The common herbaceous peony is very hardy and thrives in a wide range of soils and climate. They need little care and survive the harshest Kansas winters. Tree peonies grow to eye-level on woody stems with few branches. The stems of these peonies stay alive through the winter and bloom early. The flowers of tree peonies come in a broad spectrum of colors from yellow, black, and purple to the typical range in shades of red, pink and white.
Tree peonies are less common in home gardens due to their higher cost and care requirements.
Herbaceous peonies are more commonly grown and do well in a wide range of soil types and climates. Their bushy green, pink or red stems grow from two to four feet tall and turn green by the time they are cut down in the fall. Flower colors include white, yellow, cream, pink, rose and deep red varieties. Single peonies have five or more broad petals in one or two rows surrounding a center of golden, pollen-bearing stamens and carpels. Japanese peonies have five or more guard petals and a center of broadened filaments and very large anthers creating structures which are feathery in appearance.