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Description
Paeonia Suffruticosa, also known as tree peony or mudan, is a deciduous shrub native to China. It is a member of the Paeoniaceae family and is prized for its large, showy flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple, and are often fragrant. The plant can grow up to six feet tall and wide, and its foliage consists of dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
Paeonia Suffruticosa is a large, woody shrub with a round, bushy shape. Its stems are brown and woody, and its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a finely serrated edge. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, producing large, showy flowers that can be up to ten inches in diameter. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple, and are often fragrant. The plant’s fruit is a woody capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Paeonia Suffruticosa, you should provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plant in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Paeonia Suffruticosa is hardy to USDA zones 4-9, but it may require protection in colder climates. In areas with harsh winters, you can protect the plant by covering it with a layer of mulch or burlap.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paeonia Suffruticosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as botrytis blight and powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides. The plant may also attract ants, which are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by the flowers. However, the ants do not harm the plant and can actually help to protect it from other pests.
Habitat
Paeonia Suffruticosa is native to China, where it grows in mountainous regions and along riverbanks. The plant is often cultivated in gardens and parks throughout the world for its ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Paeonia Suffruticosa?
A: You should water your Paeonia Suffruticosa regularly, but be careful not to overwater. The plant prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Paeonia Suffruticosa?
A: You should fertilize Paeonia Suffruticosa in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Paeonia Suffruticosa grow in containers?
A: Yes, Paeonia Suffruticosa can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants grown in the ground.
Q: How can I protect my Paeonia Suffruticosa from frost?
A: In areas with harsh winters, you can protect Paeonia Suffruticosa by covering it with a layer of mulch or burlap.
Related Plants
- Paeonia lactiflora
- Paeonia tenuifolia
- Paeonia anomala
- Paeonia rockii
References
- “Tree Peonies – Facts & Information on Tree Peony Plants.” ProFlowers, 16 Aug. 2019, www.proflowers.com/blog/tree-peony-care.
- “Paeonia suffruticosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b580.
- “Tree Peonies.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/12650/paeonia-suffruticosa/details.
