Peony Registry

Sonia Hélène

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Cultivar
Sonia Hélène
Originator
Ménard / D’Aoust
Group
Herbaceous Hybrid
Date
2008
Country
Canada, QC

HERBACEOUS HYBRID. Seedling number 84-2/MM03. Has previously been distributed to selected growers under seedling number MM03. Parentage unknown, but colour and fertility suggest it is an advanced generation hybrid. First bloomed prior to 1997. First year propagated, 1998. SINGLE. Flowers are pale yellow (RHS 1D), 6 inches (15 cm) across, with rounded petals. Colour retained until petal drop. The plant is very floriferous, with sidebuds occurring frequently. Two carpels on average, moderately hairy. Stigmas pale pink having normal anatomy. Pollen bearing stamens are more than ¾ inch long (15 mm), with uniform yellow filaments. Staminodal disc is well developed complete, and white. Pale yellow-green foliage on emergence, matures to light green. Upright plant with slightly relaxed habit when compared to other Ménard seedlings though mechanical support not required. Stems average 85 cm (33.5 inches) in height. Blooms early/midseason. Much admired and considered one of the very best of the seedlings resulting from the work of Québec peony breeder Maurice Ménard. Named in honour of Sonia Hélène Labatt, Ph.D., by her husband Arthur Labatt, in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. A donation to the SPCA Montérègie has been made in Dr. Labatt’s name for the privilege of naming this peony.

Reference: 2008-346:022