General Culture:

Best grown in deep, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of summer heat. Add compost as needed before planting. Larger shrubs appreciate some shelter from strong winds. Unlike herbaceous peonies, the stems of tree peonies (which are woody plants) do not die to the ground in winter and should not be cut back after frost. No pruning is required, except to cut out dead wood or suckers in early spring. If plants become leggy, a moderate pruning in early fall can be done to shape plant and encourage additional growth on the lower part of the plant. Remove spent flowers after bloom. These long-lived plants usually take several years to establish, and are best left undisturbed once planted. Moreover, plant roots go deep and transplanting can be difficult.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

CHAMPION OF BLACK FLOWERS, as the name suggests, is most noted for its semi-double, deep maroon flowers (each to 6” across). Although flower color is not black as the trade name suggests, the deep maroon color is very dark. Yellow center stamens provide bright contrast. Flowers are fragrant, and bloom in early spring (May in the St. Louis area). This is a deciduous, woody shrub that typically grows to 3’ tall and 4’ wide. Medium green foliage is deeply divided into oval to lance-shaped leaflets.

Problems:

Tree peonies are considered to be relatively pest free. Some susceptibility to canker, leaf blight, stem wilt and scale. Ants on peony buds are common and totally harmless.

Uses:

Excellent in borders as specimens and in groups. Also effective as accents or hedges along fences, sidewalks, driveways or walls. Flowers are extremely showy, and foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, either alone or as a frame or backdrop for other flowering plants.

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