Tree peonies are a stunning addition to any garden. With their large, vibrant blossoms and lush foliage, they captivate onlookers with their vibrant colours and attract various pollinators. Everything you need to know on tree peony care and maintenance is within this blog post.
However, these beautiful shrubs demand specific care to ensure they thrive and bloom spectacularly. This comprehensive guide will outline key aspects of tree peony care and maintenance and provide ten practical and easy-to-follow tips to help your tree peonies flourish.
Understanding Tree Peonies
Unlike their herbaceous counterparts, tree peonies are woody shrubs that can grow up to five feet tall. They are known for their large, often fragrant blossoms, which come in a diverse palette of colours, from whites and yellows to pinks and purples.
These plants are native to Asia and are particularly popular in China and Japan, where they are often depicted in art and literature. Understanding the nature and needs of these plants is the first step towards effective tree peony care.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Tree peonies thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils and can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
They should be pruned in the spring, dead wood removed, and the plant shaped to maintain a pleasing form. It’s also essential to protect the plants from harsh winter conditions.
Applying a layer of mulch around the base can help to keep the roots insulated. Additionally, tree peonies should be fertilized in the spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
The Difference Between Tree Peonies And Herbaceous Peonies
Tree peonies and herbaceous (or “normal”) peonies differ in several ways. Unlike herbaceous peonies, which die back to the ground each winter, tree peonies are woody shrubs that retain their structure year-round. This means that their stems remain above ground, even during winter.
Additionally, tree peonies can grow taller than herbaceous peonies, with some reaching up to five feet in height. They are also known for their larger, often fragrant, blossoms, which come in diverse colours.
While both peonies prefer well-drained soil and sunny locations, tree peonies can tolerate more shade than herbaceous peonies, especially in hotter climates. Also, tree peonies generally require less pruning than their herbaceous counterparts.
At A Paddock Of Peonies, we generally sell and lift herbaceous peonies. We have a few tree peonies, but keep them in our paddock!
10 Tips for Thriving Tree Peonies
- Plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot. They can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates, but they generally prefer sunny spots.
- Make sure the soil is well-drained. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils and do not do well in waterlogged conditions.
- Don’t plant them too deep – the graft union should be approximately two inches below the surface. Planting them too deep can inhibit their growth and prevent them from blooming.
- Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil. They prefer a moist but well-drained soil.
- Prune only in spring, removing dead wood and shaping the plant. This helps maintain the plant’s form and promotes better air circulation, which can help prevent diseases.
- Protect them in winter with a layer of mulch. This helps insulate the roots and protect them from harsh winter conditions.
- Fertilize in spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. This promotes healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth. This can also help prevent diseases and improve the plant’s overall health.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly. If you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, act promptly to prevent it from spreading.
- Be patient – tree peonies can take a few years to establish and bloom. But once they bloom, they can continue for many years, becoming a long-lasting feature of your garden.
Can You Take Cuttings From A Tree Peony
Yes, it is possible to propagate tree peonies from cuttings. However, the process can be rather complicated and requires patience. It’s often best to take cuttings in late summer or early fall, selecting wood from the current year’s growth. The cuttings should include 2-3 nodes and be about 6-8 inches long. Afterwards, the cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a location with indirect light. They should be kept moist but not wet. The cuttings can take several months to root and even longer to mature into a flowering plant.
How To Plant Your Tree Peony
- Choose the right location: Tree peonies thrive in a sunny, well-drained location. They can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Prepare the soil: Tree peonies prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil. To enrich the soil, compost well-rotted manure and sand if it is too heavy. The soil should be well-draining.
- Dig a hole: The hole should be broad and deep enough to accommodate the roots of the tree peony without crowding them. As a rule of thumb, make the hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
- Position the tree peony: Place the peony in the hole, ensuring that the bud union (the swollen part of the stem where the tree peony was grafted onto the rootstock) is no more than two inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep can inhibit growth and blooming.
- Backfill the hole: Fill it with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Make sure the plant is upright and at the correct depth.
- Water thoroughly: Water the tree peony well after planting to settle the soil and help the roots establish.
- Mulch around the base: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, avoid piling mulch against the stem, which can lead to rot.
- Care for your tree peony: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. In spring, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote growth and blooming. Prune only in spring, removing dead wood and shaping the plant. Protect the roots with mulch in winter to insulate them.
Conclusion
With the proper care and attention, tree peonies can be a breathtaking addition to any garden. All you need to know about tree peony care and maintenance is now in your hands.
By understanding their needs, providing them with the right conditions, and following these ten essential tips, you can help your tree peonies thrive.
Gardening is a labour of love, and the results are always worthwhile. Tree peonies can become a long-lasting feature of your garden, providing abundant and vibrant blooms for many years.