This tree peony is putting on a display of striking blooms on the Chronological Bed.
The genus Paeonia contains approximately 30 species of herbaceous perennials and shrubs from Europe, Asia and North America. P. suffruticosa is a deciduous, shrubby Chinese species, often referred to as Moutan. It can reach over 2m in height and bears deeply cut leaves which are carried on sprawling, leggy stems. Large bowl-shaped, terminal flowers are borne in mid to late spring, and these contrast well with the freshly emerging foliage. P. suffruticosa is a variable species whose flowers range from white to pink, red or purple in colour. First introduced to our gardens in 1789 by Sir Joseph Banks P. suffruticosa has given rise to many familiar selections and cultivars.