While the flowers are a fleeting phenomenon, the foliage can look great for months on end. I have a huge, 8ft x 10ft p..delavayii lutea which has gorgeous fresh green palmate foliage on long woody stems - looks almost tropical and is hugely enjoyed by me (although the spousal unit moans). How does the suffruticosa (?) foliage stand up? Lush and opulent blooms on yours, Dave. Mine are a bit shyer, hiding their cup shaped flowers in the leaf nodes..

I have a deep-seated love of tree peonies. The flowers are spectacular, though yes unfortunately brief and gone in a snap in high winds. They are quite attractive shrubs after the flower display is done for the year.

Here is a photo of a white tree peony from my old house; she is no longer with me, but she never failed to disappoint:

I'm right there with you, Dave:

Tree peony No. 49 (aka Shima Nishiki?) (houzz.com)

Chris