Some Remarks on the Tree Pceony. 335 



Art. VI. Some Remarks on the Tree Pceony {Pceonia Moutan)^ 

 including its history, introduction into England, the production 

 of new seedling varieties, propagation, cultivation, ^c. By 

 the Conductors. 



The tree paeony, and its varieties, Pseonia Moutan of bota- 

 nists, are among the most splendid plants of which our gardens 

 can boast. They have long been cultivated in England, and 

 have there become quite common — so much so, that there are, 

 probably, but few gardens that lay any pretensions to beauty, 

 which are not adorned by the gorgeous blossoms of this fine tribe. 

 In this country they are yet unknown to country gardens, and, 

 perhaps, with the exception of the amateur and nursery collec- 

 tions in and about our principal cities, few if any plants are to 

 be found. The comparatively high price which they have com- 

 manded, and still command, may be, perhaps, one cause why 

 they are less often seen; but we apprehend a better reason is, 

 that they are almost unknown. 



The common double red paeony, — the ornament of almost 

 every garden, — the treasured flower of the humble cottage — ex- 

 panding its gay blossoms when but few other plants are in flower, 

 — is too well known to need any description. When this was 

 first introduced to England, it commanded an equally high price 

 with that of the tree pasony at the present time, nor was it prob- 

 ably less admired; and although numerous varieties of it have 

 been produced, there are but four or five that rival, and we may 

 almost say, none that surpass it, in splendor. As common as 

 this is, the idea of a tree paeony is quite novel; and there are but 

 few persons who have seen one in bloom, who were not greatly 

 surprised to hear of such a plant. To see the latter grown side 

 by side with the former, is part of the object of this paper; for 

 though at present quite rare, we hope to see the time when every 

 garden will be enriched by its truly magnificent blossoms. 



Long before the plants were introduced into England, they 

 were well known from the botanical and other works upon China 

 and Japan, as also from the repeated representations on Chinese 

 porcelain and paper hangings, and in their paintings, &.c. Many 

 varieties are said to exist in China, which have not yet been in- 

 troduced to England, and the London Horticultural Society 

 possess several paintings of kinds different from those at present 

 to be found in gardens. The Chinese are so selfish in regard to 

 all the plants they possess, that, whatever price is offered, they 

 are reluctant to sell them, and oftentimes deceive purchasers, by 



