Paeonia ludlowii

Paeonia ludlowii, Tibetan Tree Peony or Ludlow's Tree Peony, is a large shrubby peony with distinctive apple-green deeply-cut foliage and stunningly beautiful yellow flowers. Seed was first collected in 1936 by Frank Ludlow and Major George Sherriff in the Tsangpo Valley in Southeast Tibet where it grows in sparse woods and thickets on dry rocky slopes at elevations of 3000-3500m.

Previously known as Paeonia lutea var. ludlowii or sometimes Paeonia delavayi var. ludlowii (or occasionally even the rather confusing Paeonia delavayi var lutea 'Ludwowii'), it was elevated to specific status by De Yuan Hong in 1997. In the wild, Paeonia ludlowii is now an endangered species with relatively few individuals per widely-scattered population and the use of its root-bark as a medicine is a serious threat to its survival. Luckily, it sets seed readily and the black glossy seeds which are borne in elongated follicles are the largest of the genus.

Paeonia ludlowii is a magnificent architectural shrub whose gorgeous deeply-cleft foliage, sunny flowers and floriferous habit make it a true garden treasure.

Limited quantities.