Tree peony: photo and description of varieties

The tree peony is a deciduous shrub up to 2 m high. This crop was bred thanks to the efforts of Chinese breeders. The plant got 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 the site, and will also allow you to determine the compatibility of several species in color and main characteristics.

Full description of the tree peony

This type of culture belongs to the category of centenarians. A tree-like peony can grow in one place for more than 50 years. Moreover, every year it grows more and more. It is better to place the tree peony in partial shade, where the sun's rays are in the morning and evening. This greatly increases the flowering time.

The tree-like perennial is distinguished by a compact hemispherical 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-like peony are light brown in color.

The leaf plates are openwork, doubly pinnate, with large lobes. They are located on long petioles. Above, the leaves have a dark green tint, on the back there is a bluish tint.

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

Flowering features

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

The tree peony is distinguished by a variety of varieties. The color of its petals varies from monochromatic to two-color, while the shades smoothly merge 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-like peony can have from 20 to 70 buds. Flowering duration is 2-3 weeks. Then, edible fruits are formed on the shrub, shaped like a star. Each contains large, dark seeds.

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

Unlike the herbaceous peony, which has more than 4.5 thousand varieties, the tree-like one is represented only by 500. But the latter has much higher bushes, the diameter of the flowers is larger, and the shoots are harder, lignified.

The tree-like peony begins to bloom in late April, which is two weeks earlier than that of the herbaceous variety. And this period lasts 7-10 days longer.

The main difference between a tree species and a herbaceous species is that its ground shoots are preserved for the winter. Therefore, the growing season begins much earlier.

Types of tree peonies

In the homeland of the perennial, 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:

• Sino-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, are most in demand, since 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 makes them stand out from the rest.

Hemoza Giant

The Giant of Chemosis belongs to the group of red treelike 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 the double flowers is about 16-20 cm. Easily withstands drought. Forms a large number of buds.

The Hemoza giant is a late flowering variety

Chang Liu

Chun Liu or Spring willow (Chun Liu) belongs to the category of rare species, as it has an unusual greenish-yellow tint and 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.

Jang Liu is characterized by densely packed buds

The deep blue sea

The variety stands out noticeably with a rich purple-red shade of petals with a lilac tint, which are pink-shaped (you can clearly see this in the photo). Leaves are rich green. 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, you can sometimes see white strokes

Coral island

A vigorous variety of treelike peony, the height of which reaches 2 m. Forms large crown-shaped flowers. The first buds of the Coral Island variety (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 Pink Zhao Fen variety is one of the oldest varieties that still hasn't 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 pink Jao petals.

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 dense double flowers of a delicate color, which can be seen in the photo below. Closer to the center of the petals, the shade is saturated pink, and brightens noticeably towards the edge. The diameter of the flowers is 15 cm.

Peach under the snow is distinguished by abundant flowering

Imperial crown

The Imperial crown variety is characterized by huge semi-double flowers (you can clearly see this 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 lateral 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 lateral ones.

Green beans

The graceful variety Green Bean is characterized by compact bushes about 90 cm high. The petals have a corrugated edge and have a light green hue, which is rare for peonies (you can see this 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

Blue sapphire (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 blotches at the base, which is noticeable in the photo. There are numerous yellow stamens 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

It is a yellow tree peony variety as seen in the photo. Belongs to the category of rare species. Yaos Yellow (Yaos Yellow) is characterized by medium-sized bushes, the height of which reaches 1.8 m. Flowers are densely double, 16-18 cm in size. The shade of the petals is pale yellow, which can be 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

The Secret Passion (Cang Zhi Hong) variety belongs to the early category, 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 Secret Passion has a flowering period of over three weeks.

Snow tower

The shape of the flowers of the tree peony The Snow Tower can be in the form of a lotus or anemones. The color of the petals is pale white, but there is a slight orange smear at the base (you can see it 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 profusely blooming.

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

Pink lotus

The 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 spreading 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.

The 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 cover 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 the photo). The height of the shrub reaches 150 cm. The flowering period begins in the second half of May.

Buds of different colors can open on one plant

Red giant

The Red Giant variety (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 is 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 fast growing

Kinko

The Kinko cultivar (Kinkaku-Jin Ge) belongs to the category of yellow treelike peonies. Obtained as a result of crossing the usual 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 border around 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 the snow-white shade of the petals (you can see the photo). The shape of the flowers is in the shape 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, tough branches on which leaves are sparse

Scarlet Sails

Scarlet Sail is distinguished 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-like peony can be seen in the photo below. With the full blooming of the buds, 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.

The Scarlet Sails variety is distinguished by beautiful carved leaves.

Fen he piao jiang

The Fen He Piao Jiang (Pink Powder) tree peony variety was developed 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 there are maroon strokes at the base, which is noticeable in the photo. In the center of the flowers are numerous orange-colored stamens.

The diameter of the pink powder flowers is 15 cm

Shima nishiki

The Japanese variety of tree 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. It begins to bloom in the middle of summer. At the same time, it exudes a subtle aroma.

The shape of Shima-Nishiki flowers resembles a rose

Red Wiz Pink

Medium-sized 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 variegated, including shades of white, dark red and pale pink, which is clearly visible in the photo.

Red Wiz Pink does not tolerate a transplant

Twin beauty

Twin Beauty (Twin Beauty) is a classic Chinese variety of tree peony. Differs in an unusual two-tone color. The petals are dark red on one side and white or pink on the other (you can see this 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.

One plant of the Twin Beauty variety can have flowers of different shades

Lantian Jay

A mid-flowering variety of 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 flowers reach 20 cm in diameter. Lantian Jay is characterized by abundant flowering, which begins in mid-June.

Lantian Jay's first buds open in mid-June

Purple ocean

An original variety of tree peony with red-purple petals. In the center of the flowers, white stripes or spots are clearly visible, which is clearly noticeable in the photo. The height of the shrub reaches 1.5 m.The flowers of the Purple Ocean variety (Zi Hai Yin Bo) have a crown shape, and their size is 16 cm.

Purple Ocean has increased stamina

Sunrise

This unusual variety was obtained thanks to the efforts of American breeders. It is based on the yellow peony Lutea. Voskhod (Sunrise) is characterized by a yellow-pink hue with a carmine border along the edge of the petals, which emphasizes the lush shape 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

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

The flowers of the White Phoenix are directed upwards

Dao jin

Dao Jin (Yin and Yang) is a fast growing variety. The flowers of this shrub are located on the sides. This type is distinguished by the contrasting colors of the petals with an original combination of white and red stripes, which can be seen in the photo below. The shrub grows up to 1.5 m in height, and its width is 1 m.

The flowering period begins in July

Green ball

An original variety of tree peony, which, when the buds open, the color of the petals is light green, and then turns pink. The shape of the inflorescences is crown, they are densely double. Their diameter is about 20 cm. 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 has a compact bush shape. Its height does not exceed 90 cm. Hinode Sekai (Hinode Sekai) is distinguished by simple colors of a bright red hue with small white strokes.

Hinode Sekai is ideal for small flower beds

Lily scent

Fast growing early variety. Forms a large number of colors. The main color of the petals of the Lily Smell (Zhong sheng bai) variety 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.

The Smell of Lily variety is easy to care for

Winter-hardy varieties of tree peony

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

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 special difficulties.

Varieties that can withstand frosts down to -34 degrees:

• Chang 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 for up to 50 years. This makes it a promising plant in landscaping. This culture is suitable for decorating not only personal plots, but also parks and squares. The photo below shows how the tree-like peony looks great in the garden.

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

Landscape designers recommend planting this shrub between forest trees, tulips, daffodils, crocuses. When the early spring bulbs have bloomed, 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.

The tree-like peony looks great against the background of a green lawn

Also, crop varieties can be placed near the house.

Ornamental shrub looks good against the background of architectural buildings

Plants of various colors create bright accents in the garden

Conclusion

Varieties of tree peony with photos and descriptions will help to 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. Indeed, among horticultural crops, there is hardly a plant that can compete with it in unpretentiousness and longevity.

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