This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The large and luminous blooms of 'Xue Ta' are showcased by the backdrop of lobed, fresh green foliage when they appear in late spring and early summer. Packed full of gently ruffled petals, the flowers are mainly white in colour, but they will often display a faint pink flush, which makes them useful for tying in stronger pinks and clean whites.
  Our woody-stemmed peonies are field-grown, sturdy plants with extensive roots that have been potted up since lifting in the Autumn. When purchasing earlier in the season (Feb-March) the root system should be well developed although you may find some compost falls away when you are planting them out and this is perfectly natural for the time of year.
  
  
• Garden care: Deadhead after flowering. In early spring apply a top-dressing of a balanced slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant and mulch with well rotted garden compost or manure. The older stems of tree peonies have a tendency to become brittle and snap so cut these back to the ground in autumn every two or three years.