Tree peony Paeonia suffruticosa
Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Paeoniaceae family, native to China (Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Tree peony in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tree peony at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China (Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Tree peony toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: roots, bark, seeds
Paeonol and related compounds can cause mild stomach upset; the ASPCA lists peonies as toxic to pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tree peony
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Tree peony in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (5 plants)
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- China National Botanical Garden (18 plants)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (4 plants)
- Monet’s gardens at Giverny (10 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (6 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (6 plants)
Questions about Tree peony
- How far apart should I plant Tree peony?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft).
- Does Tree peony need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tree peony need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tree peony?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Tree peony flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tree peony poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Paeonol and related compounds can cause mild stomach upset; the ASPCA lists peonies as toxic to pets.
- What grows well with Tree peony?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tree peony. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Woody framework stays above ground; slow to establish and often sold grafted; prefers afternoon shade and shelter from late frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Peony Paeonia lactiflora
- Delavay’s tree peony Paeonia delavayi
- Tibetan tree peony (Ludlow’s peony) Paeonia ludlowii
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius