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Oberlin Peony Gardens, Sinking Spring, Pa. 
TREE PEONIES 
(PAEONIA ARBOREA) 
This species is one of the first to bloom in the early spring, preceding the 
Officinalis and Chinensis or Herbaceous sections by two to three weeks, 
according to variety. It is shrubby in character, while the Officinalis and 
Chinensis sections are Herbaceous. 
The tree peony is native to the mountains of China and from there was 
imported into Japan. Thence, in about 1800, it was brought to Europe 
where, after a good deal of hybridizing, the present European tree peony 
was evolved. The Japanese themselves continued to hybridize on the tree 
peony and about the turn of the century began to import these peonies into 
the United States. These were therefore known as Japanese tree peonies. 
The shrub starts to produce an increasing number of sprouts from below, 
and in this natural way it continues to live and prolong its life, at the same 
time enlarging the clump. Therefore, in pruning, no living wood should be 
cut, but only the part of the shrub that has been winter^killed should be 
removed. 
It will require several seasons for it to become thoroughly established 
and show the perfection of its bloom. Double varieties will sometimes bloom 
single and semi'double until thoroughly established. The flowers are larger 
than those of the Herbaceous varieties, with a crepe^paperdike texture and 
ruffled and crimped on the edges of the petals. A well-established, mature 
bush is truly a gorgeous sight when in full bloom, growing 3 to 4 feet in 
height and spread and bearing 25 to 100 blooms. 
No garden should be without one or two tree peonies. They make a 
very nice specimen plant and are a joy to behold. There are records that 
one plant had as many as 400 blooms on it. If properly located, cultivated 
and fertilized a tree peony will grow and bloom satisfactorily for many years. 
We constantly import the better varieties from Europe and Asia and 
keep only the hardiest and best bloomers for listing in our catalogue. We 
are also engaged in scientific cross-pollination in order to find better and 
stronger varieties for your garden. 
South and east exposures, in open spaces and in full sunlight at least half 
of the day, are the best locations. If planted where they are exposed to north 
or west winter winds, they should have protection by mulching with dry 
leaves or a screen the first year. 
We thank you, our customers, for your past patronage and trust that 
you will try some of our newer varieties. In case you have any questions 
about the proper care and cultivation of peonies, be sure to write to us and 
we will be glad to supply the information. 
TYPES OF TREE PEONIES 
We Offer Three Different Types Of Tree Peonies : 
European : This type produces large, double flowers similar to the double 
Herbaceous type. The foliage of these is broader than the Japanese type. 
