The tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), which comes from Asia, has been specifically cultivated in China for over 2000 years due to its eye-catching flowers and attributed healing effects. Since the needs of this plant, which grows up to 5 m high, are quite different from those of perennial peonies, carefully considered care of the plants is advisable.
How to plant a tree peony?
Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) prefer a sunny to partially shaded location with humus, clay-rich soil without waterlogging. Planting is best done in autumn, although grafted young plants should be planted deep enough so that they can form their own roots.
What is so special about the growth habit and flowering of these plants?
Similar to some types of roses, these bushes grow tightly upright and can reach impressive heights over the years in well-suited locations. The initially reddish shoots turn green later in the season. The numerous flowers can now be seen in all possible colors thanks to a range of well over 1000 cultivars. Even after flowering, the plant retains its decorative value as it forms star-shaped, hairy follicles from which the seeds can be harvested for propagation.
Which location do tree peonies prefer?
These plants like it quite sunny, but can also be planted in partial shade if necessary. If the tree peony is in slight shade at midday, the delicate petals will last much longer before withering.
What should you pay attention to when sowing or planting the tree peony?
So that the shrub peonies, which are often propagated by grafting onto a growing base, can also take root on the scion itself after about 2 to 3 years, the young plants must be planted deep enough into the ground. When sowing seeds, the following parameters should be observed:
- Offspring are usually not true to the variety (since they have not been refined or crossed)
- Protection from mouse damage is important
- Stratification can shorten the long germination phase
- In the greenhouse: protecting seeds from fungal diseases and rot
Can you prefer the tree peony on the windowsill?
In principle, growing young plants from seeds indoors is entirely possible, but garden lovers should be very patient.
What should you consider when transplanting tree peonies?
These plants, which are relatively easy to care for, do not like being transplanted at all and usually refuse to bloom for at least a season after a change of location. If older specimens absolutely have to be transplanted, then the plants should always be divided to stimulate growth in the new location.
How can tree peonies be propagated?
Tree peonies can be propagated in various ways:
- Sowing
- Propagation from cuttings (usually with grafting)
- Division
- by moss removal
- about lowering tool
What is the best time to plant tree peonies?
Since the young shoots of the tree peony can break off very easily, pot-grown specimens are usually replanted in autumn.
When do tree peonies usually bloom?
For most locations and varieties, the flowering period of the tree peony is around April to May, sometimes even into June.
In which soil do tree peonies thrive particularly well?
As long as there is no waterlogging in the soil, the tree peony is not particularly demanding. A soil rich in humus and clay is ideal.
Tip
Older specimens of the tree peony are hardy even without special frost protection due to their increasingly woody shoot axes. However, in protected, sunny locations in front of walls, premature sprouting can occur and, as a result, the sensitive buds can freeze.
