Peonies

"Paeonia (Paeoniaceae) - Genus of perennials and deciduous shrubs ('tree peonies'), valued for their bold foliage, showy blooms, and in some species, colourful seed pods. Fully hardy, except where otherwise stated; young growth should be protected from late frosts. Most require a cool climate or cool position and semi-shade; generally prefer well-drained soil, but provide moist soil, rich in humus, for the herbaceous peonies. Tall and exceptionally large flowered cultivators may require support. All species can be propogated by seed in autumn (may take up to 3 years to germinate), herbaceous peonies by root cuttings in winter, some tree peonies by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or by grafting in winter. Perrenials may also be propagated by division in autumn or early spring. Is susceptible to botrytis if over-fed with animal manure or if grown in poorly drained soil." - quoted from The Reader's Digest 'Gardeners' Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers' (Reader's Digest (Australia), 1992). Hybrid Tree peonies cannot generally raised from seed.

Peonies come in two types - Herbaceous and Tree. Then, within their types, there are a wide range of colours, from white, through the shades of pink & red to the deepest crimson. There are also a number of varieties to suit all tastes, such as single, double & full double that look delicate and fluffy.

Peonies are originally an Oriental plant, but are now grown around the world.

Herbaceous Peonies die back during the colder months and may be thought to be dead. Upon closer inspection, you will notice small buds around the base of the plant. With the coming of spring, the plant will once again grow and bloom.

Peonies are often incorrectly called a 'peony rose'. They are in fact, not related to the rose at all.

Tree Peonies which are grown from cuttings are usually of the Lutea (yellow) family. These are easy to propagate and thus more widely available.

Most tree peonies are grafted which has about a 50% success rate. Because of the costs of labour, rootstock and loss of a year's growth, this causes the increase in the purchase price.

Tree Peonies can be divided, but this changes the flowering pattern as the whole plant needs to be dug up, examined and divided. Then the new plant(s) need to be re-planted and this can set back the flowering of the plants.

Tree peonies can be grown from seed, but you need to be patient. Expect to wait 7 years for your plant to flower. Like Camellias, the Tree Peony grown from seed will not be true to the hybrid and is likely to dissappoint.

In summary, grafting and root dividing are the only reliable means of propagation.

There are lots of 'un-named' seedling Tree Peonies available now. The flower of these plants, although quite attractive, seldom live up to the expectation of the purchaser who thinks they have the bargain of the century.

There are NO 'quality named' Tree Peonies at cheap prices!

For further information on peonies, we suggest you look at the following sites :