Tree Peony — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Paeonia suffruticosa |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–1460 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 121.9–152.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 91.4–213.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 91.4–152.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–8 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in deep, humus-rich, well-drained soil sited where the shrub's permanent woody framework won't need to be moved again, since tree peonies resent transplanting once established. Unlike herbaceous peonies, Paeonia suffruticosa keeps a permanent woody structure through winter rather than dying back to the ground, slowly building a gnarled, long-lived shrub that can outlive the gardener who planted it; its huge, often ruffled or double blooms up to 8-10 inches across open in mid-to-late spring, roughly a week or two ahead of herbaceous peonies, in shades of white, pink, magenta, and deep maroon-purple depending on the selection. Give the plant full sun where summers are mild, but afternoon shade and reliable moisture where summers turn hot and humid, since tree peony foliage and flower quality both decline under intense heat stress. Avoid heavy spring or summer pruning, since flower buds form on old wood the prior season; remove only dead or damaged wood, and apply a light annual topdressing of compost rather than high-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid lush, disease-prone growth.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0