Anna Marie Tree Peony, Peony Farm, WA

TREE PEONIES are actually a woody shrub, and reach an average of 4-5 feet in height.  They may take 2-3 years to settle in (grows an ave of 6" of new growth per year) and begin blooming heavily, but the wait is worth it to any gardener.  A burlap sleeve will aid over-wintering in harsher climates.  Fortunately for us, tree peonies are now slightly more available.  There are very few plants that can compete with a tree peony in full bloom.  They flower from late April to early May but the flowering season does vary from year to year.  A mature plant can have in excess of a hundred flowers and can be 10" or more across.

PLANTING AND CARE OF TREE PEONIES

***PATIENCE REQUIRED***

• Choose a well-drained location, with 4-6 hours of direct sun or dappled sun/shade all day.. Some light shade from the hot mid-day sun and protection from drying winds can be most helpful  However, do not plant them in a completely open area to prevent the wind from blowing away the flower petals.
• Ideal plant areas are north, south or west facing.
• Keep in mind that most tree peonies will grow 4-7 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
• Do not plant closer than 8-10 ft from large trees.

• Space your plants at least 3-5 feet apart.
• Prepare the planting hole to a depth of about 12-18 inches and the opening at 18-24 inches in diameter.
• The soil must be deep, rich and loose, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0; or even garden soil with neutral ph. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
• Build a soil cone at the bottom to support the roots and make sure that they are fully extended.
• Fill the hole little by little using the prepared soil, hand pressing to remove any air pockets and to stabilize the plant. Hillside or mound planting can be helpful.  
• The root collar should be at the same level or 1-2" below the surface.  Position  the plant with a couple of buds below the soil to promote additional branches to emerge from the base. 
  
• Top of the root system is 4-6" below the surface.  You will likely be burying some of the stems.  It is OK.  It will not harm the plant.
  

• Fall is the best season to plant, because it helps development of new roots and recovery for normal growth in the next spring. If tree peony is divided or planted in spring, the root system cannot recover before the growth and development of the parts above ground. Thus the nutrient supply cannot match the need and the plant may lose its vitality, and effect their normal growth, flowering will not return until after several years cultivation.  

  A light layer of mulch or compost will protect your plant in the winter. Use of wood chips is not advisable as the decaying process can infect the plant. Be sure to remove the mulch after the danger of frost is over.
  
  Use of Fertilizer
  
  

        It is not necessary to fertilize at planting in the fall.  Starting the second year, it is recommended that fertilizer be applied three times a year.  Use a complete or organic fertilizer.  Follow the instructions provided with the fertilizer to determine the amount required.
  
  

         1st Application:  Should be done in the early spring as soon as the soil is workable.  At this time, the leaf may not be fully developed and spread, but the roots are actively growing.
  

  
  

        2nd Application:  Apply soon after blooming.  This will help the plant recover and will provide the necessary nutrients for new growth.
  

  
  

        3rd Application:   The final fertilization stage should take place between late fall and early winter.  Use half as much fertilizer much as required in the previous two stages.
  
  

  Watering and Your Tree Peony

        Once established, tree peonies are drought tolerant plants. Excess water will suffocate the roots and is the leading cause of plant failure. Do not plant near auto-sprinkler systems that keep the soils continuously moist. Do not water until soil is dry below the surface and try not to wet leaves when watering to prevent fungus. Be observant; soil can dry out on top and still be moist 6-12” below the surface. When you feel the soil is dry below the first 4-6”and leaves may droop slightly, water the roots deeply. Climates of hot summer temperatures with little or no rain at all will require more attention to watering then those areas that get some rainfall. 

         Failure to follow watering guideline will give unsatisfactory results.

  
  What to Expect from your Tree Peony

          A three year or older tree peony is usually capable of blooming the season after planting.  Some varieties take longer.  Once they start to bloom, you will enjoy an abundance of beautiful flowers.

  
  Fall Care 
  
        A light layer of mulch or compost will protect your plant in the winter.  Use of wood chips is not advisable as the decaying process can infect the plant.  Be sure to remove the mulch after the danger of frost is over.
  
  Pruning 
  
       Most pruning is done for shaping the bush. We find that pruning to a 4ft height allows you to enjoy blooms at a convenient eye level in the garden.
      Tree Peonies set their buds late summer into early fall so any desired pruning should be done right after they flower to prevent the loss of next year's flowers. Prune mostly for shape just as the flowers are fading. Next years flowers develop early on existing wood. Use a sharp set of pruners and cut at an angle just above the place of a new bud. Dip the pruners in a 10% bleach/water solution after each cut.
      As the plant gets older and needs more vigor, cut the weakest old stem to the ground to stimulate new vigorous sprouts.
  
  Cut Flowers

         Be careful in cutting too much of the wood stems when cutting for flowers, cut about 2 inches or less.  Remember, those woody stems are next year's flower harvest.

Click here for the  TREE PEONIES CATALOG