K. Van Bourgondien & Sons

"Island Minister". Large purplish-red flowers.

Huge, ruffled satin like flowers, super hardy! Rare colorful Imperial Tree Peonies from Japan. The Finest Quality Available! Every garden needs a tree peony.

There was a time, many years ago in ancient China, when the only person who could own a tree peony was the Emperor himself. We're not sure what the penalty was for infringing this law, but it could not have been very pleasant. Fortunately for us, tree peonies are now slightly more available.

There are very few plants that can compete with a tree peony in full bloom. They flower from late April to early May but the flowering season varies from year to year. A mature plant can have in excess of a hundred flowers and these can be 10" or more across! The flowers range in color maroon, crimson, scarlet, various shades of pink to pure white. There are also tree peonies with yellow or purple flowers.

The Chinese refer to the tree peony as the 'Moutan'. This has been variously translated but probably means 'The Emperor Flower'. While the tree peony originated in China, it had found its way to Japan by the 8th Century AD.

Japanese tree peonies tend to have less double flowers, and the flowers are more open and delicate, than their Chinese counterparts. As one of the largest importers of Tree Peonies in the US, we select only the finest, top quality and extra hardy year old plants that'll bloom for a lifetime. 4-5' tall. Sub-zero hardy.

This item is also available in a collection:

• Dowager's Tree Peony Collection5 per bag | $85.50
  Ships Spring