How to Grow Tree Peony 'Hogyoku'

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Tree Peony 'Hogyoku'

Paeonia suffruticosa 'Hogyoku'

shrub

Hogyoku is a prized Japanese tree peony cultivar renowned for its stunning double flowers with soft pink or rose-mauve petals and prominent golden stamens. This woody-stemmed peony grows as a deciduous shrub reaching 4-6 feet tall and produces large, fragrant blooms in mid-to-late spring. It is a long-lived plant that can thrive for decades and even centuries with proper care.

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Example Tree Peony 'Hogyoku' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Tree Peony 'Hogyoku'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Tree Peony 'Hogyoku'
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tree Peony 'Hogyoku' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering

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Water: Deep, infrequent watering is crucial. Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, especially during growing season and after planting. Once established, water deeply during dry spells. Reduce watering in late summer to promote hardiness.

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: 3-5 years to first significant blooms; 7-10 years to full maturity

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Planting depth: Plant with graft union (if grafted) 3-4 inches below soil surface; bare-root crowns planted with top of crown 1-2 inches below ground

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted organic matter Bone meal or rock phosphate for flowering Perlite or coarse sand if drainage is poor Avoid fresh manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-8; prefers cooler climates with distinct seasons

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First 12 months after planting

Newly planted tree peony develops root system during first year; minimal above-ground growth expected

Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic matter, keeping it away from the stem. Do not fertilize the first year. Protect from harsh winds and extreme temperatures.

Vegetative Growth

Years 1-3, annually in spring

Woody stems thicken and expand; foliage emerges in spring as compound leaves unfold, creating a full canopy by early summer

Provide light balanced fertilizer in spring as growth resumes. Remove any flowers in first 2-3 years to redirect energy to root and stem development. Prune only to remove dead or crossing wood.

Bud Formation

August-March

During late summer and fall, fat flower buds develop on new growth, visible as plump nodules at branch tips

Reduce watering and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over flowers. Buds harden in cold winter temperatures, which are essential for flowering success. Protect from late-spring frosts that can damage emerging buds.

Blooming

3-4 weeks of blooms

In mid-to-late spring (April-May in most zones), large, fragrant double flowers with layered pink-mauve petals and golden stamens emerge and open over 2-3 weeks per bloom

Provide consistent moisture during bloom period. Stake heavily-flowered stems if needed to prevent breaking. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain plant energy. Enjoy cut flowers indoors by cutting stems with 2-3 leaves.

Summer Rest & Fall Preparation

June-November

Foliage remains green through summer; plant gradually hardens off in late summer as day length decreases and temperatures cool

Continue moderate watering through summer drought. Do not fertilize after July. As leaves turn color in fall (often wine-red), allow them to stay on the plant as long as possible to support root reserves. Mulch heavily before first hard freeze.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hellebores Japanese anemones Astilbe Hosta Bleeding heart (Dicentra) Coral bells (Heuchera) Salvia Lavender Alliums

Avoid planting near:

Tomatoes Potatoes Fennel Walnut trees (allelopathy) Bare-root peonies grafted on rootstocks that spread aggressively

Common Pests

Remove infected leaves promptly; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; fungicide spray in wet springs if severe
Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps nearby but away from plants; neem oil spray if infestation is heavy
Inspect new plants before purchase; dormant oil spray in late fall or early spring; prune out heavily infested stems
Ensure good air circulation; remove fallen debris; avoid overhead irrigation; thin stems in crowded growth; fungicide in wet springs
Generally harmless; they feed on sweet secretions and do not damage buds. No control needed. Rinse ants from cut flowers before bringing indoors.

Uses

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Ornamental cut flowers

Culinary

Hogyoku's spectacular double blooms are prized for wedding arrangements, formal floral displays, and luxury cut flower arrangements. The long vase life and exquisite fragrance make them highly valued in floristry. [source]

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Traditional medicine

Medicinal

Tree peony root bark (Moutan cortex) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years to treat inflammation, blood stasis, and menstrual disorders. Modern studies support anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [source]

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Dried flower arrangements

Craft

Peony petals can be carefully dried and preserved for dried arrangements, potpourri, or pressed-flower crafts. Dried petals retain subtle fragrance and color for months. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Peony flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their abundant pollen and nectar. The golden stamens are particularly attractive to beneficial insects. [source]

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Landscape specimen planting

Household

Hogyoku serves as a striking focal point in gardens with its architectural woody form, fine foliage texture, and extraordinary spring blooms. Long-lived and increasing in beauty with age, it's an investment piece for dedicated gardeners. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when buds first begin to soften but before fully opening for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut stems at 45-degree angle with 2-3 leaves attached. Place immediately in cool water with floral preservative. For fully open blooms, harvest when petals are barely unfurling. Tree peonies are not typically harvested for foliage; enjoy them primarily as ornamental flowering shrubs in the garden.

Fun Facts

🌱 Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) have been cultivated in China for over 1,500 years and are cherished as symbols of wealth, honor, and romance in Asian culture.
🌱 Unlike herbaceous peonies that die back to the ground each winter, tree peonies retain woody stems year-round and can live for 100+ years or even centuries, becoming gnarled and sculptural with age.
🌱 The name 'Hogyoku' (法玉 or 方玉 in Japanese) references the peony's perceived jewel-like qualities; tree peonies are sometimes called 'the flower of kings' due to their rarity, expense, and breathtaking beauty.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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