What Is a Peony Stem?

Peony Stems

• Stems, leaves, and roots are the vegetative organs of plants. Growing points located at the tips of the stems contribute to primary growth in length. Peony stems are herbaceous or woody according to peony type. Garden peonies are herbaceous plants. Intersectional hybrid peonies are woody perennials. Tree peonies produce flowers on permanent woody branches.

Stem Growth

• Peony plants produce stems from tuberous roots. New stem growth emerges from the "eyes," or growth buds, on root divisions. Each stem is capable of producing several leaves and at least one peony flower. Bare-root peonies are priced according the the size of the root division and the number of eyes. Tree peonies are grafted onto roots of herbaceous peonies or grown on their own roots.

Stem Length

• Peony flowers grow on the ends of stems or branches. Flowering stems of herbaceous peonies grow from 2 to 4 feet tall. Intersectional hybrid stems eventually reach 3 feet tall. Tree peonies grow slowly, maturing with branches 2 to 6 feet long. All peonies take up to several years to mature and flower reliably.