Paeonia suffruticosa Pink - Tree Peony

Paeonia suffruticosa Pink is a solitary, double-flowered shrubby peony with soft pink flowers and a bright pink centre, adorned with yellow stamens. These large cup-shaped flowers measure 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in) in diameter, blooming from mid-May to mid-June and perched on upright stems. Some consider shrubby peonies to be the epitome of refinement.

Growing fairly slowly, this extremely hardy shrub reaches a height of 1.5-2 m (5-7 ft). The deciduous leaves are composed of nine lanceolate leaflets, which are very smooth with a brownish-green colour when budding and a tender green colour with a bluish underside afterwards.

Originating from Eastern Asia, Paeonia suffruticosa is more delicate than herbaceous varieties, preferring sheltered locations, especially from cold winds. It grows in partial shade but tolerates non-burning sunlight, and thrives in rich, deep, humus-bearing, moist, acidic, and light soil, not tolerating limestone and struggling in heavy soils.

In the garden, Paeonia suffruticosa Pink can be used individually against a wall or hedge, or in a mass planting under tall trees, but always sheltered from winds and in well-ventilated and bright areas. Peonies can be combined with other perennials that bloom before or after them, such as grasses, roses, irises, or bellflowers.