Paeonia suffruticosa, 'New National Beauty' Japanese tree peony

Name in Japanese and romaji:  新國色  Shin Kokushoku

Notable characteristics: Enormous blossoms in the classic ‘botan’ shade of dark reddish purple. Flowers consist of several rows of ruffled petals around a golden interior. ­­

Hybridizer, year introduced: This cultivar originated from Yatsuka township of Shimane in 1965.

Growth habit and size at maturity (10 years old): Upright, grows to 3.5' tall and 3.5' wide.

Flower form and size: Semi-double, 8-10".

Flower fragrance: Very light, sweet.

Bloom time: Mid-season Japanese tree peony, blooms in our USDA zone 6a garden in the last week of May.

Zone hardiness: Proven in USDA zones 4-9.

Plant size: 1 year old grafted tree peonies have 1 woody stem, with offshoot buds, and a graft root. The plant may or may not have some of its own roots already developed. This one may bloom its first spring in the ground, or will wait until the second spring.