Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa 'Shan Hu Tai' CORAL TERRACE)

Overview

The Tree peony, specifically the cultivar Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE, offers a stunning display of large, long-lasting flowers unlike its herbaceous cousins. As a woody, deciduous shrub, it provides lasting structure in the perennial garden, maturing into an attractive specimen plant that reaches 3 to 5 feet tall. Gardeners prize this variety for its highly desirable flower color—striking coral to salmon pink—which emerges reliably from April into May.

Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE is a long-lived addition that rewards patient cultivation with abundant, fully double blooms known for their ruffled lotus shape when opening, often possessing a delicate spicy fragrance. These sturdy shrubs are excellent placed where they can be admired up close, integrating well into borders or serving as focal accents due to their showy nature.

While they require several years to fully establish, once sited properly in deep, fertile soil, these Tree peonies prefer full sun to light partial shade and require medium water to thrive. They embody classic elegance and provide significant seasonal impact, making the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE a treasured centerpiece in traditional and contemporary landscapes alike.

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: Coral to salmon pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Tree peonies establish best when planted in the fall or early spring, ensuring they receive deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Amend the planting area generously with compost to support robust root development. Site your Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE in full sun or transition to light part shade, especially where summer heat is intense. While establishing, maintain a medium moisture level by watering regularly, aiming for consistent hydration without waterlogging the roots.

Pruning for this woody shrub is minimal. Unlike herbaceous peonies, the stiff stems of the Tree peony should not be cut back after frost, as the structure remains year-round. Limit pruning strictly to removing dead wood or suckers rising from below the graft union in early spring. If shaping is necessary due to legginess, a moderate thinning in early fall encourages denser lower growth for the following season.

These plants are notably long-lived and dislike disturbance once planted, as their roots grow deeply, making transplanting difficult. In colder regions, particularly USDA Zone 4 and the cooler parts of Zone 5, providing some winter protection is advisable for the initial years. Remember to remove spent flowers promptly after the bloom cycle ends to direct the plant’s energy back into root and stem development for next year’s spectacular coral-pink display of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE.

Landscape Uses

The sheer presence of Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE makes it an outstanding choice for specimen planting where its spectacular blooms can be the main focus. These shrubs provide excellent height and form along the edges of driveways or walkways, offering structure even when not in flower. They excel when grouped together to form a living screen or a natural hedge, providing seasonal color backed by attractive medium-green foliage throughout the growing season.

Consider pairing these Tree peonies with shorter, later-blooming companions that thrive in similar conditions, such as late spring irises or summer-flowering hostas. This technique allows the garden to maintain interest after the Tree peony has finished its mid-season show, ensuring continuous visual appeal. Their substantial size also allows them to act as a beautiful, permanent backdrop framing smaller perennials or annual displays.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Shan Hu Tai’, commonly sold as CORAL TERRACE, has a crown form with striking coral to salmon pink colored 8 inch blooms. When young the flower form is a ruffled lotus shape with a delicate spicy fragrance. Blooming mid-season it boasts fully double, long lasting abundant flowers with sage green foliage.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Tree peonies generally exhibit strong health, often being cited as relatively pest-free specimens. The primary concerns involve fungal diseases like canker, leaf blight, and stem wilt, which are often exacerbated by poor air circulation or overly wet conditions. Ensure adequate spacing according to its 3-4 foot spread to promote airflow. Ants will frequently be observed navigating the developing buds; these are completely harmless and should be left alone.

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Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate neighbors is key to maximizing the beauty and health of your Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE. Since they demand well-drained soil and dislike root competition directly interfering with their deep roots, opt for plants that stay superficial or require similar sun/soil profiles. Consider planting bulbs like Daffodils or early Tulips nearby; these bloom before the Tree peony fully leafs out and don’t compete for midday sun exposure.

For summer interest following the bloom time of this Tree peony, companion plants that appreciate partial shade and rich soil work well. Think about planting Siberian Iris or certain types of Hosta whose foliage texture contrasts nicely with the deeply divided leaves of the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE. Ensure any accompanying plants do not crowd the base of the shrub, as adequate space supports good air circulation, which is vital for disease prevention.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is the critical time for observation; prune out any obviously dead wood from the Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE after the danger of hard frost has passed. If shaping is desired, early fall is the best time for moderate pruning. Feed very sparingly with compost or a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer applied in early spring before the buds break.

Summer care primarily revolves around monitoring moisture, especially during dry spells, as the plant prefers medium water needs. Deadhead spent flowers immediately after they fade to prevent seed set and encourage continued health. These shrubs are sensitive to transplantation, so plan summer landscaping around them rather than attempting to move established specimens.

In autumn, after foliage has changed color, you can perform light late-season shaping if needed, but avoid heavy cutting to allow the wood to harden for winter. In very cold zones (Zone 4), apply a protective mulch layer around the root zone after the ground freezes to buffer against harsh temperature fluctuations that can stress the woody stems of the Tree peony through the first winter.

Conclusion

The Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shan Hu Tai’ CORAL TERRACE stands out as a truly magnificent focal point, offering exceptionally showy and fragrant blooms in rich coral-salmon tones. As a reliable, long-lived woody shrub, it provides structure and high ornamental value through its mid-season display. Ensure you check your USDA Hardiness Zone compatibility (4-8) and plan for its permanent placement to enjoy decades of this classic Tree peony beauty.