Tip #4: Tree Peonies
Tree peonies stand apart from standard herbaceous peonies by forming permanent, woody shrub structures that bear impossibly large, silk-like blossoms. During mid-spring, these extraordinary ornamental flowers unfurl gigantic, highly fragrant blooms that frequently measure up to ten inches across. Distinctive varieties like ‘High Noon’ produce luminous yellow petals, while ‘Kinkaku’ features incredible ruffled orange-gold edges that captivate anyone walking past your garden. Because tree peonies can easily live for over fifty years in the right environment, you must choose their permanent planting site carefully from the beginning. Position your young plants in well-draining, highly fertile soil where they will receive gentle morning sunlight but remain firmly protected from harsh, scorching afternoon rays. Deep watering during their active spring growth phase ensures the developing buds reach their absolute maximum potential size. Although they grow relatively slowly during their first few seasons, the awe-inspiring blooms reward your patience with a breathtaking spring garden centerpiece.
