Tree Peony 'Hana Asobi'

Hana Asobi is a historic Japanese tree peony recorded by the American Peony Society as originating in Japan and known before 1931. Tree peonies are long-lived, deciduous shrubs with large flowers and a seasonal display from mid-spring into early summer. ## Site and planting Choose a sheltered position in sun or light shade, away from cold winds and late-frost pockets. Tree peonies grow best in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil near neutral pH. Autumn is the preferred planting time; winter or early spring can also work. If this plant is grafted, bury the graft union about 6 inches below the soil surface so the scion can develop its own roots. ## Establishment and care Water regularly during dry spells in the first year, especially through the first summer. A spring mulch helps conserve moisture and improve the soil; keep it clear of the stems. Established plants are deep-rooted and usually need less routine watering. Give new plants time to settle: tree peonies can take several years to flower reliably. ## Pruning Remove dead stems in late winter and mulch in spring. Avoid heavy pruning, which can remove developing flower buds. Tree peonies make long-lived specimen shrubs for a sheltered border or courtyard. ## Sources [American Peony Society registry: Hana-asobi](https://americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry/hana-asobi/) · [RHS plant profile: Hana-asobi](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/371971/paeonia-%C3%97-suffruticosa-hana-asobi-s/details) · [RHS guide to growing tree peonies](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/peony/tree/growing-guide) ## Maintenance In late winter, remove dead stems and leave healthy branches in place. Mulch in spring without piling material against the stems, and water new plantings during dry spells in their first summer.