(Bird of Imagination.) This double variety has the largest blooms of all--more than 10in across. They are the darkest purple, set off by bright yellow stamens in the center. A flower fit to rival any avian plumage.

The Tree Peony (P. suffruticosa) is one of the most glorious shrubs known. Its huge, silky flowers are similar to those of herbaceous Peonies, but the range of color runs from pure white through pinks and reds into lavender and yellow. Mature plants reach 4-5ft and carry up to 50 of these exquisite blooms.

Tree Peonies grow best in full sun or partial shade (required in the South and warm areas of western Zone 9) and evenly moist but well-drained soil with a pH close to neutral. We ship 3-year-old, grafted, 12-18in bareroot plants. They take a year or two to show what they can do but are more than worth the wait.