Peonies

[hardy49]

We have the chance of purchasing a peony tree which is 9" - 12" high at the moment.

Are peonies quick growers ? How long would it take to reach 3- 4 ' ?The reason why I am asking is that we need to fill a gap in our border.

[Thunderbird+]

Tree peony's have very eye-catching flowers and unusual seed pods that look like jesters hats but unfortunately they are faily slow growing and may take a few years to fill a gap completely, but I think the wait may be worthwhile and should reach about 5-6ft eventually.
the site needs to be sunny and sheltered. The double flowered varieties may need staking. Good Luck. Tbird+

[hardy49]

Many thanks for your help

[jake-the-peg]

they are really beautiful but no they are slow growers and can be a bit susceptible to frost. They can also take a while to establish themselves after moving

If you want something more unusual than a rose how about a tree lupin like regular lupins but growing as a bush

middle picture here:
http://www.gardenworld.co.uk/lupins.asp

or an Abutilon vitifolium
http://www.armitageimages.net/index.cfm?fuseac tion=stock.detail&itemID=11811

[hardy49]

The tree lupin looks wonderful - many thanks