Tree peonies are a captivating and diverse group of plants that bring beauty and elegance to any garden. With their stunning flowers and rich history, they are truly a sight to behold. From the Chinese varieties that offer a wide range of colors and fragrances, to the Japanese cultivars that have been popular for centuries, and the fascinating hybrids that combine the best of both worlds, tree peonies are a must-have for any gardening enthusiast.
Chinese Tree Peony Diversity
Chinese tree peonies, known as mudan, have been cherished in China since the 7th century Sui Dynasty. Their popularity can be compared to the tulip craze that swept through Holland in the 17th century. The Chinese cultivars offer an incredible diversity of colors and forms. From white, pink, and red to magenta, maroon, and violet, the range of hues is truly remarkable. The petals of these exquisite flowers often have a captivating play of colors, changing as the light touches them. They can be single, semidouble, or double, with shapes that vary from up-facing to side-facing or down-facing. With over 600 recognized cultivars, each with its own unique charm, Chinese tree peonies are a treasure to behold.
Japanese Tree Peony Availability
The Japanese were introduced to tree peonies by the Chinese in the 8th century, initially for their medicinal properties and later for their beauty. While many of today’s Japanese tree peonies are actually Chinese varieties that have remained unchanged for centuries, there are exceptions that showcase the Japanese aesthetic. One such exception is the ‘Island Brocade’, a stunning mutation of ‘The Sun’, with its variegated pink and red flowers. Japanese cultivars, typically single or semidouble, bloom about a week after the Chinese varieties. These beautiful tree peonies are easily accessible in the United States, available through mail-order sources and local garden centers.
Hybrids Emerge in the West
In the West, hybrids of tree peonies have been created by crossbreeding with the small, yellow-flowered Paeonia lutea. This hybridization has taken place in Europe and the United States over the past century. A.P. Saunders, a renowned hybridizer in the U.S., has made significant contributions to this field, resulting in plants that bear his name. These hybrids have smaller flowers with citrus-vanilla fragrances and often bloom later than their Chinese and Japanese counterparts, extending the tree peony bloom season. In more recent years, hybridizers like Nassos Daphnis and David Reath have expanded the color palette and size of the flowers in the second generation of hybridization. The sought-after varieties with yellow undertones, such as ‘Redon’ and ‘Exotic Era’, have added a new dimension to the world of tree peonies.
A Botanical Curiosity: Intersectional or Itoh Hybrids
About three decades ago, a Japanese hybridizer named Toichi Itoh achieved something truly remarkable. He successfully crossed tree peonies with herbaceous peonies, resulting in a fascinating group of hybrids known as intersectional or Itoh hybrids. These hybrids combine the beauty and foliage of tree peonies with the die-back characteristic of herbaceous plants in the fall. They offer a wide range of colors and bloom abundantly, making them a popular choice among gardeners.
With their incredible diversity, captivating fragrances, and remarkable beauty, tree peonies are a delightful addition to any garden. Whether you choose the Chinese varieties with their ever-changing colors, the timeless elegance of the Japanese cultivars, or the enchanting hybrids that push the boundaries of traditional peony breeding, tree peonies are sure to bring joy and enchantment to your outdoor space. So, why not indulge in the splendor of tree peonies and experience the wonder they bring?
