Tree Peony

A: They typically reach only about 4 or 5 feet tall making these shrubs more of a symbolic barrier or border than a privacy screen. Some tree peonies have been known to reach 7 feet in height.

A: Tree peony shrubs work well as hedge plants or as borders along a driveway, path, or property line in dappled sun, though they can survive basking in full sun for 6 hours a day, but with less robust or long-living blooms.

A: They are two different plants, though related. Tree peonies are much larger and bloom two weeks earlier than herbaceous peonies. Tree peonies prefer some shade while regular peonies need full sunlight. Though tree peonies like the sun, they are very sensitive to light and won't bloom as long. Herbaceous peonies also die back annually while a tree peony has a woody structure that holds up almost year-round.

A: Be diligent with deadheading spent blossoms and remove old flowers and petals from the garden. Summer: Only water plants when soil dries out to a depth of four inches, and then water deeply. Foliar feeding with fish emulsion is appreciated. Fall: Do not prune Tree Peonies back; they are woody shrubs.

A: Tree peonies are very slow growers and may take three years before new plants fully establish and flower. Once established, they need little maintenance.

A: Cut the stem just below the spent flower. Removing excess stem will reduce the amount of growth in the following year and should be avoided. This year's green shoots will become next year's woody branch.