of sunlight. May be grown in full sun with adequate moisture. Transplant in the autumn, 6 weeks before the ground freezes. These plants are heavy feeders and require excellent drainage; plant on a hillside or in a raised bed with plenty of organic matter.

PropagationTake semi-ripe cuttings in summer or graft in winter. Transplant in the autumn, 6 weeks before the ground freezes.

ProblemsProne to ringspot virus, Verticillium wilt, Botrytis blight, tip blight, leaf blotch, stem rot, Japanese beetles, and nematodes.

  • Genus : Paeonia
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Light : Partial Shade
  • Flower Color : Pink, Red, White
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Growth Rate : Slow
  • Bloom Time : Spring, Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

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