Tree Peonies vs. Herbaceous Peonies: A Comprehensive Guide

What makes peonies one of the best flowers in the world? Is their vibrant array of color, lush blooms, or their delightful fragrance? It's all of these combined with their charm and symbolism. peonies native to Asia, Europe, and North America, are a sign of prosperity, love, and honor making them a demanding choice for gardens, weddings, and floral arrangements.

Peony flowers are popular for their spectacular beauty. Among them, Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) and Herbaceous Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) stand out. These flowers are popular among gardeners and flower enthusiasts because of their stunning blooms and rich history. They both produce vibrant red roses which are loved by everyone, but their is slight difference in both peonies that we should consider before planting them or choose for floral decoration.

Peony Foliage and Flowers

Tree peonies consist of shrubs and they can grow upto 3-4 ft in height, in width they can grow upto 4-5 ft. while herbaceous peonies are low growing plant. Usually grows 2-3 ft in height and forms a shrub. Mature herbaceous can grow upto 40 roses whereas mature tree peony can grow upto 100 roses.

The main difference between herbaceous and tree peonies are how they produce their leaves collectively, tree peonies are known for their woody structure and are long lived they can stay for decades if they are cared properly. Herbaceous peonies are soft stem that die back to the ground in winters and begin to grow again in spring, usually they starts flowering in November. Tree peonies start flowering in late april or early may, but it varies from year to year.

Tree peonies takes time to mature, and it may take three years to grow proper flower, they have comparitively larger and flat flower buds which is same in color as leaves and their bud tips do not secrete honey.Once they bloom they can grow flower upto 25 centimeters in diameter. On the other hand herbaceous peonies usually grow upto 15 centimeters in diameter.

The tree peonies and herbaceous peonies comes in two form which is single and double. Single peonies contain fewer petals that's why their center stamen can be seen. This variant does not require staking. Double peonies have bundles of petals form a dome shape so once they bloom they look similar to pompom. This lush variant requires staking.

How To Grow And Care For Peonies

Proper care is essential for growing beautiful peony flowers. Herbaceous peonies require a cold environment to initiate the development of their flower buds, which is why they are typically found in regions like Victoria, Tasmania, and the mountain districts. Similarly, tree peonies also thrive in colder conditions but can grow in areas with slightly cooler temperatures.

Herbaceous peonies require approximately 4 to 5 hours of full sun each day, but they should be protected from the strongest rays with some shade. Tree peonies also thrive in full sun, but they should be shaded during the afternoon to safeguard them from the harshest sunlight.

Tree peonies should be planted away from each other because they need space to grow. They can grow on fertile soil but it should allow water to pass through it quickly without pooling. Herbaceous peonies prefer rich heavy soils and can be planted next to each other.

Maintenance For Peony Flower

Peonies are generally hardy and low-maintenance flowers that are not highly susceptible to pests, deer, or diseases. However, to help your peonies reach their full potential, you can follow a few simple steps to support their growth.

Herbaceous peonies may take help from a three-legged metal wire frame for support as they grow. You can find one at your local gardening store. Allow the foliage to die back naturally in late fall, and then begin pruning.

In contrast, tree peonies should only be pruned to remove dead or broken branches at the start of the growing season. Additionally, you can enrich the soil in the spring by adding a layer of compost or manure to provide extra nutrition as they prepare to blossom.

How To Style Herbaceous And Tree Peony

Peonies, whether planted in your garden, integrated into your landscape design, or utilized as cut flowers for home decoration, will undoubtedly elevate the aesthetic of any indoor or outdoor environment with their vibrant colors and delightful fragrance.

Herbaceous peonies are the most frequently selected variety for cutting, as their long stems make them particularly suitable for floral arrangements. Although other types may feature shorter stems, they can still create appealing displays when cut at their peak bloom and placed in a shallow bowl of water.

Herbaceous peony blossoms and buds can both be selected for home display. It is advisable to harvest peony blossoms in the early morning hours, prior to exposure to sunlight. Cut them as early as possible, ensuring that a stem length of 35 to 40 centimeters is retained. Additionally, it is important to eliminate unnecessary foliage you can leave one or two at the top. Due to their vulnerability to fungal diseases, which can decrease their vase life, it is recommended to arrange the blossoms in vases promptly.

Furthermore, herbaceous peony buds can be harvested before they fully bloom, and these buds can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. When the buds begin to open and exhibit a hint of color—approximately 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter and yielding to gentle pressure like a marshmallow—they are ready to be cut, again with a 40-centimeter stem. As with the blossoms, remove any unnecessary foliage, retaining one or two leaves at the top.

Where to Find Peony Flower?

If you're residing in Australia and are looking to add some peonies and flower similar to peonies to your garden, you are lucky because many nurseries and online stores offer lots of option.Visit local garden centers that specialize in flowering plants. They often carry a selection of peonies or search for reputable online plant shops that ship peony plants nationwide. Pash flower often have quality peony plants for sale in Australia.

Herbaceous and tree peonies both can add color and brightness in spring to your garden as well as home with their colorful and big roses and they will continue to blossom for decades if properly cared. Only you need to understand the difference and care they both need. Decorate your home with peonies flower and don’t forget to order and share your floral arrangements with pashflower.