Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa 'Qing Xiang Bai' DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE)
Discover Paeonia suffruticosa 'Qing Xiang Bai' DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE Tree peony. This deciduous shrub offers showy, fragrant white blooms in spring.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Tree peony, specifically the cultivar Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE, stands as a magnificent early spring bloomer, prized for its woody, long-lived structure that persists year after year. This specimen delivers large, highly fragrant white flowers, making the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE a standout focal point in any established garden setting. As a deciduous shrub, it offers structure through the winter months and supports deeply divided, attractive medium green foliage throughout the growing season.
These woody shrubs generally reach heights between 3 to 6 feet, creating an excellent mid-sized accent that draws attention when its spectacular blooms open in April. Gardeners value the Tree peony not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its relative hardiness in USDA Zones 4 through 8. Proper siting will showcase the unique beauty of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE for decades.
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: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For successful establishment, plant your Tree peony in deep, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil. While tolerant of summer heat, ensure it receives full sun to partial shade conditions. Incorporating compost before planting helps enrich the soil structure. Larger specimens benefit from receiving some shelter from very strong winds, protecting those early spring blossoms.
Watering should be consistent, aiming for medium moisture levels, especially as the plant establishes its deep root system over several years. Pruning requirements are minimal for Tree peonies: do not cut the woody stems back after frost as you would herbaceous types. Only remove dead wood or errant suckers in the early spring. If necessary for shaping, a moderate pruning can be done in early fall to encourage lower growth.
Remember that these long-lived plants require patience; they can take several years to become fully established, making transplanting difficult later on. Gardeners in Zone 4 and the colder parts of Zone 5 should provide some winter protection to safeguard the developing buds of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE.
Landscape Uses
The Tree peony excels across various landscape roles due to its upright, woody habit and commanding flowers. Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE is extremely showy and works wonderfully when used as a specimen plant where its spring display can be fully appreciated. They are excellent anchors for perennial borders, providing strong vertical interest even when not in bloom.
Consider planting them in groups or using them as formal or informal hedges along established fences, driveways, or walls. Their substantial foliage remains attractive throughout the season, acting as a sophisticated, dark green backdrop that frames shorter, later-blooming perennials. Integrating this Tree peony into mixed borders allows its early spring brilliance to transition perfectly into the summer garden display.
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. The cultivar ‘Qing Xiang Bai’, commonly marketed as DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE, is noted for its fragrant, upward-facing, single, white flowers, measuring up to 6 inches across, which are highlighted by contrasting yellow center stamens and bloom in early spring (April). The medium green foliage is deeply divided into oval to lance-shaped leaflets that remain attractive all season, offering reliable structure long after the flowers fade.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
Tree peonies are regarded as relatively pest-free compared to some other flowering shrubs. However, gardeners should monitor for potential susceptibility to issues like canker, leaf blight, or scale, especially in humid or stressed conditions. A common, yet harmless, occurrence often noted on peony buds is the presence of ants; these insects are merely feeding on the nectar and do not cause damage to the flower structure.
Management involves ensuring good air circulation through appropriate pruning (removing dead wood in spring) and avoiding overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases like leaf blight. If transplanting becomes necessary, proceed with extreme caution due to the deep and sensitive root system of this mature Tree peony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tree peony suitable for?
The Tree peony, including the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE, is suitable for USDA Zones 4-8.
How large does Tree peony grow?
This deciduous shrub typically matures to a height of 3 to 6 feet, with a spread ranging from 2 to 4 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Tree peony need?
This plant thrives best when situated in locations that provide full sun to part shade exposure.
When does Tree peony bloom?
This specific cultivar, Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE, features its stunning white blooms primarily in April.
Conclusion
The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE Tree peony offers exceptional value through its large, fragrant white blooms and persistent woody structure, providing beauty for decades. By respecting its need for well-drained soil and minimal pruning, you can ensure this magnificent plant thrives. Before planting, confirm that your local climate falls within USDA Zones 4-8 to enjoy the splendor of this superb Tree peony.
Companion Planting
When planning companion plantings for your Tree peony, consider plants that share similar cultural requirements: deep, well-drained soil and medium moisture. Early spring companions that bloom before or just as the peony fades can effectively extend the ornamental season. Hostas or Geraniums make excellent companions, as their dense foliage can help shade the base of the peony roots during the hottest parts of summer, helping to keep the soil consistently cool.
Avoid placing shallow-rooted or highly aggressive competitors too close, as the Tree peony develops deep roots over time and resents disturbance. Groundcovers that do not require heavy fertilization are ideal partners for the base of the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE, preserving the undisturbed nature these long-lived shrubs prefer.
Design Ideas
The structural nature of the Tree peony is highly desirable for creating formal layered designs. Use Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Qing Xiang Bai’ DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE as a mid-story element, positioned in front of evergreen screens or taller flowering shrubs to provide a dazzling color display in spring. Their 3-6 foot height makes them perfect transitional plants between shorter perennials and taller background elements.
For a classic cottage garden feel, mass them informally, allowing their sprawling, bushy form to naturally blend neighboring textures. Because they are highly showy, ensure they are planted where they can be easily viewed, such as near a walkway or patio, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the fragrance associated with the DELICATE FRAGRANT WHITE cultivar.
