TREE PEONIES -- Long-lived, hardy spring blooms

Tree Peony 'KAMATA-FUJI' blooms can reach 12" across!

Some facts about Tree Peonies -- they have a long history, dating back to 1644, where the Qing Dynasty appointed it the national flower. Native to China, Japan, Southern Europe and Western North America, they are long-lived, deciduous shrubs that will grow in zones 4-9. Paeonia suffruticosa is the plant's botanical name, but it is commonly known as the tree peony. The size of the flowers are amazing--usually in the 6-12" across range. They have woody stems that allow them to survive winter conditions.

This particular tree peony 'KAMATA-FUJI', is a luscious orchid-pink, with dark rose centers and a golden stamen center. We had 91 MPH winds over the weekend, and these buds held up, miraculously. I did wrap the woody stems in burlap strips to prevent breakage of the branches.

Arranging while in bud form, the delicate-looking flowers will quickly unfold to their huge size; three was plenty for this arrangement. Kamata-Fuji is a fully double peony, and it likes rich soil, moist, but not wet, conditions, and afternoon shade or dappled shade to preserve the flowers, which also lengthens their flower bloom.  

I don't cut any blooms its first year, helping to strengthen the tree, and cut minimally the second year.  After that, I use them for arrangements as needed. Their vase life is long. Give them water with a preservative in for maximum life, and keep them out of drafts and direct sunlight.  I love their wonderful fragrance as well.

SPRING TREE PEONY BLOOMS WITH SINGLE LATE TULIPS - A romantic color palette

The first blooms of romantic tree peony blooms, paired with the delicate colors of a variety of single late tulips make this arrangement of April 19th an eye-pleaser.  The peony blooms, when fully open, can be as large as 8-10" across.  Pink and white-colored lupine finish the arrangement off. Peonies used are light pink "Yoshina-Gawa," white  "Sugared Silk," and red "Shimi-Nishiki."

As always, choose flowers that are in the bud stage, or close to it.  Harvest blooms before the sun comes up, or after dusk in the early evening, after the sun has gone down.  I always immediately plunge the cut stems in cool water.  When ready to arrange, cut an additional 1-inch off stem under water.  This unseals the stem end so water can continue to travel up the stem to give water to the bloom.  Arrange, and keep in a cool, dry, dark place until ready to use.  Change water every other day if possible.

USING TALL BEARDED IRIS IN YOUR LANDSCAPE

Every year around this time I start thinking of the beautiful blooms in the garden beds throughout the yard. I get anxious for warmer weather, and just thinking of the explosion of color that takes place is exciting. I love to see little sprouts break through the soil and plants breaking their dormancy. The hard work and months of planning and waiting are well worth it. 

When I organize my garden beds, I plan with several things in mind: Color, texture, form, and hardiness. I love perennials, and most of my beds are filled with these plants, that come back year after year. I like plants that require minimal care and are vigorous. Since I make arrangements each week through bloom season, I also take into account the plant's vase life. By planting early, mid and late spring bloomers, a long bloom season can also be accomplished. Here are some of my favorite beds: