Tree Peonies

[scl]

customer of mine said he saw something about these in the Chicago Tribune and is interested. Anyone know anything about them? They're good customers, and I'd like to accomodate them, for a price;) , but I know nothing of these. Any help?

[diginahole]

There are two types of peonies, herbaceous peonies and tree peonies. Tree peonies differ from the common herbaceous peonies in two conspicuous ways.

First, they develop a rough-barked, woody stem which instead of dying back to the ground each season, continues to slowly grow year after year so that a bush (not a tree) is formed, usually maturing at about four to six feet tall and as many feet across. Herbaceous peonies are succulent perennials which die back to the ground each year.

Second, tree peonies flower earlier than the herbaceous peonies and their flowers are much larger. Ants :wub:LOVE peonies, they don't harm the plant but you will not want to bring the flowers inside without washing them very thoroughly.

Peonies love sun and loamy well drained soil. Keep them moist during the flowering season. They are best planted/ divided in early fall. It may take a few years before the plant will flower after transplanting.

[Lanelle]

Look here: http://www.crickethill.com/

[Stonehenge]

Here's one in your neck of the woods... http://www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com/perennial_gallery_pages/pp.htm

[scl]

Thanks folks, just what I'm looking for. Keep it coming. Jeff, I'm calling these guys tomorrow.