Deciduous Shrub

Tree Peony

Botanical Name: Paeonia suffruticosa
Height: 3-4' + (in time much larger)
Spread: 3-4' + (in time much larger)
Exposure: Part Sun or Light Shade
Care: None, do NOT prune or cut back woody growth
Deer resistant
Although many would classify this as a perennial, and it is often sold in Perennial Departments in nurseries, it is actually a woody shrub. It is an extremely slow growing deciduous plant that is valued for its showy flowers in late spring. They produce woody stems and do not die back to the ground like herbaceous (garden) peonies. They are the national flower of China. They are slow growing but long lived. Some specimens in China are thought to be more than 200 years old. Tree peonies have much larger flowers than herbaceous peonies and are available in a wider range of colors. Yellow, purple, maroon, and green are a few colors commonly available in tree peonies but rarely seen in herbaceous peonies. Both single and double flower forms are common in both types of peonies. Many varieties of tree peonies have fragrant flowers or flowers with contrasting centers, adding to their appeal. Tree peonies bloom a couple of weeks earlier than herbaceous peonies. Because a tree peony can last longer than many of the gardeners who plant them, it is important that they are sited well. Plants prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial or dappled shade. Plants bloom best in sunny sites, but flowers last longer in shady sites.