Peony Registry

Parentage unknown. First bloomed 2015, first propagated 2016. Blooms midseason. In modern APS usage this would be a BOMB flower form with the guard petals distinctly larger and wider than the petals in the center. However in classic terminology prior to 1928, this would have been recognized as a CROWN form in that both the stamens and the carpels are transformed to petals, but those arising from the stamens are narrower and significantly different from those in the center arising from the carpels. The color is red. Flowers are 5 inches (13 cm) in size and on average there are one or two blooms per stem. Flowers comprised of two rows of rounded guard petals, average width 1½ inches (4 cm), sometimes slightly notched at the end. Stamens are transformed to quite narrow petals, highly feathered at their ends. Carpels also fully transformed. Pollen absent, stigmas absent. Delicate fragrance. Upright growth habit on strong green stems, height to 30 inches (75 cm). The name comes from the flower’s bright cherry-red color and shining-feather form. From bud to full bloom, the impression is of an ungainly newborn hatchling, with wings progressing from pin feathers through to flight feathers, waiting to rush out of a cage and embrace the coming spring.