Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa 'Wu Long Peng Sheng' BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER)

Overview

The Tree peony, specifically the cultivar Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER, offers gardeners a magnificent focal point due to its large, deeply colored blooms. As a deciduous, woody shrub, it provides structure in the garden long after the flowers fade, maturing into an attractive specimen plant. This cultivar is highly valued for its stunning dark red, cup-shaped flowers that feature surprising lavender overtones and bright yellow eyes.

Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER attains a substantial size, typically reaching 5 to 6 feet tall and spreading 4 to 5 feet wide over time. These long-lived plants require patience, taking several years to establish their deep root systems fully. Once sited properly, the Tree peony thrives in full sun to partial shade, offering reliable color display in mid-to-late spring.

Distinguished from its herbaceous cousins, the Tree peony retains its woody stems throughout winter, maintaining garden interest. Its foliage remains attractive all season, setting off the spectacular blooms. Gardeners seeking low-impact, high-reward vertical interest should consider incorporating this distinguished Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER specimen.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Paeoniaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 5-6 ft
  • Spread: 4-5 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Dark red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The key to successfully establishing your Tree peony involves thoughtful site selection focusing on soil quality. Best results occur when planted in deep, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil. While they are tolerant of summer heat, ensure the planting area receives ample sun, though partial shade is acceptable, especially in hotter climates. Amend the soil with compost before planting to encourage robust early development.

Watering should be consistent, maintaining medium moisture levels, especially during establishment. These mature shrubs are quite resilient but appreciate consistent care. Be mindful that Tree peonies resent disturbance; once planted, they are best left undisturbed as their roots grow deeply, making transplanting difficult later on.

Pruning requirements for Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER are minimal. Unlike herbaceous peonies, you must never cut back the woody stems after frost, as the stems do not die back to the ground. Only remove dead wood or suckers in early spring. If shaping is necessary for leggy individuals, a moderate pruning in early fall can encourage lower growth. Remember to deadhead spent flowers immediately after blooming concludes. Gardeners in Zone 4 and colder parts of Zone 5 should provide some winter protection.

Landscape Uses

The presence of a magnificent Tree peony like Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER instantly elevates any garden space. They excel when deployed as specimens, drawing the eye with their unparalleled spring flowers. Use them liberally as bold accents along sidewalks, driveways, or flanking entryways where their stature can be fully appreciated.

Beyond solitary placement, these shrubs are highly effective used as informal hedges, providing a lush, flowering screen along fences or property lines. Their medium green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, serving as an excellent, substantial backdrop for smaller perennials or annuals that complete their bloom cycle earlier or later than the peonies. Planting Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER in groups creates a truly dramatic mass planting effect.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

The specific cultivar ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’, often marketed as BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER, is a spectacular selection of the Tree peony, reaching heights around 6 feet with a 5-foot spread. Its signature feature is the profusion of lightly-scented, double, dark red cup-shaped flowers accented dramatically by lavender overtones and vibrant yellow eyes. The resulting flowers are excellent for cutting, and the plant maintains attractive light green foliage throughout the entire growing season.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Tree peonies are generally regarded as pest-free plants, offering an advantage over many flowering shrubs. However, gardeners should monitor for occasional susceptibility to issues like canker, leaf blight, stem wilt, or scale insects, implementing appropriate treatments if necessary. A common sight, ants congregating on the developing peony buds, is totally harmless and merely attracted to the sweet nectar produced by the buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tree peony suitable for?

This robust Tree peony cultivar thrives across USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER grow?

At maturity, you can expect this Tree peony to reach a height between 5 to 6 feet and spread between 4 to 5 feet wide.

When does Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER bloom?

The spectacular deep red blossoms typically appear from April to May, providing brilliant color early in the growing season.

What sun exposure does Tree peony need?

For the best flowering and overall health, plant this deciduous shrub where it receives full sun to partial shade.

Conclusion

The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER offers unparalleled floral drama and reliable woody structure, making it a timeless addition to any established landscape. Its dark red, showy blooms truly live up to the cultivar name BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER. Before planting your new Tree peony, confirm your site offers deep, well-drained soil and appropriate hardiness zone placement.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate companions is crucial for maximizing the visual impact of your Tree peony, especially considering its relatively brief but intense bloom window. Pair the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ BLACK DRAGON WITH SPLENDID FLOWER with summer-blooming perennials like Hostas, Siberian Iris, or tall ornamental grasses. These companions will take over the visual interest once the majestic blooms fade, ensuring continuous garden appeal against the backdrop of the peony’s mid-green foliage.

Consider the growth habits too; position shorter, mounding plants in front of the Tree peony to soften the woody base as the season progresses. Since peonies prefer not to be crowded, ensure spacing allows for good air circulation around the base, which helps mitigate potential fungal issues.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Early Spring (Before Bud Break): This is the ideal time for any necessary structural pruning, focusing solely on removing any clearly dead wood or basal suckers emanating from below the graft union. Gently remove any debris or winter mulch that may be suffocating the emerging buds.

Late Spring/Early Summer (Post Bloom): Deadhead spent flowers to direct energy back into root growth rather than seed production. If you are in a cooler zone, be mindful to provide some winter protection as the shrub establishes itself. Watering should remain consistent during dry spells.

Fall: Avoid any major pruning tasks in the fall, as this plant is woody and needs its stems intact for winter survival. Focus instead on ensuring the soil moisture is adequate leading into early winter preparations, particularly for newly planted specimens.