Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa 'Zhao Fen' ZHAO'S PINK)

Overview

The Tree peony, specifically the cultivar Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK, is a magnificent, long-lived deciduous shrub cherished for its spectacular early spring blooms. This variety brings large, fragrant, pale pink flowers, sometimes reaching 7 inches across, offering a truly showy display unmatched by many other early spring bloomers. As a woody shrub, unlike its herbaceous cousins, the structure remains year-round, providing consistent form in the landscape.

Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK thrives in deep, fertile soils and prefers a balance of full sun or light afternoon shade. While these plants require patience, establishing over several years, they reward devoted gardeners with decades of beauty and fragrance when sited correctly. Their upright habit makes them excellent focal points or structural elements along walkways and borders.

This cultivar is highly prized not only during its bloom time but also for its attractive, deeply divided green foliage that persists throughout the growing season. Integrating the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK into your landscape ensures a reliable, medium-maintenance specimen that offers impressive scale and traditional elegance.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Paeoniaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-6 ft
  • Spread: 2-4 ft
• Bloom Time: April
• Bloom Description: Pink to white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting your Tree peony should ideally occur in the fall, though spring planting is possible if roots remain moist. Select a location that offers deep, fertile, and exceptionally well-drained soil, amended generously with compost before planting. Ensure the shrub receives plenty of sun, as full sun encourages the best flowering, though part shade offers welcome relief during intense summer heat.

Watering should remain consistent, keeping the soil medium moist, particularly while the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK is establishing its deep root system. Unlike many perennials, tree peonies should be left undisturbed once planted; transplanting is notoriously difficult due to these deep roots. Pruning is minimal; yearly maintenance involves simply removing any dead wood or suckers that emerge below the graft line in early spring.

For gardeners in the colder extremes of Zone 4 and colder parts of Zone 5, consider providing some winter protection, such as a layer of mulch or a temporary screen against harsh winter winds. Spent flowers should be promptly removed after blooming concludes to direct the plant’s energy toward developing those woody stems and next year’s buds.

Landscape Uses

The inherent structure and spectacular blossoms of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK lend themselves beautifully to formal and mixed borders where their height can be appreciated. They function exceptionally well as singular specimen plants, drawing the eye with their scale and bloom performance near entryways or along sunny driveways.

As a suggested use, the Tree peony excels when massed together for a stunning hedge effect along fences or walls, providing a vibrant, fragrant barrier in mid-spring. The foliage remains handsome throughout summer and fall, serving as a fantastic, textural backdrop for later-blooming perennials. Consider pairing this elegant shrub with early spring bulbs for sequential interest or low-growing, shade-tolerant groundcovers that won’t compete with its root system.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Paeonia suffruticosa, commonly called tree peony, is a deciduous, woody shrub that typically grows 3-5’ tall with a 4’ spread. Many cultivars of this species have been developed with a wide range of petal colors; the cultivar ‘Zhao Fen’, marketed as ZHAO’S PINK, features fragrant, outward-facing, double pale pink flowers, sometimes very large at 7” across, blooming in early spring. The medium green foliage stays attractive all season, framing the exceptional blooms until frost arrives.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Tree peonies are generally regarded as pest-resistant plants, which simplifies care. Monitor occasionally for signs of common fungal issues, including canker, leaf blight, and stem wilt, ensuring good air circulation around the woody stems helps prevent these issues. Gardeners often notice ants crawling on the developing buds; these insects are harmless and are simply attracted to the nectar secreted by the buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tree peony suitable for?

The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Tree peony grow?

Maturity is typically reached between 3 to 6 feet in height and 2 to 4 feet in spread for this particular cultivar.

When does Tree peony bloom?

This Tree peony blooms in April, offering showy flowers described as pink to white.

What sun exposure does Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK need?

It performs best when positioned to receive full sun to light part shade in the garden.

Conclusion

The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK remains a cornerstone for any traditional or sophisticated spring garden, offering fragrance, excellent form, and incredibly showy, large blooms year after year. Investing the time to locate a prime spot for your new Tree peony will yield magnificent rewards for decades to come. Always confirm that your local climate falls within USDA Zones 4-8 before planting this magnificent woody shrub.

Companion Planting

When choosing companions for your Tree peony, focus on plants that share similar requirements for fertile, well-drained soil and that offer contrasting textures or later bloom times. Low-growing perennials like Ajuga or creeping Phlox can be used as a living mulch around the base, helping to keep the soil cool while suppressing weeds without infringing on the main root zone of the shrub.

Consider planting later-blooming shrubs such as Hydrangea or certain Rose varieties nearby to ensure continuous interest once the magnificent April blooms of the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zhao Fen’ ZHAO’S PINK have faded. Avoid aggressive spreaders that compete directly with the deep roots of the tree peony, focusing instead on plants that offer ground cover beneath its canopy.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is the primary maintenance window; remove any spent flowers after blooming to clean up the appearance and encourage shrub health, and check for any dead wood that might need pruning out before new foliage fully emerges. During hot summer months, ensure consistent medium watering, deep watering is preferred over frequent shallow sprinkles, as this plant tolerates heat well when established but appreciates deep moisture.

Fall preparation is minimal for the Tree peony; focus on ensuring the area around the base is clear of debris. In colder Zones 4 and 5, applying a protective layer of mulch after the ground has frozen, but before deep winter sets in, helps insulate those crucial roots against extreme temperature fluctuations. Avoid heavy feeding near the root zone in late fall.