Woodies? A semi shady character..
New and very exciting —-here at HgG are the transition that we have made to have available for you are Tree
( Woody ) Peonia. I want to share with you a few things that I have learned along the way to help each and everyone of you to not make the mistakes that I have. It has been an adventure —
First what are Woody Tree Peonies — Plain and simple they are a woody perennial fancy shrub. Blooming in the early spring season. They have large branches that support stunning dinner plate sized blooms. The fancy shrub can get as big as 7 feet in height and/or width in nature. In my home gardens that are about 4 feet give or take. They are a focal point of outstanding beauty. Leaving them as you would your fine expensive shrubbery is the same way that you will take care of your Woody… Digging a hole, backfilling with some nutrients, planting deep, and watering well is the key to success.
Woody will grow in Full Sun but they really thrive in dappled light. They are plants that like the semi- dappled shade. They seem to mingle very well with my martagon lily collection. They create an ambiance of graceful structure to a garden’s texture as well as adding a sense of spirit with peaceful, quiet, meditative mood to just about any theme of gardening one will chose. When the season starts to wane with cooler temps and shortened days, they change color. Mimicking the deciduous hardwoods for seasonal splendor.
Native to China and Japan, and have been cultivated for centuries, they are deer resistant and will thrive in zones 3-9. Some die back can occur in the colder zones, especially if it is a harsh winter. But with a nice snow cover they spring back pretty well here in northern Minnesota climate.
Woodies grow slow and produce about 2-6 inches of new branch wood growth per season. They need well drained soil and will not tolerate standing in wet watery pond features. They actually are very low maintenance. and require very little to no supplemental watering unless there is a warning of drought conditions in your climate.
Where or where—-
Remember dappled light to Full. Not deep shade for these. Mine have morning sun, then are shaded in the afternoon. I also have some that are shaded in the morning and have afternoon sun. They do really well and it’s a great way to promote prolonged bloom time on those rich big buds that open and close with each passing day.
Some gardeners will use an umbrella to protect them from the hot sun which also gives your landscaping an appeal of unique ambiance.
Excellent Drainage of good composted Soil
Woodies need to be planted deeply. I personally do not think you can plant them too deep. Just remember if your planting them next to each other, give them some space as they will need a 5’wide circle around them as they continue to grow out each season. Remember, they are slow growers, and will mature in about 10 years.
One other thing you have to consider is that you will not want to plant your woody where snow can fall from the rooftops of the building. Sheds and or garages, and make sure that the shovels and snow blowers are not piling up heaps of snow on your new Woodie, as it could break a branch off. I allow the snow to cover it naturally.
Once you have found the perfect place— allow it to grow –It will reward you for many seasons to come.
Put in a garden tag that states to. DO NOT DISTURB
Splendor of Autumn
Fall Planting should happen in starting late August until the grounds actually freeze. Please keep in mind that with all cold-hardy plants, fall is the traditional time to plant and historically it was the only time that peony roots were available. Shipped bare root, these freshly harvested perennials should go into the grounds quickly.
These are COLD HARDY PERENNIALS AND THEY NEED THE COLD SO I DO NOT RECOMMEND MULCHING AFTER ITS FIRST SEASON. So, its first winter, yes do provide some mulch.
There is sometimes a reason to keep with the schedule of Mother Nature intended it to be. Fall is best for Woodies, as the cool season is upon us and the roots are not stressed as much as spring planting, but I do plant in the spring and have been very successful as soon as the soils are workable.
Dig a hole 2 feet deep and a foot wide, This will be bigger than what is needed but this will be necessary for drainage and new root growth of your new grafted woody peony ..These perennials prefer to be planted and left undisturbed for generations to come. Amend in some good soil — Remember. plant deeply as you will see on the right for the correct depth of your new prize investment. I will plant with the graft at least 6 inches below the surface… This type of planting will allow the woody to grow perennial roots.
What to expect over the next few seasons with reward you — If you’re looking for the best type of backfill for your new woody, I use well rotted compost with leaves and churn all of this in a wheelbarrow. Sometimes I will add alfalfa pellets for added nitrogen nutrients. I also sometimes only if I have it around will toss in a small handful of my own worm castings or Mykos ( see photos below )
10-10-10 has been broadcast a few times during the season. Remember to use 5-10-10 in the fall…. I guess my point is that ———
Whatever you have will be just fine for your new Woody Peony
Feeding Peonies lightly in the fall with your clean up is something I will do with not only the peonies, but all of the perennials. Usually this is done three times a year,
emerging 10-10-10
I will use a little higher phosphorus balance to encourage root development. There are lots of natural ways to obtain this and a few that I use is Chicken manure, Fish emulsion, worm castings and cow manure. Bone meal also works wonders and is readily available where amounts of phosphorus will provide 12-24 % immediately.
after bloom time. 10-10-10
fall clean up. 5-10-10
My red wigglers ( eisenia fetida ) are happy with their mango peelings!!
So—- Dig a hole 2 feet deep and 1 foot wide , Back fill bottom with nice compost up to 6 inches below surface.
Plant deep, about 6 inches
Water in well.
One word of caution— Woody Peonies should not be cut back in the fall Leave the wood branches– Pruning. can be done for shape in the spring but not in the fall. Some people remove the leaves, I chose to not as I allow them to fall of naturally.
Spring cut flowers. another caution. Cut flowers off with very short stems, if you have to for an event or flower show exhibit remember to cut less than 2 inches. Avoiding what will be lost of becoming next years woody stems and flowers.
Beautiful foliage for fall landscaping interest — These are the colors that compliment my fall chrysanthemums that I have purchased at www.mamasmums.com More on that another time.
Spring 2026 Time to wake up and smell the —– These are some of the Woodies that are headed to the Minnesota Arboretum for the Mother’s Day Plant Sale– These woodies are 5 seasons old now. Culture container grown.
