Peony Registry

Seedling field # 1508. Parentage: ‘Petite Rene’ x Saunders 8969 (8969 is Paeonia officinalis ‘Rosea Plena’ x P. corallina). First bloomed and first propagated before 1980. BOMB. Beet-root purple (RHS 71B-71C). Flower of medium size (5+ inches), the guard petals reflex somewhat and the rather broad petalodes grow relatively long to a high center. One flower per stem. Average of three carpels, stigmas normal. No stamens, no seeds yet found, presumed triploid, therefore minimal fertility expected. Spreading growth habit, height 26-28 inches, mechanical support needed for best display. Leaflets are distinctly rounded and cupped, of rich green color at flowering, leaf condition may decline upon onset of heat and drought, supplemental irrigation and high shade are beneficial. Blooms early to early midseason, Normally opening its flowers several days before ‘Red Charm’. Upon onset of his declining health, Roy Pehrson divested himself of numerous valued peony plants. This is one of the seedlings sent to Chris Laning, who later shared divisions with others interested in peony breeding as an example of the flower doubling achievements attainable among the early flowering interspecies hybrids. The name is registered at this time in preparation for further distribution as a cultivar for its unique ornamental qualities, which process also enables preservation of its history.