Tree Peony
Paeonia suffruticosa
Family: Paeoniaceae · Also called Mudan, Moutan, Botan (Japanese), Paeonia × suffruticosa f. maculata, Paeonia × chinensis, Paeonia × arborea
Floral · Spring bloomer
The tree peony produces the largest, most opulent flowers of any temperate garden plant, blooms up to 12 inches across in colors ranging from pure white through every shade of pink and red to deep purple, often with dramatic dark blotches at the base. Unlike herbaceous peonies, the woody stems persist year to year, eventually forming small shrubs.
royalty, prosperity, honor, feminine beauty
In the Victorian language of flowers, tree peony means “King of flowers, prosperity and honor”. The tree peony is China's 'King of Flowers' (花王), cultivated for over 1,500 years as a symbol of wealth, honor, and nobility. The city of Luoyang holds an annual peony festival drawing millions. During the Tang Dynasty, a single rare tree peony could sell for the equivalent of a house. Empress Wu Zetian allegedly banished peonies from the capital for defying her order to bloom in winter.
Did You Know?
A mature tree peony can live for over 100 years, specimens in Chinese temple gardens have authenticated ages exceeding 300 years. Unlike herbaceous peonies, they can take 5-10 years to establish before flowering well. The world's most expensive tree peony cultivars are Japanese 'Shimane' varieties that can cost over $1,000 per plant.
Mountain forests and rocky slopes of central and western China, 1,000-3,000m
Tree Peony is native to China. It naturally grows in mountain forests and rocky slopes of central and western china, 1,000-3,000m.
Scent Profile
“A complex, rose-like sweetness with citrus undertones, richer and more layered than herbaceous peonies. Some Chinese cultivars have an almost intoxicating intensity when the enormous blooms are fully open.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NamePaeonia suffruticosa
- FamilyPaeoniaceae
- Native ToChina
- Bloom SeasonSpring
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The tree peony is China's 'King of Flowers' (花王), cultivated for over 1,500 years as a symbol of wealth, honor, and nobility. The city of Luoyang holds an annual peony festival drawing millions. During the Tang Dynasty, a single rare tree peony could sell for the equivalent of a house. Empress Wu Zetian allegedly banished peonies from the capital for defying her order to bloom in winter.