Tree Peonies 
The misnomer “Tree” peony was probably applied to indi- 
cate the woody structure of the stems, as compared with the 
herbaceous peony which dies to the ground each winter. 
Actually, the original species and all related varieties are 
shrubs with woody branches originating at or near the ground 
—similar to any other shrub. Rarely will any tree peony 
specimen exceed five feet in height at maturity. The rough 
woody stems or branches are rather thick and irregular with- 
out twiggy side growths, presenting in winter a somewhat 
“Japanesque” or gnarled appearance. As the shrub grows it 
increases in beauty and value. It is not exceptional to see 
as many as 100 magnificent fragrant flowers on one large 
specimen. These hardy tree peonies live to a great age—they 
were highly prized and effectively used by the Chinese more 
than a thousand years ago. But centuries passed before its 
introduction to the western world. Then, in order to per- 
petuate varieties, it was found necessary to graft, a slow and 
difficult process, in the course of which a high percentage of 
loss was experienced. This apparently discouraged commer- 
cial growing for still another century, but the inherent beauty 
of this lovely flower could not long be confined to a few. A 
steady growing demand encouraged greater effort in explora- 
tion and research, until today the colors range from the 
purest white, through yellow to rich velvety maroon. 
The growing interest in tree peonies here, is due in no small 
measure to the consistent research and first hand knowledge 
of Professor John C. Wister, to whom grateful acknowledge- 
ment is made for his helpful suggestions. 
Great progress was made in Europe by hybridizing the orig- 
inal Chinese species to produce what is now known as the 
EUROPEAN TREE PEONY generally having double flowers 
somewhat similar to a glorified herbaceous peony. 
