PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOS Tree peony pink cloud

PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA Tree peony pink cloud

huge silky flowers

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The Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) or Rose of Sharon is one of the most glorious shrubs known. It's huge, silky flowers have the same general shape as that of herbaceous Peonies. Their range of color runs from pure white through pinks and reds into lavender and yellow, with shades that are unknown in their herbaceous kin. Their exquisite blooms are born on a 4–5ft frame, above which as many as 50 flowers may be carried on a mature plant. Their late May display is one of the highlights of spring.
Tree Peonies grow best in full sun or partial shade (required in the South and warm areas of western Zone 9) and evenly moist but well-drained soil with a pH close to neutral they fare poorly in the desert Southwest.

Hardy zone 4-9

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Sowing instructions

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. When sown fresh, the seed produces a root about 6 weeks after sowing with shoots formed in the spring. Stored seed is much slower, it should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame but may take 18 months or more to germinate. The roots are very sensitive to disturbance, so many growers allow the seedlings to remain in their pots for 2 growing seasons before potting them up. This allows a better root system to develop that is more resilient to disturbance. If following this practice, make sure you sow the seed thinly, and give regular liquid feeds in the growing season to ensure the plants are well fed. Tolerant of summer heat. Add compost as needed before planting. Larger shrubs appreciate some shelter from strong winds. Unlike herbaceous peonies, the stems of tree peonies (which are woody shrubs) do not die to the ground in winter and should not be cut back after frost. No pruning is required, except to cut out dead wood or suckers in early spring. If plants become leggy, a moderate pruning in early fall can be done to shape plant and encourage additional growth on the lower part of the plant. Remove spent flowers after bloom. These long-lived plants usually take several years to establish, and are best left undisturbed once planted. Moreover, plant roots go deep and transplanting can be difficult. Appreciates some winter protection in USDA Zone 4 and the colder areas of Zone 5.