Tree peony
Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews
Paeonia × suffruticosa is a group of tree peony cultivars that are the result of hybridization with peony species exclusively belonging to the subsection Vaginatae.
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Tree peony
Tree peony
Tree peony leaves
Tree peonyTree peonyTree peonyOverview
Paeonia × suffruticosa is a group of tree peony cultivars that are the result of hybridization with peony species exclusively belonging to the subsection Vaginatae. The common name used in China is mǔdān (Chinese: 牡丹) or Moutan peony. Cultivars of this group have been cultivated in Chinese floriculture for millennia, initially only as a source of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for the skin of their roots (牡丹皮; mǔdān pí).
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Already early on, the plant was also cultivated for its ornamental value, and it is highly revered in Chinese culture. Paeonia × suffruticosa is a perennial deciduous shrub with stems up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in); the branches are short and thick. leaves are usually green, pale green, sometimes white, about 5–11 cm (2.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
0–4. 3 in) long. Flowers have petals of reddish purple, pink to white.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Flowering occurs in May; fruiting in June.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productGrafting
Semi-hardwood **scions** are grafted onto a compatible rootstock and the union wrapped tightly to retain moisture.
Callus & sprouting
Callus bridges the union; shoots grow from the scion.
Growth & flowering
In season the plant opens **large pink or white flowers, April–May**, adding colour and nectar for insects.
Maturity & harvest
After a full growing season the plant retreats to its storage organ; **root bark from 4–5-year-old plants dug in autumn**.
Uses
- The common name used in China is mǔdān (Chinese: 牡丹) or Moutan peony.
- Cultivars of this group have been cultivated in Chinese floriculture for millennia, initially only as a source of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for the skin of their roots (牡丹皮; mǔdān pí).
Habitat & conservation
Cultivars of this group have been cultivated in Chinese floriculture for millennia, initially only as a source of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for the skin of their roots (牡丹皮; mǔdān pí). Already early on, the plant was also cultivated for its ornamental value, and it is highly revered in Chinese culture.
Conservation
Tree peony has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Paeonia suffruticosa — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Paeonia suffruticosa — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q163018 — Wikidata,