Tree Peony 'Hanakisoi'

Hanakisoi is a historic Japanese tree-peony selection, recorded by the American Peony Society under the spelling Hana-kisoi as originating in Japan and known before 1929. Tree peonies are long-lived, deciduous shrubs whose flowering season generally runs 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 prefer fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil near neutral pH. Plant in autumn when possible; winter or early spring is also suitable. If the plant is grafted, set the graft union about 6 inches below the soil 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 enrich soil, but keep it clear of the stems. Once established, tree peonies are deep-rooted and usually need little routine watering. Give new plants time to settle before expecting regular flowering. ## Pruning Remove dead stems in late winter and mulch in spring. Avoid heavy pruning so developing flower buds and the plant’s natural shrub form remain intact. Tree peonies work well as long-lived specimens in sheltered borders or courtyard gardens. ## Sources [American Peony Society registry: Hana-kisoi](https://americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry/hana-kisoi/) · [RHS guide to growing tree peonies](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/peony/tree/growing-guide) ## Maintenance In late winter, remove dead stems and keep healthy branches. Mulch in spring without piling material against stems, and water new plantings during dry spells in their first summer.