The King of Flowers: How to Grow the Stunning "Dohong Bichwi" Tree Peony

The King of Flowers: How to Grow and Style the Auspicious "Dohong Bichwi" Tree Peony

When spring arrives, every gardener dreams of a showstopper. If there is one plant that earns the title "King of Flowers," it is undoubtedly the Tree Peony (known as Mudan or Mokdan). Among the countless varieties, the "Dohong Bichwi" stands out as a true masterpiece.

With its deep pink, multi-layered petals that look like fine silk, this variety brings an air of royal elegance to any garden. Today, we’ll explore the charm, the symbolism, and the essential care tips for this breathtaking spring bloomer.

1. What is the "Dohong Bichwi" Tree Peony?

The name "Dohong Bichwi" refers to its vibrant peach-pink hue (Dohong) and jade-like elegance (Bichwi). It is a premium cultivar of the Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa).

• Symbolism: In Eastern culture, the Peony symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and noble honor. It is a common belief that a thriving Peony in your garden brings good fortune and riches to the household.

• Visual Impact: Unlike standard single-petal varieties, Dohong Bichwi features massive, luscious double-petaled blooms. When it flowers in late spring (April to May), it commands attention from everyone in the neighborhood.

2. Tree Peony vs. Herbaceous Peony: What’s the Difference?

One of the most frequent questions gardeners ask is: "Is this a Peony or a Tree Peony?" Here is the simplest way to tell them apart:

Feature	Tree Peony (Mokdan/Mudan)	Herbaceous Peony (Jakyak)
Structure	A woody shrub. The stems stay alive above ground all winter.	A perennial herb. The stems die back to the ground in winter.
Growth	You can shape it like a small tree or bush over the years.	It sprouts fresh from the roots every spring.

Because Dohong Bichwi is a Tree Peony, it develops a beautiful woody structure that adds year-round character to your landscape.

3. When Do They Bloom?

Tree Peonies are the grand finale of spring. They typically bloom from mid-April to early May, usually appearing just after the cherry blossoms have fallen. At our farm, since we keep the temperatures a bit higher for our tropical plants, they’ve made an early and spectacular debut this year!

4. Pro-Tips for Growing Tree Peonies

Tree Peonies are incredibly long-lived—some can live for decades—but they need the right start.

1. Sunlight: They need at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight. However, providing some light afternoon shade will help the delicate pink color of the "Dohong Bichwi" stay vibrant and prevent the petals from scorching.
2. Watering: Water deeply when the topsoil feels dry. Avoid overwatering (waterlogging); well-draining soil is a non-negotiable requirement for healthy roots.
3. Winter Hardiness: They are extremely cold-hardy! They can be grown outdoors in most regions. In fact, they need a cold winter (chilling period) to produce those spectacular blooms the following year.
4. Fertilizer: Peonies are "heavy feeders." Apply organic fertilizer immediately after the flowers fade and again in late autumn to ensure enough energy for next year's growth.

With its lush double blooms and the auspicious meaning of prosperity, the Dohong Bichwi Tree Peony is arguably the best choice for any serious gardener. Why not plant one in your yard this year and welcome both beauty and good fortune into your home? 🌸✨

Visit Us at Greenfingers

Thanks for reading! All the plants you see in my posts are lovingly raised right here at Greenfingers. We specialize in healthy, vibrant tropical plants and want to share the joy of gardening with the world.

If you’re a plant lover traveling through South Korea, feel free to stop by and say hello!

• Farm Name: Greenfingers (그린핑거스)
• Location: 42-6, Munbak-gil, Nangseong-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
• Postal Code: 28182
• Follow us on Instagram: [@greenfingers.center](https://www.instagram.com/greenfingers.center/)

"Growing happiness, one leaf at a time."