Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa 'Zi Qiao' LUOYANG RED)

Overview

The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED, commonly known as the Tree peony, is a spectacular addition to any established garden, prized for its woody structure and enormous, captivating flowers. This cultivar puts forth spectacular, semi-double blooms of rich magenta red, often measuring up to 10 inches across, creating an unparalleled display in the late spring landscape. Unlike their herbaceous relatives, tree peonies retain their imposing woody stems through winter, offering year-round structure.

As a deciduous shrub, Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED offers season-long interest, beginning with deeply divided, attractive green foliage that frames the vibrant blossoms. Once established, this long-lived plant requires minimal disturbance, rewarding patient gardeners with increasing grandeur over the decades. It functions beautifully as a specimen plant or utilized along borders, providing significant vertical interest.

Growing to a reliable height and spread of 3 to 4 feet, this Tree peony thrives best when given deep, fertile soil and adequate sunlight. While highly valued for its visual impact, gardeners should note that establishing the deep root system takes several years, making careful initial placement essential for the long-term success of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED.

Fast Facts

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

How to Grow

For optimal performance, seek a location offering deep, fertile, well-drained soil, ideally incorporating compost prior to planting. Tree peonies should be positioned where they receive full sun to light afternoon shade, though they appreciate some shelter from harsh, drying winds, especially in colder regions. Plant roots should be set shallowly, ensuring the bud union remains just below the soil surface to encourage proper growth.

Water needs are medium; maintain consistent moisture, particularly during establishment or hot, dry summers. Unlike herbaceous peonies, do not cut back these woody stems after frost; the structure remains year-round. Pruning should be limited to removing any dead wood or suckers that emerge from below the graft union, usually performed in early spring. If the shrub becomes leggy, a moderate shaping prune in the early fall can encourage lower branching.

Gardeners in USDA Zone 4 and the colder reaches of Zone 5 should provide some winter protection during the initial years, such as a thick layer of mulch applied after the ground freezes. Remember that tree peonies establish slowly; leave them undisturbed once situated, as deep roots make transplanting difficult later. Always remove spent flowers promptly after blooming concludes.

Landscape Uses

The striking presence and vibrant color of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED make it an excellent choice for formal or informal border plantings. They function wonderfully as dramatic accents positioned near walkways, driveways, or flanking an entrance, where their massive spring blooms can be fully appreciated. Due to their woody structure and moderate size (3-4 ft), these shrubs are effective when used to create low, colorful hedges along fences or low walls.

Consider pairing the Tree peony with plants that complement its deep magenta color during the spring, such as early-blooming irises or low-growing spring bulbs. The attractive, deeply divided medium green foliage of the Tree peony remains engaging long after the flowers fade, providing excellent textural contrast against fine-leaved shrubs or broadleaf evergreens that bloom later in the season, serving as a beautiful backdrop.

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 including red, pink, purple, white and yellow. ‘Zi Qiao’, commonly marketed as LUOYANG RED, is a cultivar that typically grows to 3-4’ tall and as wide. It features upward facing, mildly fragrant, semi-double, magenta red flowers (to 8-10” across) with contrasting yellow center stamens.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Tree peonies, including Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED, are generally robust and notably pest-free compared to many woody ornamentals. However, gardeners should monitor for occasional signs of fungal issues like canker, leaf blight, or stem wilt, which often result from overly damp conditions or poor air circulation. Scale insects can sometimes appear, requiring physical removal or horticultural oil application. Ants are commonly observed crawling on the developing flower buds; these are harmless as they derive nectar, and they should be left undisturbed.

Fungal concerns can often be managed by ensuring excellent site drainage and avoiding overhead watering late in the day. Promptly removing any diseased wood should be practiced during the annual early spring clean-up to keep the shrub vigorous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tree peony suitable for?

The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED Tree peony is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Tree peony grow?

This magnificent shrub typically reaches mature heights between 3 and 4 feet tall, with a similar spread of 3 to 4 feet wide.

When does Tree peony bloom?

The spectacular flowers of the Tree peony typically appear and are at their peak bloom time from April through May, displaying lovely magenta red coloration.

What sun exposure does Tree peony need?

For the best bloom production and overall health, plant your Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED in locations receiving full sun to light part shade.

Conclusion

Cultivating the magnificent Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED introduces a centerpiece of unparalleled spring floral splendor to the garden. Its sturdy, woody nature ensures structure and reliable performance for decades, classifying it as a high-value investment shrub. Before planting, verify your garden’s hardiness zone compatibility and amend your soil generously to provide the deep, fertile medium this beautiful Tree peony requires.

Companion Planting

When designing a mixed border around your Tree peony, select companions that appreciate similar soil conditions—fertile, well-drained, and medium moisture—but bloom either earlier or later to extend seasonal interest. Early spring bulbs, such as Muscari or low-growing Daffodils, emerge and fade before the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED fully leafs out, avoiding direct competition for light.

For summer interest following the Tree peony’s bloom, consider planting perennials with contrasting foliage textures, such as Hostas, which tolerate the partial shade that some established specimens might prefer. Alternatively, robust summer bloomers like Salvia or tall Alliums can provide vibrant color contrast against the structural dark green leaves of the spent peony foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Early Spring (Pre-bloom): This is the prime time for structural maintenance. Prune any crossing or dead woody stems on your Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Zi Qiao’ LUOYANG RED. Simultaneously, incorporate yearly compost top-dressings around the drip line to replenish nutrients. Inspect for emerging fungal issues.

Late Spring/Early Summer (Post-bloom): Deadhead the spent magenta red flowers to tidy the plant’s appearance. Ensure deep, thorough watering during any dry spring spells to support the development of next year’s buds, though established plants are relatively drought-tolerant.

Fall/Winter: Resist the urge to prune woody stems unless they are clearly damaged or dead. Apply a protective, well-rotted mulch layer in colder zones (4 and 5) after the soil freezes to insulate the shallow root systems of your valuable Tree peony.