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Monday, May 27, 2013
2013 Peony Blooms Late - Week 6
This week, Week 6, has been a nice week as far as the weather goes. The rain was sprinkled with sunshine. However most of the peonies have bloomed by now. I think Week 4 and Week 5 were probably the height of my peony bloom season, which was nice since I hosted a baby shower for my brother and his wife last weekend. Lots of friends and family got to see my garden in bloom and everyone was asking what kind of flower they were and how they could grow them. It is always nice to share the love of peonies. They are just such a great plant and beautiful flower! Currently there are only a few plants that haven't opened yet, and some plants that still have some side buds opening. This is one advantage of peonies that have multiple buds per stem. Usually the multiple buds on one stem will open on different days, extending the bloom period of that peony variety. This is especially nice near the end of the bloom season when there are only a few blooms left and the season is almost over. You can still get some small flowers to enjoy or bring inside.
Friday, May 24, 2013
2013 Questions - Herbaceous, Itoh, or Tree Peony
I received this question from Tom in zone 9:
"Hello, Was wondering if you have heard from anyone in the Houston, Texas area (zone 9) that has had success with any of the three kinds of peonies: herbaceous, Itoh, or tree peony. I am experimenting with a couple tree peonies, as well as Festiva Maxima and Sarah Bernhardt. (their second year). Have not tried any of the Itoh's yet, but they are reputed to grow and bloom in zone 9 according to some sources. I had a Duchesse de Nemoir which bloomed for me this past March (10 big blooms) from a field run clump grown and dug in North Carolina. I am presuming it received some winter chill in Dec., early January before I planted it late January. Will see what it does next year since it is a blooming size clump. Any information would be appreciated."
,+or+Herbaceous+Peony.jpg)
Tree, Intersectional, or Herbaceous Peony
I personally have not spoken with anyone else in the Houston, Texas area. However I did find a question on the Texas A&M web site (which is pretty close to Houston) that seems to imply that some herbaceous peonies can grow there. "Q: Why doesn’t anyone grow peonies here? I just returned from Michigan and while perusing the photo album was reminded of how beautiful and bountiful the peonies are every spring. A: The summer is too hot for most peonies in our area. There are a few heirloom selections that will survive if they are planted in good soil in morning sun. [Note: do an internet search for heat tolerant Paeonia species]" So I feel quite confident that you can grow most peonies there. Herbaceous peonies are usually the least heat tolerant of the three types you mentioned. Tree peonies are generally considered to be the most heat tolerant, then intersectional (Itoh), and then herbaceous being the least heat tolerant. When planting your peonies I would make sure to plant the roots as close to the surface as possible in order to allow them to get as much winter chill as possible. I have had some herbaceous peonies stop blooming for me, only to start again the next spring after I had lifted their roots closer to the surface. It sounds like you are starting quite a collection of peonies. I would definitely recommend adding an intersectional peony as well. I have been very impressed with Peony 'Bartzella'. She is just such a stellar grower, very heat tolerant, loves the sun, multiplies rapidly once established, and divides well too. Also you may want to check out some of my other Southern Peony Best Performers for ideas on other plants that might do well for you. I would love to get a report on your peonies and some pictures too in the future. I would say first and foremost to be patient. Peonies take a long time to establish themselves initially. So give them some extra care and time to adjust to your growing climate. Once they feel at home, they will make a nice plant.
"Hello, Was wondering if you have heard from anyone in the Houston, Texas area (zone 9) that has had success with any of the three kinds of peonies: herbaceous, Itoh, or tree peony. I am experimenting with a couple tree peonies, as well as Festiva Maxima and Sarah Bernhardt. (their second year). Have not tried any of the Itoh's yet, but they are reputed to grow and bloom in zone 9 according to some sources. I had a Duchesse de Nemoir which bloomed for me this past March (10 big blooms) from a field run clump grown and dug in North Carolina. I am presuming it received some winter chill in Dec., early January before I planted it late January. Will see what it does next year since it is a blooming size clump. Any information would be appreciated."
,+or+Herbaceous+Peony.jpg)
Tree, Intersectional, or Herbaceous Peony
I personally have not spoken with anyone else in the Houston, Texas area. However I did find a question on the Texas A&M web site (which is pretty close to Houston) that seems to imply that some herbaceous peonies can grow there. "Q: Why doesn’t anyone grow peonies here? I just returned from Michigan and while perusing the photo album was reminded of how beautiful and bountiful the peonies are every spring. A: The summer is too hot for most peonies in our area. There are a few heirloom selections that will survive if they are planted in good soil in morning sun. [Note: do an internet search for heat tolerant Paeonia species]" So I feel quite confident that you can grow most peonies there. Herbaceous peonies are usually the least heat tolerant of the three types you mentioned. Tree peonies are generally considered to be the most heat tolerant, then intersectional (Itoh), and then herbaceous being the least heat tolerant. When planting your peonies I would make sure to plant the roots as close to the surface as possible in order to allow them to get as much winter chill as possible. I have had some herbaceous peonies stop blooming for me, only to start again the next spring after I had lifted their roots closer to the surface. It sounds like you are starting quite a collection of peonies. I would definitely recommend adding an intersectional peony as well. I have been very impressed with Peony 'Bartzella'. She is just such a stellar grower, very heat tolerant, loves the sun, multiplies rapidly once established, and divides well too. Also you may want to check out some of my other Southern Peony Best Performers for ideas on other plants that might do well for you. I would love to get a report on your peonies and some pictures too in the future. I would say first and foremost to be patient. Peonies take a long time to establish themselves initially. So give them some extra care and time to adjust to your growing climate. Once they feel at home, they will make a nice plant.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
2013 American Peony Society Fundraiser Auction
The American Peony Society Convention is coming up before you know it! I just paid my registration fee yesterday (and the late fee!) to attend. I'd already booked my travel months ago. I guess my registration just slipped through the cracks! Anyway I got an email asking for contributions for the American Peony Society Convention Fundraiser Auction. I am donating this beautiful Peony Topaz Sterling Silver Necklace for the auction, as well as a 'Bartzella' Peony, which is one of my Southern Peony Best Performers, for fall delivery. So if you'd like a chance to bid on one or both of these items or the myriad of other wonderful peonies and peony related stuff, I hope you'll join us at the 2013 American Peony Society Convention this year! I'd love to see you there!
Peony Topaz Sterling Silver Necklace
Peony Topaz Sterling Silver Necklace
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
2013 Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt' Best Performer - Week 5
My best performer this week was definitely Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt'. I have always loved the shape of the blooms on this plant. They are so symmetrical, and the petals are so rounded and even, making a bloom that is very pleasing to the eye. The color of the petals is a lovely light pink. This peony is also an excellent grower in my southern climate, multiplying easily. This peony is also loaded with blooms, having multiple large full double flowers on each stem. These cloud like, cotton candy blooms are as lovely on the bush as they are in the vase. Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt' was also selected as the American Peony Society Gold Medal winner in 1948 for "outstanding merit and excellence in all sections of the country". This selection has definitely proven true in this southern section of the country!
Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt'
Southern Peony Best Performer
Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt'
Southern Peony Best Performer
Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt'
Southern Peony Best Performer
Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt'
Southern Peony Best Performer
Monday, May 20, 2013
2013 Peony Blooms Late Mid - Week 5
Week 5 has been a challenging week for photos without my main camera and so much rainy and cloudy weather. I am going to apologize in advance for the quality of the pictures here. My main camera is currently not working, and I'm waiting on its replacement. In the meantime I am just using a point and shoot camera, unfortunately. All types of peonies continue to bloom, including intersectionals. Even with all of the rain, the incidence of botrytis blight has still been minimal this season, which is great news. The foliage on my peonies has never looked so healthy!
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