Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa 'Guan Qun Fang' CHAMPION FRAGRANCE)
Spectacular Tree peony, Paeonia suffruticosa 'Guan Qun Fang' CHAMPION FRAGRANCE, offers huge, fragrant, burgundy red blooms in spring. A low-maintenance, woody shrub.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Tree peony, specifically the cultivar Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE, stands out as a spectacular, woody deciduous shrub. It is highly prized for its large, show-stopping flowers that display a deep burgundy red hue, often commanding attention in the mid-spring garden. Unlike many of its herbaceous cousins, the woody stems persist through winter, providing structure.
Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE is known for being long-lived and relatively hardy, making it a worthwhile investment for dedicated gardeners. When established, this Tree peony serves as an excellent specimen, accent, or backdrop due to its attractive, deeply divided foliage that remains appealing all season long.
These shrubs require medium water maintenance and thrive best when planted in deep, well-drained soil where they can establish themselves over several years. Their structure and bold flowers make Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE a focal point in formal or traditional landscape designs.
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: Burgundy red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal health, plant your Tree peony in rich, deep, well-drained soil. Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE prefers conditions ranging from full morning sun to partial afternoon shade; ensure it receives ample light to support prolific blooming. Amend the planting site with compost before establishing your shrub, and if planting in zones 4 or the colder parts of 5, provide some supplemental winter protection.
Tree peonies require medium water, especially while establishing roots—a process that can take several years before the plant thrives. Once settled, they become somewhat drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during dry spells. Because the roots develop deeply, disturbance should be avoided; established plants are difficult to transplant successfully.
Pruning needs are minimal for this Tree peony. Unlike herbaceous types, avoid cutting the woody stems back after frost, as these must remain for spring growth. Only prune in early spring to remove any visibly dead wood or unwanted suckers rising from below the graft union. Spent flowers should be removed promptly after blooming concludes to conserve energy.
Landscape Uses
The size and stature of the Tree peony make it incredibly versatile in landscape planning. Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE excels when used as a standalone specimen, drawing the eye with its massive spring flowers, or grouped together to form an informal, fragrant hedge. Its height suits borders well, particularly along fences, walls, or driveways where it can provide a strong vertical accent.
The handsome, green foliage remains attractive long after the bloom period, allowing this shrub to function beautifully as a mid-layer component. Consider pairing it with early spring perennials that emerge as the peony finishes blooming, or use it as a frame for lower-growing summer bloomers. Groups of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE create a stunning, layered effect in mixed borders.
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 have been developed, boasting various flower forms and colors; the cultivar ‘Guan Qun Fang’, commonly sold as CHAMPION FRAGRANCE, specifically presents crown form flowers with deep burgundy red petals and was bred by Heze Flower Garden in 1971. The genus name honors Paeon, the physician of the gods, while the specific epithet means sub-shrub.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
Tree peonies are generally regarded as pest-free plants, offering a practical advantage in the garden. However, opportunistic issues can arise, including susceptibility to scale insects, canker, leaf blight, and stem wilt. Gardeners should remain observant, especially concerning scale, which can be controlled with dormant oil treatments. It is common to find ants crawling on the tight peony buds; these are harmless and should be left alone, as they often aid in bud opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tree peony suitable for?
This specific Tree peony cultivar is rated for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE grow?
This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height between 3 to 5 feet tall, with a spread of 3 to 4 feet wide.
When does Tree peony bloom?
The spectacular bloom time for Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE is generally from April to May, featuring large burgundy red flowers.
What sun exposure does Tree peony need?
For the best flowering performance and overall health, Tree peony prefers full sun to partial shade conditions.
Conclusion
The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE Tree peony delivers unparalleled spring drama combined with perennial woody structure and fragrance, making it a timeless garden treasure. Recognizing the specific needs of this long-lived plant, especially regarding soil drainage and avoiding disturbance, is key to its success. Assess your growing location’s hardiness zone compatibility before planting this distinctive Tree peony specimen.
Companion Planting
Choosing companions for your Tree peony requires selecting plants that share similar cultural requirements—deep, fertile, well-drained soil and medium moisture. Avoid planting shallow-rooted annuals directly beneath the canopy, as tree peonies dislike root competition once established. Consider planting early spring bulbs like daffodils nearby, which will fade as the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE prepares to flower, ensuring continuous seasonal interest.
For late-season companions, low-growing, shade-tolerant groundcovers work well, provided they don’t aggressively compete for water. Hostas, bleeding hearts (Dicentra), or low-mounding astilbes can fill the space as summer heat intensifies, complementing the established structure of the woody shrub without interfering with its critical root zone.
Design Ideas for Specimen Planting
Utilizing the Tree peony as a specimen emphasizes its stature and seasonal bloom. Plant Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Guan Qun Fang’ CHAMPION FRAGRANCE where its burgundy flowers can be clearly viewed from a primary outdoor seating area or entryway. Ensure the location offers some protection from harsh, desiccating winds, particularly in the colder ends of its hardiness range.
When creating groupings, plant three to five specimens of the Tree peony together, slightly staggered rather than in a straight line, to maximize the visual impact of the collective bloom mass. The mature height (up to 5 feet) also allows it to function effectively as a mid-border anchor, providing solid mid-spring color before taller summer shrubs reach their peak.
