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Oberlin Peony Gardens, Sinking Spring, Pa. 

TREE PEONIES 
(PAEONIA ARBOREA) 
This species, a shrub in character, is one of the first to bloom in the 
early spring, followed immediately by the Herbaceous; early May- 
flowering, Japanese, Single and Chinensis. 
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 hy- 
bridize 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 liv- 
ing wood should be cut, but only the part of the shrub that has been 
winter-killed should be removed. 
It will require a season's growth for it to become thoroughly estab- 
lished 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-paper-like 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 several 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 satisfac- 
torily for many years. 
Until the outbreak of the present World War we imported the better 
varieties of peonies from Europe and Asia and kept only the hardiest 
and best bloomers for listing in our catalog. At the present time we 
are entirely independent of any foreign source of supply due to the 
fact that we are continually engaged in propagating our plants, of 
which we now have the largest selection in America. We are able to 
offer plants originated by Professor A. P. Saunders, probably the 
greatest living tree peony hybridizer, and we also have available 
plants originated by Morgan D. Reinbold, Esq., a local hybridizer to 
whom we extend all the facilities and courtesies of our nurserieé. 
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 protec- 
tion 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. 
