Named after Pierre Jean Marie Delavay, a French missionary and avid plant collector who resided in China during the late 1800s, this gorgeous, rarely cultivated Peony showcases lavish burgundy blossoms amid splendid foliage. The slightly nodding, dark shiny flowers are fragrant and brightened by a large central cluster of yellow stamens. Strong, red-tinted upright stems and deciduous, deeply cut glaucous green leaves sculpt an undemanding, long-lived elegant shrub.

The Maroon Tree Peony handles spring frosts, needs a pruning to maintain its bushy habit and appreciates a cool, moist sheltered site with a generous helping of well rotted manure.

Blooms May.

Size: 5' 0" – 6' 0" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 6.

This distinctive fine textured Tree Paeonia achieves four-season panache. Cup-shaped, fragrant and crimpled, the swank 2 to 3 in. lemon-yellow flowers dress a lush lacy looking foundation. The large deciduous light green leaves are deeply segmented, beaming bright yellow fall colors, while orange-red seed pods heighten late season intrigue and thickened stalks spark arresting winter architecture. Seriously endangered in China due to over-collecting for medicinal purposes, Paeonia delavayi var. lutea makes a superb specimen in an herbaceous border where it favors good drainage and dappled light.

Blooms May–June

Size: 6' 0" – 8' 0" high x 4' 0" – 5' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 6.

This long-lived woody Peony offers a reliable spring showing of big saucer-shaped golden yellow flowers with sumptuous chiffon-style petals and decorative fringe-like stamens. Sturdy upright stems produce magnificent large green deciduous leaves, defined by deeply carved leaflets, contrasting pink petioles and sunshine-colored autumn shades. Easily grown, hardy and relatively pest-free, P. ludlowii promises an imposing stance whether planted as a hedge or exquisite specimen, along walls and pathways or in mixed borders. Tibetan Tree Peony wards off deer, welcomes shelter from the wind, prefers well-drained soil and requires minimal pruning.

Blooms May–June

Size: 7' 0" – 8' 0" high x 2' 0" – 2-1/2' wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Heightened by seductive dark red centers and furry yellow stamens, large upward facing flowers with crinkled silken white petals promise a lavish floral feast for gardeners and bees. The densely fragrant wide-open blooms, occasionally laced with pink veins, appear to float upon glossy lobed dark green leaves and stout woody stems, crafting a noble addition to any garden. Early flowers, deer resistance and intriguing winter architecture are the hallmark of this easily maintained, fast growing vigorous shrub, which cherishes light shade, conservative pruning and moist well-drained moderately fertile sites.

Blooms May–June

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 2-1/2' wide.

Hardy to zone 5.