There’s something quietly extraordinary about a plant that outlives its gardener — and their grandchildren. “Luoyang Red” (Paeonia suffruticosa) is a rare Chinese large-flowered tree peony with a centuries-long reputation for producing dinner-plate blooms, 8–10 inches across, in deep crimson tones each May or June. Unlike herbaceous peonies, this one never dies back to the ground. Its woody stems remain standing through winter, eventually reaching 5–6 feet tall and wide over a long, slow life.
You’ll receive a 2–3 year old bare-root plant, 10–29 inches, already bloomed. Plant in partial shade — afternoon shelter is essential; full sun will scorch it. Water deeply but infrequently, only when soil is dry 4–6 inches below the surface. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure. Feed with composted manure in spring and fall. Hardy in zones 4–9. Lightly fragrant. No thorns.
Once established, “Luoyang Red” is drought tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and genuinely self-sufficient. This is the rare shrub you plant once, then simply live alongside.
🍂 Shipping & planting window
Peonies ship in fall (September–November) when fully dormant and bare root. This is the only window we ship.
Fall planting gives roots a full season to establish in warm soil before winter. Cold stratification triggers strong, healthy spring growth and reliable bloom production. Spring-shipped peonies experience root damage during active growth, transplant shock during their bloom cycle, and often lose an entire growing season.
📍 Local pickup available year-round in Bellevue, WA.
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