Those Lovely Tree Paeonies

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 124, 28 May 1938, Page 14 (Supplement)

Those Lovely Tree Paeonies

r'O of the best months for planting the tree paeonies are April and May, for the warmth of the summer sun is still in the soil, and the roots in consequence soon get to work again, and the plants are well established by flowering time. But planting may be done throughout the winter and spring, provided the weather is open. In selecting a site for the tree paeony it is advisable to avoid one that is fully exposed to the morning sun. The plant starts early into growth and so is liable to be caught by late spring frosts. The hot sun striking the growths while the frost is still on the;n causes a lot of damage. There is far less risk of injury if they are planted where they can thaw before the sun reaches them. In preparing the soil it. is advisable to trench 3ft deep and to work in plenty of half-decayed i manure. This is a deep-rooting subject and one, moreover, which does not care for disturbance after it is well established,

so that whatever Is to be done should be done beforehand. Tlje site must be well drained, stagnant moisture being a bar to success. There are numerous varieties of the tree paeony (P. Moutan), embracing a wide range of dainty and brilliant colours, from white to all shades of pink, rose and crimson. This species, which was introduced from China more than a century ago, is of a shrubby habit of growth, with woody steins. Leaves are largo and ornamental. Flowers are of huge size and, in season, their beauty is not surpassed by any other occupant of the garden. j