Tree Peony
Paeonia suffruticosa (and related spp. and hybrids)
Tree Peony is the most exalted of all peonies — a long-lived deciduous shrub producing enormous, tissue-paper-delicate flowers of unmatched size and beauty in shades from pure white and blush pink to deep crimson, violet, and gold. Revered in China for over 1,500 years as the "King of Flowers," it is a towering symbol of wealth, honor, and feminine beauty.
Paeoniaceae (Peony family)
Mid to late spring (April–May); flowers last 7–10 days each, though the overall display is brief
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Tree Peony (Mudan, 牡丹) is the most culturally significant flower in Chinese history and civilization. Cultivated since at least the Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE), it reached its peak of reverence during the Tang Dynasty when emperors grew it in imperial gardens and it was celebrated in poetry and painting as the "King of Flowers." It remains the unofficial national flower of China, representing wealth, honor, and feminine grace. In Chinese art, the Mudan appears in countless paintings, embroideries, ceramics, and architectural decorations as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. At Luoyang in Henan Province — the historical capital of Mudan cultivation — an internationally celebrated Peony Festival draws millions of visitors each spring. In Japan, the tree peony (Botan, 牡丹) carries similar prestige and features prominently in traditional art, textiles, and family crests (mon). In Western horticulture it is prized as the most spectacular of all garden shrubs.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in hotter climates to prolong flower color and life
Water
Moderate; consistent moisture during growing season; good drainage is critical — roots must never sit in waterlogged soil
Soil
Well-drained, Deep, Fertile, Humus-rich, Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5), Cool root zone essential
Expert Growing Tips
Plant with the graft union 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) below soil level to encourage the scion to form its own roots over time
Never cut the woody stems back in autumn — unlike herbaceous peonies, tree peonies are woody and must not be cut to the ground
Deadhead spent flowers promptly to maintain plant energy
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges and again after flowering
Mulch generously to keep roots cool and moist but keep mulch away from the crown
Tree peonies are extremely long-lived — plants over 100 years old are documented; choose the planting site with permanence in mind
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen shrub as garden focal point
- Traditional Chinese and Japanese garden planting
- Formal mixed shrub borders
- Cut flower of exceptional prestige
- Container growing (large pots)
- Woodland garden understorey planting in dappled shade
Traditional Uses
- The root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa (called "Mu Dan Pi") is one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for over 2,000 years
- Used to clear heat, cool the blood, and treat conditions including fever, inflammation, dysmenorrhea, and hypertension
- Paeonol, the primary active compound, has well-documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties in scientific research
- The root bark is a standard ingredient in classical TCM formulations including the famous "Liu Wei Di Huang Wan"
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tree Peony
What does Tree Peony symbolize?
Tree Peony symbolizes wealth, honor, prosperity, and feminine beauty. In Chinese culture it is known as the "King of Flowers" and is one of the most powerful symbols of good fortune, high social status, and love. Its enormous, lavishly petalled blooms have embodied the ideals of abundance and nobility for over a thousand years.
What is the difference between a Tree Peony and a herbaceous Peony?
The key difference is that Tree Peonies have permanent woody stems that persist year-round and should never be cut back, while herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each autumn and regrow from the roots each spring. Tree Peonies also typically produce larger flowers, bloom earlier in the season, and are generally longer-lived — some specimens surviving for well over a century.
Why is Tree Peony called the King of Flowers in China?
Tree Peony earned the title "King of Flowers" (花王, Huā Wáng) in China because of its unmatched combination of spectacular beauty, extraordinary flower size, noble bearing, and powerful cultural associations with imperial wealth and honor. During the Tang Dynasty it was the most prized of all ornamental plants and became inseparable from the imagery of Chinese imperial and aristocratic life.
How long does a Tree Peony live?
Tree Peonies are extraordinarily long-lived. Well-established specimens regularly live for 50–100 years, and there are documented examples of tree peonies in Chinese temple gardens that are hundreds of years old and still blooming annually. This longevity is a significant part of their symbolic association with endurance and prosperity.
When is the best time to plant a Tree Peony?
Autumn (September–October in the Northern Hemisphere) is the ideal time to plant a tree peony, allowing the roots to establish before winter. Spring planting is possible but requires more attentive watering. Plant with the graft union 3–4 inches below soil level and in a permanent position, as tree peonies strongly dislike being transplanted once established.
Is Tree Peony hard to grow?
Tree Peonies are not difficult to grow in suitable climates but they are slow and require patience — typically taking 3–5 years to settle in and begin producing their most spectacular blooms. The key requirements are well-drained soil, good fertility, a cool root zone, and a site protected from harsh late frosts which can damage emerging flower buds.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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