Content
- 1 How do tree peonies differ from herbaceous peonies as described?
- 2 Herbaceous and tree-like peonies: the difference in flowering
- 3 Herbaceous and tree peony: differences in care
- 4 Differences between varieties of herbaceous and tree peonies
- 5 How to distinguish a tree peony from a herbaceous one
- 6 Conclusion
The difference between a tree peony and a herbaceous peony lies in the appearance and size of the crown, the diameter of the flower, care and preparation of the plant for winter. You can even determine the species from a photo by carefully examining the stems, leaves and color of the buds. The planting method, duration and flowering period depend on the plant variety. That is why, when organizing a flower arrangement in the garden, it is so important to know exactly the type of peony.
How do tree peonies differ from herbaceous peonies as described?
The Peony group is represented by a wide range of perennial garden plants, differing in appearance, flowering time and care characteristics:
- Bush height and crown. Herbaceous peonies can reach 80–120 cm in height. Their crown is spreading, but not stable. The stems are green and fleshy. Tree-like shrubs grow up to 150–250 cm. The crown can reach 1.5 m in diameter, holds its shape well, and does not fall apart even under the weight of the buds. Stems are woody and stable.
- Features of growth. Perennials grow quickly, building up a lush green mass over the summer. By winter, the above-ground part dies off.In spring, young shoots begin to emerge immediately after the snow melts and are not afraid of frost. Tree peonies grow more slowly, reaching their maximum size within a few years. The branches do not die off during the winter, but shed their leaves. In spring, young buds and shoots form on them.
- Lifespan. Shrub peonies can grow in the garden in one place for up to 100 years. Other varieties require transplantation and division once every 5–8 years.
Tree and herbaceous peonies look great in single and group plantings
Herbaceous and tree-like peonies: the difference in flowering
The difference between a tree peony and a herbaceous peony can be seen in the photo, where the trunk and crown of the plant will be clearly visible. It is difficult to determine membership in a specific group only by the type of flowers and buds.
Herbaceous peonies begin to bloom from the first year after planting seedlings in open ground, tree peonies - after 2–3 years
The difference in flowering is insignificant:
- The buds of tree-like shrubs are larger, up to 20–25 cm in diameter. The open flowers of herbaceous perennials reach 15–17 cm.
- All species can have double, semi-double or single flowers. But the shape is different: peonies with green stems form large single balls of the correct size. The flowers of tree-like shrubs are more elongated and goblet-shaped.
- The petals of herbaceous perennials are paler. Tree-like - they surprise with their brightness and combination of several shades in one bud.
Herbaceous and tree peony: differences in care
All plants, regardless of type, require attention and proper care throughout the growing season.
General principles of planting and growing:
- Any peony needs nutritious, well-drained soil. Flowers do not tolerate stagnant moisture.
- All plants prefer free space.
- All species require regular summer watering.
- Peonies do not tolerate proximity to weeds.
The tree peony sheds only its leaves in the fall, but the branches remain
Differences in care are due to the development of the root system, the length of the growing season and the structure of the stems:
- Herbaceous varieties need slightly acidic or neutral soil, while tree varieties need slightly alkaline soil.
- Shrub peonies are more demanding on the composition of the soil mixture: humus, sand, garden soil, lime, superphosphate and a significant drainage layer (at least 20 cm) are required. For other types, garden soil and peat are enough, as well as drainage 10 cm deep.
- The root collar of a tree-like seedling should be at ground level when planting; a green one should be buried 3–5 cm.
- The buds of herbaceous peonies must be removed during the first 2 years of growth so that the plant becomes stronger. Shrub varieties begin to bloom when the seedling is completely ready for increased stress.
- Watering deciduous peonies should be stopped at the end of summer so as not to provoke the growth of shoots. Herbaceous plants additionally need late autumn feeding so that the plant has enough strength to survive frosts.
- Shrub perennials undergo only sanitary pruning. Green stems are removed for the winter.
Herbaceous varieties are more frost-resistant; they do not need winter shelter
Differences between varieties of herbaceous and tree peonies
There are 4.5 thousand herbaceous and about 500 tree varieties.At the same time, breeders are constantly creating new varieties, as well as forming hybrids that combine the best properties of the mother plants.
According to the generally accepted classification, there are 5 types of herbaceous peonies:
- Evasive (or Maryin root) - is distinguished by its short stature, small sharp leaves, and medium-sized (12–14 cm) flowers. Unpretentious, frost-resistant.
- Narrow-leaved – one of the first to bloom (in early May). Best suited for single planting. The buds are small (up to 8 cm in diameter), but attract attention with their bright colors.
- Drug – uncommon, rarely used in landscape design.
- Milky-flowered - the most popular variety. Unpretentious, has a wide variety of colors. Forms buds in early to mid-summer and blooms for 3–4 weeks.
- Pion Mlokosevich - a hybrid with bright yellow buds.
The birthplace of tree varieties is China, from where the plant has spread throughout the world. Today the following groups are distinguished:
- Sino-European: classic varieties with double and semi-double very large, heavy flowers of various colors. The bushes are tall (up to 1.9 m), spreading, but stable due to strong stems. Popular varieties: “Green Ball”, “Transparent Dew”, “Blue Sapphire”, “Peach under the Snow”, “Red Giant”, “Purple Lotus”.
- Japanese: plants with semi-double or simple light buds with a diameter of up to 17–22 cm. They are distinguished by increased frost resistance and ease of cultivation. The main ones: “Kinko”, “Shima-nishiki”, “Gold Placer”, “Black Panther”.
- Delaway hybrids: low (up to 1 m) deciduous shrubs with bright red, burgundy, purple or chocolate single flowers.
How to distinguish a tree peony from a herbaceous one
To find out whether a peony belongs to a group, you need to compare the appearance of the crown, the height of the bush and the care conditions.
Differences in types of peonies:
Sign | Herbaceous varieties | Tree varieties |
Bush height | Up to 1.2 m | Up to 2–2.5 m |
Stems | Green, fleshy | Woody |
Crown | Spreading, disintegrates under the weight of buds, dies at the first frost | Stable, does not disappear in the winter, sheds leaves |
buds | Terry, semi-double, single, up to 17 cm in diameter | Large inflorescences up to 25 cm. Differ in brighter colors |
Flowering period | From early spring to early June | May, June, first days of July |
First flowering | From 1 year after planting the seedling | For 2–3 years |
Trimming | Held annually in autumn | Only in case of disease or pest infestation |
Lifespan | It is necessary to replant and divide the bush every 5–8 years | Grows in one place for up to 100 years |
Conclusion
The main difference between a tree peony and a herbaceous one is in the appearance of the stems, the height of the bush and the diameter of the inflorescences. In addition, shrub varieties do not require replanting or pruning and bloom earlier. Herbaceous ones are more common. Even a novice gardener can cope with their cultivation.
