Tibetan tree peony

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 16, 2022 at 9:02

I have the exact same plant which was at the house when I arrived. It's a very reliable performer which, since the flowering season is quite brief, I've retained more for its form and foliage than its flowers.

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Permalink Reply by Antonia Denford on April 22, 2022 at 8:10

My tree peony self-seeds every year. If anyone would like a seedling to bring on, get in touch. They usually end up in my weed bucket..

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Permalink Reply by Elaine W on April 22, 2022 at 10:08

So beautiful. I am very envious as I have a tree peony on my allotment which has never flowered in 15 years. It used to get buds which would shrivel before flowering. I can’t even remember what colour the flower should be. 

Whats your secret?

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Permalink Reply by maggie on April 22, 2022 at 15:34

Mine didn't flower for the 5 years that it was in a large pot. This year I transplanted it to half a barrel with new compost in a sheltered spot and it has flowered. I think that because they bud early they are susceptible to frost; maybe some fleece protecting the forming buds during the early part of the year would help (?).

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Permalink Reply by Dick Harris on April 22, 2022 at 17:41

It seems a bit unlikely that a plant which is endemic in parts of Tibet and generally grows at elevations of 3000 metres would be sensitive to frost. I would look at soil type and chemistry etc.

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Permalink Reply by maggie on April 23, 2022 at 13:24

You definitely have a point there Dick; I was remembering something I read from the RHS "Tree peonies...emerging foliage and flower buds can be damaged by late frosts. Affected leaves and buds blacken and fail to open. Protect with fleece during cold nights." However many things can be affected by late frosts as I have found to my costs and if Elaines peonies buds don't blacken before failing to open then yes look elsewhere.

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