Paeonia, 'Yan Chun' Chinese tree peony

Name in Chinese and pin yin: 艷春 Yan Chun

Notable characteristics: Another great Chen Dezhong cultivar from his decades of breeding work at the Peace Peony Garden near Lanzhou in Gansu province. Deep violet purple are frequently double, though younger plants will produce single for flowers. Fine foliage and deep maroon flares betray the strong P. rockii influences in the background of this plant. The name translates to 'Gorgeous Spring.'

Hybridizer: Chen Dezhong of the Peace Peony Garden between 1986 and 1992. 

Growth habit and size at maturity (10 years old): Upright and spreading, flowers held well above the foliage. Grows to 4' tall and 3' wide. 

Flower form and size: Full double, 5-6". 

Flower fragrance: Dense, spicy-sweet.

Bloom time: Early to mid-season, blooms in our USDA zone 6a garden in the third week of May.

Zone hardiness: Proven in USDA zones 4-9. Cultivars with P. rockii heritage are particularly drought resistant once established. We have had reports from gardeners in Texas that these cultivars have grown and bloomed well during years of extreme drought and heat. 

Plant size: 1 year old tree peonies have 1 woody stem and a proportional root system. This size plant will most likely flower its second spring in the ground.

When we ship:  FALL 2025