Paeonia suffruticosa Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) Genus:  Paeonia This upright, sparsely branched, woody shrub reaches 4 to 10 feet tall. It's easy to grow but slow-growing. It displays dark green leaves that are blue-green beneath, and large, silken blossoms 6 to 12 inches across in late spring and early summer. The plants maintain a graceful branching structure throughout the winter. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Flowers come in a multitude of shapes, colors, and fragrances. Care:  Blooms best in dappled shade, with three to four hours of sunlight. May be grown in full sun with adequate moisture. Transplant in the autumn, 6 weeks before the ground freezes. These plants are heavy feeders and require excellent drainage; plant on a hillside or in a raised bed with plenty of organic matter. Propagation:  Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or graft in winter. Transplant in the autumn, 6 weeks before the ground freezes. Problems:  Prone to ringspot virus, Verticillium wilt, Botrytis blight, tip blight, leaf blotch, stem rot, Japanese beetles, and nematodes.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Slow Grower Light Part Shade Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring, Summer Flower Color Pink, Purple, Red, White Uses Beds and Borders Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs