USDA Zone Chart

Planting Tree Peonies In Zones 4 and 9

Tree peonies grow well in a wide climatic range, from southern Minnesota to southern California. Some, however, are more adaptable than others in the very warm or very cold zones.

Peonies recommended for zone 9: Coral Terrace, Zhao Pink, Necklace w/Precious Pearls, Number One Scholar's Red, Taoist Stove Filled with the Pills of Immortality, Rouge Red, Luoyang Red, Green Dragon Lying on a Chinese Ink Stone, Grand Duke Dressed in Blue and Purple, Phoenix White, and Twin Beauty.

Peonies recommended for zone 4: Coral Terrace, Supreme Pink, Luoyang Red, and Black Dragon Holds a Splendid Flower.

Planting Instructions
Tree peonies prefer a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Do not plant too close to trees where roots will compete with peony roots for nutrients and water.

Keep the roots moist and shaded until planting. The garden site should be prepared in an area two feet deep and two feet wide. Any new pink or white scions at the root level should be planted 1ö below the soil level. Mound the earth so that the roots are fully extended. Fill the hole half way with rich garden soil. Water in the plant to prevent air pockets.* Fill in the rest of the hole, again with rich garden soil and water. Mulch with 6 inches of leaves or straw during the first winter to prevent the earth from heaving.

Carefully remove mulch a little at a time in early spring when all danger of freezing is past. After the plant has bloomed, it's best to 'dead head' the spent flowers.

In the fall, carefully remove dead leaves. This sanitary procedure will help keep your plants free of botrytis and other fungal diseases. If the spring weather is cold and damp, we recommend using copper spray to inhibit fungal growth.