Tree peonies and other pics

13 years ago

Hi all,

I've been lurking and learning a lot on these forums for quite a few years now. Since my tree peony just bloomed, I though I would post some pics of it and some other plants. I grow six tree peonies total: two unnamed Japanese and four Chinese varieties. The only ones to bloom with any regularity are one red Japanese peony and a Chinese one called 'Xiang Yu'. The red one did not bloom this year, but 'Xiang Yu' had four flowers this year. Unfortunately, I was out of town and missed the first three. The peonies have been in the ground for at least four years and grow a maximum of four inches a year. The leaves show a lot of damage from salt towards the end of summer similar to saucer magnolias. I have not needed to defoliate the plants. They go dormant on their own even with our lack of chilling.

'Xiang Yu' the first year it was planted:

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This year:

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Some pics of my 'Hon Beni' wisteria:

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Bignonia capreolata and blue hibiscus. The shrubs with big leaves are Magnolia 'Star Wars'

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Some pics of the front yard beds

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A bed of tulips that have been in the ground for two to three years and have not needed any replanting. You can see two of the non-blooming tree peonies in this pic.

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Comments (5)

hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
13 years ago
Lovey, lovey photos Stan! My gosh, I had no idea we could grow tree Peonies, here! Peonies were the love of my life back in Indiana. I learned to love them as much as roses. I'm going to have to now find a spot in my yard for these. I love your Wisteria, as well. I'm having a patio roof built and was thinking of growing Wisteria over it, just a wee bit afraid it might get a little rambunctious!

Patty S.
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
13 years ago
You have a lovely garden!
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hosenemesis
13 years ago
It's about time you shared your garden with us! I feel like I have been deprived for quite a few years now.

Seriously, though, your garden is enchanting. Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, and your wisteria is magnificent. Thank you.

Renee
stanhopea
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the compliments! I always love seeing your gardens as well. I can only wait for the day that the rest of my garden looks as nice as all of yours.

Patty: Although tree peonies will grow here, I don't think they will ever look as good as they do further north. Of course, the flowers you do get are all the more beautiful for the waiting. The rest of the season though, they are pretty ugly. They seem to be very sensitive to salt in the water, and as a result, the leaves get all crunchy and brown. I think that's why I haven't needed to defoliate them. The salt burns the leaves right off and they go dormant.
jenn
13 years ago
How beautiful! Renee used the word that came to my mind... enchanting. Thanks for sharing your gardens.