Delavay's tree peony (Paeonia delavayi)

Also known as: Delavay's tree peony

Delavay's tree peony (Paeonia delavayi) is globally cherished for its remarkable blend of resilience and beauty. Cultivators have developed numerous varieties, showcasing a stunning array of colors, flower forms, and fragrances. The plant's sturdy, woody stems can grow up to 2 meters high, providing a striking vertical element in gardens. Its lush, intricately divided foliage and vibrant blooms make it a standout ornamental plant that thrives in diverse environments.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Delavay's tree peony

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.2 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

10-15 cm

Flower Color

Red Yellow Purple Orange White Pink

Images of Delavay's tree peony

Quickly Identify Delavay's tree peony

Identify Paeonia delavayi by looking for large, single flowers with distinctive, deeply lobed leaves. The flowers typically have a prominent cluster of yellow stamens in the center. The woody stems can help differentiate it from herbaceous peonies.

Scientific Classification of Delavay's tree peony

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Family

Peony

Genus

Peonies

Species

Delavay's tree peony

Planting and Growing of Delavay's tree peony

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Delavay's tree peony?

For Paeonia delavayi, the ideal watering amount is about 500 milliliters per session. Water until the soil is moist but not waterlogged, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone. This amount is sufficient to hydrate without drowning the roots.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Delavay's tree peony? ›

What should I do if my Delavay's tree peony is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Delavay's tree peony? ›

How to save an overwatered Delavay's tree peony? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Delavay's tree peony?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Paeonia delavayi thrives in environments with partial sun and protection from harsh midday rays. Ideal lighting promotes blooming and foliage health, maximizing both decorative and structural qualities.

What is the ideal lighting environment for Paeonia delavayi? ›

What are solutions to achieve ideal lighting conditions for this plant? ›

What benefits does Paeonia delavayi gain from ideal lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Delavay's tree peony?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Paeonia delavayi thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range provides optimal conditions for growth, allowing the plant to develop strong stems and vibrant flowers. In such a temperature range, the metabolism of the plant functions at its best, promoting healthy processes like photosynthesis and nutrient uptake.

What Soil is Best for Delavay's tree peony?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Paeonia delavayi thrives in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Proper drainage ensures that the roots receive oxygen, leading to healthier growth and vibrant blooms. The plant prefers nutrient-rich soil to support its robust growth cycle. Amending soil with organic matter improves fertility, ensuring a bountiful, healthy flowering season. While good drainage is crucial, sufficient moisture retention in the soil is needed to keep the plant hydrated, particularly during dry spells, thus promoting lush foliage.

How to Fertilize Delavay's tree peony?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Paeonia delavayi, use a balanced fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content; typically, 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 is ideal. For liquid fertilizers, apply at a concentration of about 1/4 tablespoon per gallon. For slow-release granules, spread approximately 1 pound per 100 square feet in spring.

How to Prune Delavay's tree peony?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by sterilizing your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. Identify and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Trim faded flowers and cut back any overgrown areas to encourage new growth. Be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from collecting on the cut surface, which could lead to rot. The best time to prune Paeonia delavayi is immediately after flowering. This timing allows the plant to focus energy on developing new healthy shoots rather than sustaining old growth. Prune selectively to maintain the shape and structure to keep the plant looking tidy and robust. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Delavay's tree peony plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Spring

To propagate Paeonia delavayi by seeds, start with stratifying the seeds. This process involves cold treating the seeds for several weeks to break dormancy, mimicking natural winter conditions. Without this step, seeds may not germinate effectively.

Choose healthy stems and cut about 4-6 inches in length. Ensure the cut is just below a node to maximize rooting success. Remove lower leaves to prevent rot when the cuttings are planted in a rooting medium.

For division propagation, carefully dig up the mature Paeonia plant and gently separate the root clumps. Each section should have roots and at least one or two growing buds or shoots for successful regrowth.

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How to Repot Delavay's tree peony plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Paeonia delavayi should be repotted when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes or the soil becomes compacted and waterlogged. It's crucial to observe for signs like reduced growth rate or yellowing leaves as these can be indicators that the plant is root-bound and in need of a new home.

Select a pot that is just one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. This minimizes the risk of waterlogging, ensuring adequate drainage to keep the roots healthy. Opting for a pot with good drainage holes is vital, as it helps prevent root rot by allowing excess water to escape.

For Paeonia delavayi, a well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure is ideal. This type of soil ensures that the roots have ample access to essential nutrients and helps maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged, promoting robust growth.

Toxicity of Delavay's tree peony

Is Delavay's tree peony toxic to humans?

Delavay's tree peony contains a mild level of toxicity for humans, as all its parts can be harmful if ingested. The toxic nature of this plant is primarily attributed to the presence of paeonol. When consumed, individuals may encounter various symptoms, including gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, as well as the possibility of skin irritation. Since the entire plant is toxic, it is crucial to exercise caution to avoid accidental ingestion, especially in settings where delavay's tree peony is found. It is essential for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers related to delavay's tree peony and to ensure that all plant parts are kept out of reach of those who may inadvertently consume them.

Is Delavay's tree peony toxic to cat?

Delavay's tree peony presents a low toxicity hazard to cats, which can be poisoned if they ingest any portion of the plant. The compound paeonol found in delavay's tree peony may result in signs of physical unease in cats. A frequent scenario in which a cat may accidentally consume delavay's tree peony is through unintentional eating. Pet owners should remain attentive to keep their cats away from delavay's tree peony and should promptly seek veterinary assistance if their cat exhibits any symptoms of illness that could indicate accidental consumption.

Is Delavay's tree peony toxic to dog?

Delavay's tree peony presents a moderate toxicity risk to dogs. Canines may accidentally ingest various parts of this plant, resulting in potential poisoning. The plant as a whole is deemed toxic, and consumption may lead to symptoms like gastrointestinal distress or skin irritation. The toxic compound responsible for these harmful effects in delavay's tree peony is paeonol. Should a dog consume any part of delavay's tree peony, it is essential for pet owners to promptly seek veterinary assistance to safeguard their pet's health and well-being.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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