How Do Tree Peonies Appear?

Tree peonies are shrubs that produce large, beautiful blooms in shades of yellow, pink, and maroon in early summer. They grow from woody stems aboveground and can reach heights that herbaceous ones wish they could. Tree peonies follow the adage “first year sleep, second year creep, third year leap”, meaning they put energy into growing roots the first year, shoots the second year, and blooms in the third or fourth year.

Tree peonies are small shrubs rather than trees, producing gorgeous, goblet-shaped flowers in May and June. Ornithogalum features spear-like flower stems with multiple star-shaped white blooms. The tree peony season is very short, only seven to 10 days, but these unimaginably large, fragrant, white, pink, yellow, and burgundy flowers are beautiful.

Gardeners usually choose a tree peony based on flower color and shape. Tree peonies are larger, woody relatives of the common herbaceous peony, growing up to 5 feet (1.5 m) wide and tall in about ten years. They can be pruned and shaped to resemble trees with a single branch.

To care for tree peonies, follow the adage “first year sleep, second year creep, third year leap”, which means they put energy into growing roots the first year, shoots the second year, and blooms in the third or fourth year. Tree peonies can be transplanted, propagated, and grafted to create a stunning display of large, fragrant flowers.

What is the difference between peonies and tree peonies?

Tree peonies are small shrubs that produce goblet-shaped flowers in May and June. They are taller and retain a permanent framework all year round, unlike herbaceous peonies. To grow tree peonies, plant them in autumn in a partially to fully shaded spot in moist, well-drained soil. Plant them slightly deeper than the soil level in their container. If suckers appear at the base, cut them off as they will grow from the rootstock and differ in appearance to the plant.

What do tree peonies symbolize?

The Chinese have a long history of devoted land, labor, and love to tree peonies, dating back to the Tang dynasty (8-12th centuries CE). By the Song dynasty, tree peonies became a favorite muse of Chinese painters, symbolizing female beauty, love, wealth, and status. Today, they remain a classical subject in Chinese culture, with a Ming dynasty painting of two beauties reminiscent of a Tang dynasty poem called Teasing. Reflecting on the Chinese experience and interactions with tree peonies can help us appreciate the significance of these plants in our gardens.

Do tree peonies make good cut flowers?

Peonies are a versatile and easy-to-store cut flower due to their short bloom time. Most peonies are ready to be cut and displayed immediately, so cut buds when they are soft and closed. To extend the life of remaining buds, cut them before they are open and tight. Wrap them in newspaper, place rubber bands on the ends, and store them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, store them upright in flower sleeves with water.

Peonies come in eight forms, with the Anemone Peony being an early-blooming, low-growing, and lightweight plant that doesn’t require staking. There are eight types of peonies, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Do tree peonies have fragrance?

Tree peonies, native to China, are ideal for borders, beds, and large containers due to their large, showy blooms with a rose-like fragrance. There are various varieties, including ‘Dao Jin’ with red and white bi-color double flowers, ‘Hai Huang’ with rich golden yellow peony flowers, and ‘Hu Hong’ with soft pink rose-type flowers. To ensure the best value, choose bare root plants that can be planted dormant into their growing position. Tree peonies are adaptable, hardy, and resilient, tolerating most garden conditions as long as they have good drainage.

They can reach up to 5ft in spread and height, and once established, they will bloom year after year from May to June. Feeding them with Richard Jackson’s Flower Power Plant Food ensures the best display possible.

Do peonies grow better in pots or ground?

Peonies thrive in a variety of soil types, including well-drained clay soil. To ensure optimal growth and bloom, it is essential to provide at least a half day of sun and good drainage. Some gardeners are planting peonies in large patio pots or raised beds, but it is crucial to ensure adequate drainage and watering more frequently than ground planted peonies.

To prepare the planting site, dig a hole about 15 x 15 inches and fill it with spaded soil. Place the peony root downward at any angle, with the ‘eyes’ facing upward. Plant the roots near the surface of the ground with just one inch to two inches of soil on top of the ‘eyes’. Avoid planting the peony roots too deeply, as this can result in foliage growth without flowers.

Newly planted bare root peonies will establish feeder roots when planted in the Fall, and winter freezing temperatures will not affect roots planted in the ground. Potted peonies require a large container with adequate drainage, and the eyes should be covered with only one inch to two inches of soil. Water the potted peonies thoroughly upon planting or transplanting, watering them every couple of weeks during dry weather. Once the fall/winter rains arrive, you may not need to water your peonies until you have dry weather in the spring/summer.

Once a peony plant is several years old, it is fairly drought tolerant, but they do appreciate a good watering every few weeks in hot summers. An established peony plant does not need frequent watering. Fertilize your peony plants early in the spring using a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage. If you are fertilizing potted peonies, use a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage.

Deadhead flower/seed pods after bloom and trim your peony stems to shape the bush as desired. If you want to let seed pods mature, leave them on the stems until they crack open in late summer. Plant the seeds in the ground or potting flats and keep moist until the fall rains come. Some seeds will germinate the following spring, while others will sprout the second spring.

Cut peony stems to ground level in the late fall and remove the stems and leaves from the garden for good sanitation. Do not compost peony leaves and stems. Mulching is not required in the Northwest, but some gardeners in very cold winter climates mulch for the winter, but be sure to remove the mulch in the spring to avoid planting too deeply.

What are the benefits of peony trees?

Peony, also known as red or white peony, is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its potential to block pain-causing chemicals, prevent blood clotting, kill cancer cells, and act as an antioxidant. It is often used for menstrual cramps, aging skin, cough, epilepsy, and psoriasis, but there is no strong scientific evidence supporting these uses. The information on PEONY’s uses and effectiveness is currently unavailable.

Can you grow tree peonies from cuttings?

The Satin Rouge variety of tree peony leaf-bud cuttings exhibited robust growth over a nine-month period following the cutting process, indicating that certain varieties may be more readily rootable than others.

What is the negative meaning of the peony flower?

The peony is a flower that has been imbued with a number of symbolic meanings over time. In Greek mythology, for instance, the flower was associated with Paeonia, a princess who was killed by her own father. This myth has led to the peony being seen as a flower that symbolizes bashfulness and bad luck. Additionally, there are a number of beliefs surrounding the peony that relate to curses and misfortune. For example, it is thought that digging up the flower or experiencing misfortune if it dries out.

Do peonies bloom again after cutting?

Peonies, a herbaceous perennial, are known for their large, open flowers and diverse forms and colors. They are often pruned to maintain their health and ensure maximum blooms next year. Garden experts provide guidance on pruning and cutting back peonies, including the right approach and the best time to trim. The scent of peonies fills your yard in spring, and knowing how to prune and cut back your plants is essential for maintaining their health and ensuring brilliant blooms next year.