Dolores DeFina Hope Tree Peony Collection

Dolores DeFina Hope Tree Peony Collection. . , Hardy tree peonies have been cultivated in China for more than one thousand years., Tree peonies are one of the most spectacular flowering shrubs, producing blooms of ten or more inches in diameter. They are relatives of the more familiar herbaceous peonies that die away completely in fall, but tree peonies' woody stems persist above ground even after they lose their leaves. Chinese tree peonies are hybrids of wild tree peony species native to the mountains of northwestern China, first developed during the Sui Dynasty (581-618). In late April and early May large white, pink, and magenta flowers in this collection of Chinese tree peonies create a brief yet brilliant burst of color., In ancient China tree peonies (mudan) were called "King of Flowers, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, and were planted abundantly in the Emperors' palace gardens. Mudan have been celebrated in Chinese poetry, paintings, and decorative arts for more than a millennium. Made roots have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. European visitors to China in the 17th century were dazzled by these flowers resembling enormous roses without thorns. The peonies were introduced to European gardens in the late 18th century and have been cultivated in Europe and America ever since.