Tree peony: photo and description of varieties

The tree peony is a deciduous shrub up to 2 m high. This culture was bred thanks to the efforts of Chinese breeders. The plant came to European countries only in the 18th century, but due to its high decorative qualities it gained wide popularity. Varieties of tree peony with a photo and description will allow you to choose the best option for arranging a garden. This information will help when choosing a plant for landscaping a site, and will also allow you to determine the compatibility of several species in terms of color and basic characteristics.

A complete description of the tree peony

This kind of culture belongs to the category of centenarians. In one place, a tree peony can grow for more than 50 years. And every year it grows more and more. It is better to place a tree peony in partial shade, where the rays of the sun are in the morning and evening. This greatly increases the duration of flowering.

The tree-like perennial is distinguished by a compact hemispherical shape of a bush, the height of which can be from 1 to 2 m. The plant forms erect and thick shoots that can easily withstand the load during the flowering period. The stems of the tree peony have a light brown tint.

Leaf plates are openwork, doubly pinnate, with large lobes. They are located on long petioles. From above, the leaves have a dark green tint, on the reverse side there is a bluish tint.

With the age of the shrub, the number of buds increases

Features of flowering

Tree-like peonies are characterized by a large diameter of flowers, which reaches 25 cm. The petals are dense, corrugated. They can be terry, semi-double and simple structures. Each of the flowers contains numerous bright yellow stamens. The first buds appear on the shrub when its height reaches 60 cm.

Tree peony has a variety of varieties. The color of its petals varies from one-color to two-color, while the shades smoothly transition into each other.

Petals can be:

• white;
• purple;
• yellow;
• pink;
• crimson;
• burgundy;
• almost black.

The buds of this variety of culture are formed at the end of the shoots. One tree peony can have from 20 to 70 buds. Flowering time – 2-3 weeks. Then edible fruits are formed on the shrub, shaped like a star. Inside each are large dark seeds.

What is the difference between a tree peony and a regular peony?

Unlike the herbaceous peony, which has over 4,5 thousand varieties, the tree-like one is represented by only 500. But the latter has much higher bushes, the diameter of the flowers is larger, and the shoots are more solid, lignified.

Flowering in a tree peony begins in late April, which is two weeks earlier than in a herbaceous variety of culture. And this period lasts 7-10 days longer.

The main difference between a tree-like species and a grassy one is that its ground shoots are preserved for the winter. Therefore, the growing season starts much earlier.

Types of tree peonies

In the perennial homeland, varieties are subdivided according to the location of the provinces where they were bred. But according to the world classification, all types of this shrub are divided into three main groups depending on the country where they were obtained:

• Chinese-European – characterized by large double flowers, the color of which can be from pale pink to fuchsia with a contrasting spot at the base of the petals;
• Japanese – flowers are airy, soaring, their diameter is much smaller than the previous ones, their shape is most often simple, the surface is semi-double, reminiscent of a bowl;
• hybrid varieties – bred on the basis of the Delaway peony and the yellow species, they are most in demand, as they differ in rare shades.

The best varieties of tree peonies

Among all the variety, some varieties of tree peony can be distinguished, which are especially popular with gardeners. All of them are characterized by high decorative qualities, which noticeably distinguishes them from the rest.

Giant of Chemosa

The Giant of Chemosis belongs to the group of red tree peonies. It is characterized by a complex combination of shades, including pink, dark red and coral, which can be seen in the photo. The height of the bush reaches 160 cm, the diameter of double flowers is about 16-20 cm. It easily withstands drought. Forms a large number of buds.

Chemosa Giant is a late flowering variety.

Chan Liu

Chan Liu or Spring Willow (Chun Liu) belongs to the category of rare species, as it has an unusual greenish-yellow hue and a pleasant aroma. The flowers have a crown-spherical shape, which can be seen in the photo, their diameter reaches 18 cm. It is characterized by medium-sized bushes, the height and width of which reaches 1,5 m.

Chan Liu is characterized by densely packed buds

Deep blue Sea

The variety stands out noticeably with a rich purple-red tint of petals with a lilac tint, which have a pink shape (this can be clearly seen in the photo). Intense green leaves. The height of the bush in the variety Deep Blue Sea (Da Zong Zi) reaches 1,5 m. The diameter of the flowers is 18 cm.

On the petals of the Deep Blue Sea variety, white strokes can sometimes be seen.

Coral island

A vigorous variety of tree-like peony, the height of which reaches 2 m. It forms large crown-shaped flowers. The first buds of the variety Coral Island (Shan Hu Tai) appear on the plant in late May – early June. The shade of the petals is coral red with a pale pink border around the edge, which can be seen in the photo. The height of the tree-like shrub is about 150 cm, the diameter of the flowers is 15-18 cm.

The edges of the petals at Coral Island are scalloped

Pink Jao

As you can see in the photo, this tree-like peony is distinguished by lush bushes. The variety Pink Zhao (Pink Zhao Fen) is one of the oldest, still has not lost its relevance. Its large flowers are distinguished not only by a pale pink color, but also by a refined aroma. The height of the shrub is 2 m, and the width is about 1,8 m. The diameter of the flowers is more than 18 cm.

There is a reddish spot at the base of the petals of Pink Jao

peach under the snow

The tree-like peony Peach under the snow (Covered with Snow) is distinguished by medium-sized bushes, the height of which varies from 1,5 to 1,8 m. It is characterized by densely double flowers of a delicate color, which can be seen in the photo below. Closer to the center of the petals, the shade is rich pink, and noticeably brightens towards the edge. The diameter of the flowers is 15 cm.

Peach under the snow is characterized by abundant flowering

Imperial crown

The Imperial crown variety is characterized by huge semi-double flowers (this is clearly visible in the photo), the size of which reaches 25 cm. They exude a rich aroma. The color of the petals is purple-red, while the side ones have a darker shade. The height of the tree-like shrub reaches 170 cm, and the width is 120-150 cm. The beauty of the Imperial Crown variety can be seen in the photo.

In the Imperial crown, the central petals are longer than the side ones.

green beans

The graceful variety Green Bean is characterized by compact bushes about 90 cm high. The petals are distinguished by a corrugated edge, have a light green tint, which is rare for peonies (this can be seen in the photo below). During the flowering period, the shrub exudes a delicate aroma. The diameter of the flowers is 17 cm.

Variety Green beans is late flowering

Blue sapphire

The Blue Sapphire variety (Lan bao shi) is considered one of the best. It is characterized by large lush flowers, the diameter of which exceeds 18 cm. The color of the petals is delicate in pink watercolor tones with bright purple splashes at the base, which is noticeable in the photo. Numerous yellow stamens are located in the center, which gives the flowers a special originality. The height of the shrub reaches 120 cm.

Blue sapphire is distinguished not only by beautiful flowers, but also by carved foliage.

Yaos Yellow

This is a yellow variety of tree peony, as seen in the photo. Belongs to the category of rare species. Yaos Yellow is characterized by medium-sized bushes, the height of which reaches 1,8 m. The flowers are densely double, 16-18 cm in size. The shade of the petals is pale yellow, which is clearly seen in the photo. The flowering period begins in mid-May and lasts 15-18 days.

Yaos Yellow is considered a fast growing representative

secret passion

Variety Secret Passion (Cang Zhi Hong) belongs to the category of early, the first buds on the bush open at the end of April. The height of the plant reaches 150 cm, the diameter of the flowers is 16-17 cm. The color of the petals is purple-red, which can be seen in the photo.

The flowering period of the Secret Passion lasts more than three weeks

snow tower

The shape of the flowers of the tree peony Snow Tower (Snow Tower) can be in the form of a lotus or anemone. The color of the petals is pale white, but at the base there is a light orange smear (it can be seen in the photo). The snow tower forms vigorous bushes up to 1,9 m high. The diameter of the flowers is 15 cm, the variety is considered to be abundantly flowering.

The first buds at the Snow Tower open at the end of April

Pink lotus

Tree-like peony Pink lotus (Rou fu rong) is interesting not only for its bright flowers, but also for its yellow-green dissected leaves, which gives it a special decorative effect. The perennial is distinguished by sprawling bushes, the height of which reaches 2 m. The flowers have a bright pink hue, when fully opened, a golden crown of stamens becomes visible in the center, which can be seen in the photo below.

The petals of the Pink Lotus are slightly serrated.

Qiao sisters

Sister Qiao’s tree peony (Hua er qiao) looks especially elegant, as its flowers combine two contrasting shades. Despite the fact that their diameter does not exceed 15 cm, they densely dot the entire shrub. The color of the petals is unusual: on the one hand, it is in milky white and pink tones, and on the other, it is bright crimson (you can see it in the photo). The height of the shrub reaches 150 cm. The flowering period begins in the second half of May.

Buds of different colors may open on the same plant.

Red giant

The variety Red Giant (Da Hu Hong) is distinguished by a compact form of a bush with short shoots, the length of which does not exceed 1,5 m. The species belongs to late flowering, and the first buds on the plant open in early June. The color of the petals is bright scarlet, as can be seen in the photo. Crowned flowers reach a diameter of 16 cm.

The red giant is growing fast

Kinko’s

Kinko variety (Kinkaku-Jin Ge) belongs to the category of yellow tree peonies. Obtained as a result of crossing a regular and terry species. It is characterized by a bright yellow color of the petals, reminiscent of the color of a lemon. There is a red edging along the edge, which gives the flowers extra volume. The height of an adult shrub does not exceed 1,2 m. The diameter of the flowers is about 15 cm.

Kinko belongs to the category of rare species

White Jade

White Jade (Yu Ban Bai) is one of the oldest varieties of tree peony, which is distinguished by a snow-white shade of petals (you can see it in the photo). The shape of the flowers in the form of a lotus. Their diameter reaches 17 cm. During the flowering period, they exude a delicate, unobtrusive aroma. The height of the shrub reaches 150-170 cm.

White Jade forms narrow stiff branches with sparse leaves.

Scarlet Sails

Variety Scarlet sails (Scarlet Sail) is characterized by early flowering, and the buds on the plant open in late April – early May. The color of the petals is deep purple. The beauty of this tree peony can be seen in the photo below. When the buds are fully open, a crown of bright yellow stamens stands out in the center. The height of an adult bush reaches 1,2 m, and the width is 1 m. The diameter of the flowers is 16 cm.

Variety Scarlet sails is distinguished by beautiful carved leaves

Fen He Piao Jiang

The tree peony variety Fen He Piao Jiang (Pink Powder) was bred in China. It is characterized by an average flowering period, so the first buds on the shrub open in mid-May. The height of the plant does not exceed 1,2 m. The shape of the flowers resembles a lotus. The color of the petals is pale pink, but at the base there are maroon strokes, which is noticeable in the photo. Numerous orange stamens are located in the center of the flowers.

Pink powder flower diameter is 15cm

Shima Nishiki

The Japanese variety of tree-like peony Shima Nishiki (Shima-Nishiki) forms bushes up to 1 m high. It is characterized by large flowers, up to 18 cm in diameter. It is distinguished by an unusual combination of shades, including white, red and pink, which is clearly visible in the photo. Begins to bloom from mid-summer. It exudes a delicate fragrance.

Shima-Nishiki’s flower shape resembles a rose

Red Wiz Pink

Srednerosly variety of tree-like peony. The height of the shrub reaches 1,2 m. Red Wiz Pink (Dao Jin) is distinguished by large, semi-double flowers with a wavy edge of the petals. The color is motley, includes shades of white, dark red and pale pink, which is clearly visible in the photo.

Red Wiz Pink doesn’t tolerate transplant well

Twin Beauty

Twin Beauty (Twin Beauty) is a classic Chinese variety of tree peony. It has an unusual two-tone color. Petals on one side have a dark red tint, and on the other – white or pink (this can be seen in the photo). During the flowering period they exude a rich aroma. The shape of the flowers is pink, the surface is terry, the diameter reaches 25 cm.

On one plant of the Twin Beauty variety, flowers of a different shade can be

Lantian Jay

Medium flowering tree peony. The height of the shrub does not exceed 1,2 m. The main color of the petals is light pink with a lilac tint. The diameter of the flowers reaches 20 cm. Lantian Jay (Lantian Jay) is characterized by abundant flowering, which begins in mid-June.

The first buds at Lantian Jay open in mid-June

purple ocean

The original variety of tree peony with a red-purple tint of petals. White stripes or spots are clearly visible in the center of the flowers, which is clearly visible in the photo. The height of the shrub reaches 1,5 m. The flowers of the Purple Ocean variety (Zi Hai Yin Bo) are crown-shaped, and their size is 16 cm.

Purple Ocean has increased stamina

Voskhod

This unusual variety was obtained through the efforts of American breeders. Based on the yellow peony Lutea. Variety Sunrise (Sunrise) is characterized by a yellow-pink hue with a carmine border around the edge of the petals, which emphasizes the lush form of semi-double flowers. At the same time, in the core of each there is a crown of bright yellow stamens, which is noticeable in the photo. The diameter of the flowers is 17-18 cm, the height of the bush is about 120 cm.

Sunrise shows maximum decorativeness in sunny areas

White phoenix

Vigorous early variety, the height of which reaches 2 m. It forms simple flowers, consisting of 12 petals. The main color is white, but sometimes there is a pinkish tint that can be seen even in the photo. The diameter of the flowers in the variety White Phoenix (Feng Dan Bai) is 18-20 cm.

The flowers of the White Phoenix are directed upwards.

Dao Jin

Variety Dao Jin (Yin and Yang) belongs to the category of fast-growing. The flowers of this shrub are located on the sides. This species is distinguished by the contrasting color of the petals with the original combination of white and red stripes, as can be seen in the photo below. In height, the shrub grows up to 1,5 m, and its width is 1 m.

Flowering period begins in July

green ball

The original variety of tree-like peony, in which, when the buds open, the color of the petals is light green, and then turns pink. The shape of the inflorescences is coronet, they are densely double. Their diameter is about 20 cm. The flowers of the Green Ball variety (Lu Mu Ying Yu) exude a persistent aroma. The height of an adult shrub reaches 1,5 m.

Green ball – late flowering variety

Hinode Sekai

Japanese variety of tree peony, which is characterized by a compact bush shape. Its height does not exceed 90 cm. Hinode Sekai (Hinode Sekai) is distinguished by simple flowers of a bright red hue with small white strokes.

Hinode Sekai is ideal for small flower beds

The scent of a lily

Fast growing early variety. Forms a large number of flowers. The main color of the petals of the Lily Odor variety (Zhong sheng bai) is white. In the center of the flowers is a bright yellow crown of stamens. The height of the shrub is about 1,5 m, the diameter of the flowers is 16 cm.

Variety The smell of Lily is unpretentious to care

Winter-hardy varieties of tree peony

You can often hear that these varieties do not tolerate low temperatures, which leads to freezing of shoots in winter and the absence of flowering. Indeed, this is possible if the winter hardiness of the shrub is not taken into account when choosing.

For regions with harsh climatic conditions, it is recommended to select varieties that are resistant to low temperatures. Then, when growing a tree peony, there will be no particular difficulties.

Varieties that withstand frosts down to -34 degrees:

• Chan Liu;
• Red Wiz Pink;
• Pink Lotus;
• Purple Ocean;
• White Phoenix;
• Green ball.

Application in landscape design

The tree peony is a long-liver, and with proper care, it can grow in one place up to 50 years. This makes it a promising plant in landscape design. This culture is suitable for decorating not only personal plots, but also parks and squares. The photo below shows how the tree peony looks great in the garden.

He can act as a soloist and participate in group compositions. The tree-like peony looks impressive in combination with silver fir trees, against the background of architectural structures, near the statues, which can be seen in the photo.

Landscape designers recommend planting this shrub between blueberries, tulips, daffodils, crocuses. When the early spring bulbs fade, the tree peony will completely fill the vacated space.

When using different varieties, it is necessary to take into account the height, flowering period and color of the petals. With a successful combination, such a composition can decorate the garden from May to June.

A tree-like peony looks great against a green lawn

Also, crop varieties can be placed near the house.

Looks good ornamental shrub and against the background of architectural buildings

Plants in various colors create bright accents in the garden

Conclusion

Tree peony varieties with photos and descriptions will help you understand the variety of varieties of this culture. Such information will be useful for every grower who plans to grow this perennial on his site. After all, among garden crops there is hardly a plant that can compete with it in unpretentiousness and longevity.