Zi Zhu Sha tree peony

Zi Zhu Sha is a grafted Rockii tree peony bearing rich purple blooms with deep, saturated coloring.

A slow-growing, woody shrub that reaches 5–6 feet tall and wide, lives for a century or more, and never dies back to the ground the way herbaceous or Itoh peonies do.

Plant it in partial shade — afternoon shade is essential — and keep its roots on the drier side. Tree peonies suffocate easily in wet soil, so avoid sprinkler zones and water only when the soil is dry 4–6 inches below the surface. Fertilize with composted manure in spring and fall. Hardy in zones 4–9, blooms Apr–May with a light-to-medium fragrance, and pollinators love it.

Shipped as a 3 year old bareroot plant, already bloomed, currently 12–29 inches, trimmed (without leaves and new shoots. New growth emerges in Feb–Mar). Available in fall every year.