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Paeonia × suffruticosa (S)

moutan

Paeonia x suffruticosa is an upright shrub to around 2m tall with divided leaves; large, variable, cup-shaped, single or semi-double flowers in shades of pink or white are borne in late spring and early summer

Other common names
Chinese tree peony
moutan peony
see moretree peony
Synonyms
Paeonia × suffruticosa 'Papaveracea'
Paeonia moutan
see morePaeonia papaveracea
Paeonia suffruticosa
Paeonia arborea

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink White Green
Summer Pink White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Paeoniaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Paeonia may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous sub-shrubs with large, divided leaves and showy large bowl-shaped flowers, usually in early summer

Name status

Correct

Horticultural Group
Shrubby peonies are sparsely branched deciduous shrubs leaves divided into several finger-like lobes, and bowl-shaped flowers in late spring or early summer
Plant range
W China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, in an open position but with shelter from cold, drying winds; see tree peony cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth larvae

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt

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