tree peony / tree paeony £19.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drainedRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to JuneHardiness: fully hardyPrized for their blowsy, glamorous blooms and glossy, deeply cut foliage, peonies are held in deep affection by many gardeners, despite their short flowering season and vulnerability to peony wilt in damp weather. It’s easy to see why. The young leaves of this tree or shrub peony are flushed burgundy and in late spring, lustrous, single, maroon flowers appear among the handsome dark green foliage. This magnificent tree peony is ideal for a sunny border, planted among shrubs that flower later in the summer. Plant spring bulbs around the base to prolong the season of interest. Garden care: Protect from cold winds and early morning sun. Support the branches of young trees with canes. In early spring apply a top-dressing of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser around the base of the plant and mulch well with well-rotted compost or manure. If the plant shows signs of collapse or the leaves become spotty, this may be a symptom of peony botrytis. Remove affected leaves immediately. In the autumn, cut off all the foliage and dispose of it to prevent reinfection the following spring. The older stems of tree peonies have a tendency to become brittle and snap, so cut these back to the ground in autumn every two or three years.