Peony Registry

Garden named “Crixus”, and previously distributed under this name. Parentage: ‘Salmon Dream’ x P. peregrina (presumed). First bloomed 2013, first propagated 2013. Midseason blooming SEMI-DOUBLE flowers are satiny red, 13cm (5”), upward facing, and average one per stem. The form is, overall, loose, resembling old-fashioned roses. Color, notably, does not fade – an exceptional trait for red peonies, and its vivid color is a beacon amid fields of hundreds of other cultivars. Guard petals are typically 6 cm (2.5”) in width. No fragrance noted. On average, flowers possess three moderately hairy carpels that are mint-green in color, with red stigmas that are unusually and notably small, appearing as small dots. Stamens are nearly always deformed; white, antherless filaments being less than 1.5 cm (0.5”). No fertility noted. Disk is apparent, with few projections, and green in color. Plants reach 95cm (37.5”) at maturity, and carry broad-pointed, fresh green, lush foliage. At the time of emergence, foliage appears brownish-red, unfurling notably early as is typical for the suspected pollen parent, P. peregrina. Growth habit is upright; mechanical support is unnecessary. Grown from seed harvested in 2006 from a plant of ‘Salmon Dream’ grown adjacent to P. peregrina. The fairly safe assumption that P. peregrina is the pollen parent is based on this fact, in conjunction with the corresponding bloom time, and various other traits of P. peregrina reflected by this cultivar. The name was originally suggested by the registrant’s brother-in-law, Crixus being a great gladiator and warrior.