Peonies hold a special place in the heart of Japanese culture and the art of Ikebana. As an Ohara School of Ikebana practitioner, understanding the differences between the bush peony and tree peony can deepen your appreciation and skill in floral arrangement. Let's explore these magnificent flowers, their cultivation, and their significance in Japanese culture and Ikebana.

Bush Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

Characteristics:

• Growth Habit: Herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each winter.
• Height: Typically grows up to 3 feet tall.
• Blooms: Large, fragrant blooms in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, and yellow. Flowers usually bloom in late spring to early summer.
• Foliage: Attractive, deeply lobed leaves that add texture to arrangements even after the flowers have faded.

Ikebana Use:

• Bush peonies are prized for their lush, full blooms and are often used as focal points in arrangements. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals symbolize prosperity, honor, and happiness.

Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa)

Characteristics:

• Growth Habit: Woody shrub that retains its structure above ground year-round.
• Height: Can grow up to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety.
• Blooms: Larger and often more abundant than bush peonies, tree peony flowers can reach up to 10 inches in diameter. They bloom slightly earlier in the spring.
• Foliage: Elegant, broad leaves that contribute to the plant's overall aesthetic even when not in bloom.

Planting and Care:

1. Best Time to Plant: The ideal time to plant a tree peony is in the fall, from September to early November. This allows the roots to establish before the onset of winter, ensuring a strong start in the spring.
2. Planting Location: Choose a location with partial to full sun and well-draining soil. Tree peonies prefer a sheltered spot, protected from strong winds and intense afternoon sun.
3. Planting Depth: Plant the tree peony with the graft union (the point where the tree peony is grafted onto the rootstock) just below the soil surface.
4. Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. Tree peonies are drought-tolerant once established.
5. Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the blooming period.
6. Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring, and lightly trim for shape.

Ikebana Use:

• Tree peonies are cherished for their majestic and long-lasting blooms. In Ohara Ikebana, they are often used to create a sense of elegance and grandeur in arrangements. The woody stems add structural interest and stability to compositions.

The Peony in Japanese Culture and Ikebana

Peonies have been celebrated in Japanese culture for centuries, symbolizing wealth, honor, and beauty. They often appear in traditional art, literature, and festivals. In Ikebana, peonies are revered not only for their visual appeal but also for their symbolic meanings.

• Cultural Significance: Known as the "King of Flowers," the peony is often associated with bravery and honor. Its lush blooms are seen as a metaphor for prosperity and the beauty of life.
• Ikebana Symbolism: In the Ohara School of Ikebana, the peony's robust form and captivating blooms are used to convey a sense of dynamic beauty and balance. Whether in a traditional or contemporary arrangement, peonies bring a touch of timeless elegance to the art form.

By understanding the unique characteristics and care requirements of both bush and tree peonies, you can enhance your Ikebana practice and create stunning arrangements that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Whether used as a centerpiece or an accent, peonies add a touch of splendor and significance to any Ikebana composition.

Joe Rotella
Third Term Master
Ohara School of Ikebana