Tree peonies and peonies, also known as herbaceous peonies, are both beautiful flowering plants that belong to the same family, but they have some distinct differences.
1. Growth Habit:
Tree peonies, contrary to their name, are actually small shrubs rather than trees. They have woody stems and a permanent framework that remains intact throughout the year. In contrast, herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each year, and new growth emerges from the roots in the following spring.
2. Size and Height:
Tree peonies are generally taller and larger than herbaceous peonies. They can reach heights of up to 6 feet or more, while herbaceous peonies typically grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet.
3. Flower Form and Blooming Season:
Both tree peonies and herbaceous peonies produce stunning, showy flowers, but their flower forms and blooming seasons can differ. Tree peonies often have large, goblet-shaped flowers with multiple layers of petals, creating a lush and extravagant appearance. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Tree peonies typically bloom in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.
On the other hand, herbaceous peonies have a wider variety of flower forms, including single, semi-double, and double blooms. Their flowers are cup-shaped or bowl-shaped and come in a wide range of colors. Herbaceous peonies generally bloom earlier than tree peonies, typically in late spring, but the exact timing can vary depending on the cultivar and climate.
4. Care and Maintenance:
Tree peonies and herbaceous peonies have slightly different care requirements. Tree peonies prefer a well-draining soil and appreciate some shade during the hottest part of the day. They should be pruned lightly after flowering to maintain their shape and remove dead or damaged wood.
Herbaceous peonies, on the other hand, prefer full sun or light shade and require a fertile, well-draining soil. After they die back in the fall, the old stems should be cut back to ground level to allow for new growth in the following spring.
5. Hardiness:
While both tree peonies and herbaceous peonies are generally hardy plants, tree peonies tend to be more cold-hardy than herbaceous peonies. Some tree peonies can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C), making them suitable for colder climates. Herbaceous peonies are still cold-hardy but may not tolerate extremely frigid temperatures as well as their tree peony counterparts.
The main differences between tree peonies and herbaceous peonies lie in their growth habit, size, flower form, blooming season, care requirements, and hardiness. Tree peonies are small shrubs with a permanent framework, larger in size, with goblet-shaped flowers blooming in late spring. Herbaceous peonies die back each year, are smaller in size, have a wider variety of flower forms, bloom earlier, and require slightly different care. Both types of peonies are stunning additions to any garden, providing beauty and elegance during their respective blooming seasons.
