Planting Methods and Care Tips for Rockii Tree Peony

Current Status of Rockii Tree Peony

The Rockii tree peony (Paeonia rockii) is scattered across Shaanxi, Gansu and western Henan in China. Because its root bark is used as medicine, it has long suffered from excessive harvesting, and its resources have been continuously damaged; moreover, due to its weak natural reproductive capacity, its distribution range has gradually shrunk, and effective measures should be taken to protect it. Lower altitude limit (m): 1100; upper altitude limit (m): 2800.

The Rockii tree peony is a plant endemic to China and a precious flower germplasm resource, with its root bark used for medicinal purposes. It is of certain significance for studying the phylogenetic development of the genus Paeonia and for breeding new peony varieties.

The Beauty of the Rockii Tree Peony

Based on long-term observation and research on issues such as flower color changes, flower type changes and variety formation during the selection and breeding of new varieties, the three-level classification method of "flower color", "flower type" and "variety name" conforms to the actual process of peony variety evolution.

Flower color is the most prominent and most easily distinguishable feature of peonies, and flower color is relatively stable, so flower color is used as the first level in the classification of Rockii tree peony varieties. Flower colors are divided into 8 types in total: white, pink, red, purple, black, blue, yellow and compound color. Among them, black refers to deep purple and ink purple, yellow refers to pale yellow or light yellow, blue refers to pinkish blue or pinkish purple-blue, and compound color refers to having two or more colors.

Flower type is the main feature that correctly reflects the characteristics and ornamental value of a variety, and is the comprehensive embodiment of the overall morphological characteristics of the flower when it blooms in the tray; from single-petaled and semi-double to double, it reflects the continuous increase in petals and the accompanying changes in appearance and morphology. Rockii tree peony flower types can be divided into single-petaled type, lotus type, chrysanthemum type, rose type, osmanthus type, crown type and hydrangea type.

The variety name is the lowest level and basic unit of variety classification, representing a specific plant with production and application value and theoretical research value. It is the aggregate of all information, and its content is based on the description when the variety name was first legally published.

Ornamental Value of the Rockii Tree Peony

The most common use of the Rockii tree peony is as an ornamental plant for garden planting and outdoor viewing. From a macro perspective, one can appreciate the tall tree form, different garden plant arrangement patterns, the combination of the Rockii tree peony with garden ornaments, and the landscape coordination with surrounding buildings, etc.; one can also appreciate the beauty of peonies in different seasons, such as the color and form of young leaves in spring, the thick green spreading bipinnately compound leaves with ternate leaflets in summer, red leaves and fruit in autumn, and the trunk form and tree posture in winter. For flower appreciation, one can admire different flower colors, different degrees of delicate texture, different flower postures and different flower fragrances, and, combined with variety names and peony culture, appreciate their demeanor, moral character, characteristics and culture, and so on.

In addition to outdoor appreciation, potted flowers and bonsai can also be enjoyed. Dried flowers and fresh cut flowers made from peony flowers as raw materials, combined with other dried and fresh flowers or plants, create ikebana works with special meanings that are even more worthy of careful appreciation.