Paeonia suffruticosa, 'Island Brocade' Japanese tree peony

Name in Japanese and romaji: 島錦 Shima-nishiki

Notable characteristics: Blossoms are variegated striped red and light pink. The striping has no fixed pattern, some years red can predominate, while in other years the pink will be more prominent. Flowers held upright, well above the foliage. To ensure that plants maintain variegation, branches which produce solid color flowers should be removed. 

Area of origin: This cultivar is the result of a bud mutation which occurred on a specimen of 'The Sun' in 1974. This cultivar originates from Daikon Island. This volcanic island is in the middle of a brackish lake in Shimane prefecture along the southwest coast of Japan. With its rich soils, Daikon Island is known in Japan for its high quality agricultural and horticultural products. Aside from its tree peonies, Daikon is also very famous for its radishes.

Growth habit and size at maturity (10 years old): Upright growth habit. Vigorous grower, to 4' tall and 3.5' wide.

Flower form and size: Full and somewhat ruffled, semi-double, 8-10".

Flower fragrance: Light and floral.

Bloom time: Late mid-season tree peony, blooms in our USDA zone 6a garden in mid May.

Zone hardiness: USDA zones 5-9. 

Plant size: 3 year old field grown grafted tree peony. The plants we offer have all bloomed with variegated flowers. 

When we ship: FALL 2025