Tree Peony
Paeonia suffruticosa
Last reviewed: October 2026
Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is a perennial shrub. It blooms in April and May.
Toxicity unknown
Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–60" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native alternatives to Tree Peony
Tree Peony is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Tree Peony is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
A slow growing deciduous shrub with woody stems that stay above ground through winter, carrying very large silky flowers in mid spring. Unlike herbaceous peonies it is never cut to the ground. It is long lived and resents being moved.
Growing Tree Peony
Grow Tree Peony in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tree Peony is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.
Wildlife value
Flowers offer nectar that generalist visitors will use, but as a non-native it feeds no local caterpillars. Treat it as garden interest rather than habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tree Peony need?
- Tree Peony grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Tree Peony bloom?
- Tree Peony blooms in April and May.
- Is Tree Peony HOA-friendly?
- Tree Peony is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Tree Peony? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.