About Tree (Woody) Peonies

Tree peonies, a lesser-known species of the peony family in the United States, are striking flowering plants native to China. Cultivated for centuries for both medicinal uses and their beautiful petals and large blooms, tree peonies are highly prized for their decorative value. Despite their name, tree peonies are actually woody deciduous shrubs, though they can be pruned and shaped to resemble trees with a single branch. It is important to note that not all varieties of tree peonies can be trained in this manner.

Here are some key characteristics of tree peonies that will help first-time gardeners:

Growth Habit: Unlike herbaceous peonies, which die back to the ground each winter, tree peonies are woody shrubs. They have a persistent above-ground framework of branched that give them a shrub or bush appearance.

Size: Tree peonies can grow up to 3 to 7 feet in height and width, depending on the variety. They have a relatively slow growth rate and can live for several decades.

Bloom Time: Tree peonies generally bloom in late spring or early summer, depending on the climate and variety. The flowering period usually lasts for a few weeks, during which the plants are adorned with an abundance of stunning blooms.

Growing Conditions: Tree peonies thrive in temperate climates and prefer well-drained soil. Amendments should be made based on the native soil needs. They require a good amount of sunlight to flower, but can benefit from shade during the hottest part of the day. Tree peonies are relatively cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures below freezing, although protection from harsh winds is beneficial.

Care and Maintenance: Proper care is important for the health and longevity of tree peonies. They are relatively drought tolerant but should be watered especially during dry spells. Pruning should only be done selectively to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant.

Hybridization: Tree peonies can be crossbred with herbaceous peonies to create intersectional peonies, also known as Itoh peonies that we proudly sell as well! These hybrids combine the best traits of both tree and herbaceous peonies, resulting in sturdy plants with exceptional flowers.

Tree Peonie Considerations

Some varieties of tree peonies can have a higher chance of branch die-off. This can occur for a variety of reasons including but not limited to transplanting, climate, soil conditions, moisture ect. Don’t be discouraged if you see a branch die off. If the tree has a strong root system it will put out new shoots from the root ball growing new branches. For some, this is a desirable trait. Especially during harsh winters one may see a considerable amount of varieties have branches die back and need to be cut close to the ground.

Things to consider when shopping for a grafted Tree (Woody) Peonies

Consider these factors when purchasing a grafted tree peony: The older the graft, the better the chances of a successful transplant and thriving plant in its first full year. Look for a tree that is 3 to 5 years old, as it will be on its own root system and have a higher probability of blooming and new branch growth. Younger trees (1 to 2 years old) may still rely on the herbaceous graft and could take longer to establish, with a risk of producing suckers from the herbaceous root.

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1st-year tree (woody) grafted peony versus a 3rd or 4th-yearth year tree (woody) grafted peony.

Planting instructions for a tree (woody) peony: Zones 3 to 8

Tree Peonies prefer the ground but if they are unable to be planted in the ground they will do better in fabric pots allowing the roots to develop and breathe. A fabric pot that is deeper than it is wider. If you purchase a potted tree peony you must wait until Fall to plant, it. To help keep the pot cool you can make extra holes in the pot and bury the pot in the ground until you transplant in the fall.

Choosing

Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Tree peonies like full sun but can prefer afternoon shade. It helps the flowers last longer.

Preparing

Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Tree peonies like all peonies like well-drained soil.

Digging

Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the plant's root ball usually (minimum 18 by 18 inches) Breaking up the subsoil is important.

Loosening

If in a container gently remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots

Placing

Place the plant or bare root in the center of the hole and backfill with soil, pressing down firmly to eliminate air pockets. The Root ball should be at least 4 to 6 inches below the soil level.

Adding

Water the plant thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Watering

Water regularly to ensure the soil stays moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The roots are 6 inches deep so when checking for water need you don’t want to check the surface but check a couple of inches into the soil level to see if water is needed. Too much surface water can rot the branches.

Fertilizing

Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, in early spring and again in early summer.

Types of Bud

Chrysanthemum Form: These flowers have six whorls of petals, which gradually decrease in size towards the center. The stamens may be normal or converted into staminodes.

Rose Form: The petals are slightly longer than in the chrysanthemum form, and they gradually become smaller towards the center of the bloom. The stamens are converted into the staminodes, while the carpels may be normal or converted into carpelodes.

Anemone Form: The flowers have two or three whorls of normal petals, but the stamens are converted into masses of long, narrow staminodes.

Crown Form: A raised dome of petals is surrounded by enlarged guard petals. Both the stamens and the carpels are developed into petaloid. The term is also used in the West.

Globular or “silk ball” Form: All parts of the flower, including the stamens and carpels, are converted into petals. The bloom looks like a fluffy ball. The larger versions of this form are referred to by the Chinese as the “thousand-petal” form.

Thousand Petal Form: Thousand Petal form is the larger version of Globular, where all parts of the flower are converted into petals. These flowers sometimes can be so full and heavy that they may droop due to weight.

Proliferate Form: Some cultivators of tree peony appear to have a flower within a flower, which the Chinese refer to as proliferating.