Peony Registry

Seedling number Hollingsworth 3047. APS Seedling Certificate of Merit 2011. Early to Early Midseason opening, weeks 2 to 3 bloom time rating. Parentage is ‘Salmon Dream’ x ‘Pink Vanguard’. SEMI-DOUBLE to full DOUBLE, the six-inch diameter blossom is of flower-in-flower anatomy, a flower type yet rare in early opening peonies. Petals are of a light shell pink hue, the density paling outward. Well rounded guard petals are broad, inner petals’ ends range from lightly serrate to laciniate. A narrow band of normal, pollen-bearing stamens encircle the inner flower, characteristic of cultivars carrying the progressive stamen transformation genetic trait. One flower per stem, pleasantly fragrant, placed a little above the bush on strong stems of medium height, typically ranging to 32 inches. Leaflets are broad and keeled (partially folded), the ends pointed, the color a rich bluish green. Growth is vigorous and the rate of multiplication is excellent. The parentage suggests ‘Nelda’s Joy’ is tetraploid, but the breeding potential not yet tested. Named for Lucas Hudson’s centenarian grandmother, Nelda Roth. Luke is Hollingsworth Nursery’s Production Manager.