Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa 'Yu Ban Bai' JADE PLATE WHITE)
Paeonia suffruticosa 'Yu Ban Bai' JADE PLATE WHITE is a stunning Tree peony offering showy, fragrant white blooms in spring. Ideal for borders and specimen planting in Zones 4-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Tree peony, specifically the cultivar Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE, is a highly valued, long-lived woody shrub known for its magnificent spring display. This cultivar is noted for its strongly upright habit and its 7-inch wide, pure white, lotus-form flowers contrasting with dark yellow anthers. As a deciduous shrub, it provides structure through the winter months, unlike herbaceous varieties.
Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE brings stately elegance to any garden setting, thriving best when provided with deep, fertile, well-drained soil. While they require medium water, they are notably tolerant of summer heat once established. Gardeners prize this Tree peony both for its spectacular blossoms and its attractive, deeply divided medium green foliage that persists throughout the season.
Establishing these shrubs takes time, making patience a key virtue for successful cultivation. Once correctly positioned in full sun to part shade, the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE provides reliable, showy color for decades, often becoming a cherished focal point in the landscape.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Paeoniaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-5 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The ideal time to plant the Tree peony is typically in the fall, allowing the deep, woody root system to establish before winter dormancy. Locate Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE in a site offering deep, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil. Incorporating compost before planting enriches the soil structure. While full sun encourages the best flowering, some afternoon shade is beneficial in the hottest climates.
Care involves ensuring adequate moisture, especially during establishment, as this Tree peony requires medium water. Larger shrubs benefit greatly from some shelter provided against strong, damaging winds. Pruning needs are minimal; only remove dead wood or suckers emerging from the base in early spring. Avoid cutting back woody stems after frost, as is done with herbaceous types.
If the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE becomes leggy, a moderate pruning during early fall can help shape the plant and encourage lower branching. Spent flowers should be removed promptly after they fade in late spring. Remember that these plants dislike disturbance; they establish slowly, and root systems grow deep, making transplanting difficult later on. In colder reaches of Zone 4 and 5, providing some winter protection is appreciated.
Landscape Uses
The visual impact of the Tree peony makes Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE exceptional for specimen planting where its dramatic blooms can be fully appreciated. Its mature size of 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide makes it perfectly suited for defining borders along sidewalks, driveways, or walls where its foliage can frame other plantings.
For a structured look, these shrubs perform admirably when utilized as formal or informal hedges, providing a dense screen that contrasts beautifully with seasonal layers of perennials. Consider planting them near entryways or patio areas to maximize enjoyment of the showy flowers and gentle fragrance. The attractive foliage remains a landscape asset even when the plant is not in bloom.
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. Cultivar ‘Yu Ban Bai’, commonly sold as JADE PLATE WHITE, is a strongly upright Chinese tree peony featuring 7-inch wide, white lotus form flowers with distinct dark yellow anthers. The genus name honors Paeon, the physician of the gods, while the specific epithet references its sub-shrub stature.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
Tree peonies are generally known for being relatively pest-free, which adds to the low-stress appeal of the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE. However, watch for minor susceptibility to common fungal issues like canker, leaf blight, and stem wilt, as well as occasional scale insect infestations. Ants on emerging peony buds are very common but are entirely harmless; they are attracted to the nectar and often disappear once the flower opens. Good air circulation can help mitigate fungal risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tree peony suitable for?
Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE is hardy and performs best in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Tree peony grow?
This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 5 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 3 to 4 feet wide.
When does Tree peony bloom?
This variety of Tree peony offers its stunning white flowers primarily during the transition from spring to early summer, typically blooming from April to May.
What sun exposure does Tree peony need?
For optimal flowering and health, Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE requires full sun, though it tolerates partial shade conditions.
Conclusion
The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE remains an essential specimen for gardeners seeking established, long-term flowering shrubs with minimal fuss. Its stately presence and the exquisite, fragrant white blooms of this Tree peony create an unparalleled spring spectacle. Always confirm your local conditions fall within USDA Zones 4-8 before planning your planting site.
Companion Planting Considerations
When designing a mixed border around your Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Yu Ban Bai’ JADE PLATE WHITE, focus on plants that share similar needs for well-drained soil and appreciate dappled shade during the hottest part of the day. Spring bulbs like Daffodils (Narcissus) provide early color before the tree peony reaches its peak bloom. Later blooming perennials such as Hostas (for foliage contrast) or Baptisia (False Indigo) can fill in the gap once the peony finishes flowering, ensuring continuous visual interest below the canopy. Avoid planting shallow-rooted or aggressive groundcovers directly at the base, as tree peonies benefit from having their root zones undisturbed.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation is vital for maximizing blooms on your Tree peony. In early spring, remove any dead wood from the previous year and clear away any debris near the base. This is the appropriate time to apply a light layer of compost around the drip line, being careful not to pile it against the woody stems. Summer care focuses mainly on monitoring water needs, ensuring the soil remains consistently medium moist, especially during dry spells. In the fall, lightly deadhead spent flowers if you missed them earlier, and provide winter protection mulch if you are gardening in the colder end of Zone 4 or 5 before the ground freezes hard.
