Peony update

Paeonia mairei's flowers are faded, fallen, and now just a memory. 

Though the seedheads turn into amusing jester-style hats, I decided to remove them. I don't really know if leaving them in place affects the amount of flowers the following year. I usually leave a few on the varieties that put on the best show. 

All of my P. japonica are in full bloom. The slightest increase in sunshine and warmth springs them open. 

Some years the various species Peonies bloom at the same time; not this year. P. obvata var. alba is on the verge of opening.

The buds on P. vetchii, P. willmottiae and P. 'Nosegay' (below) are still rather tightly closed.

P. 'Nosegay' is a second generation cross between P. mlokosewitschii, and P. tenufolia and blooms very early. Since it may open this week, I guess I can consider that early compared to traditional Peonies. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I love the dark leaves on the P. obvata. All of your peonies are so pretty. I actually have a peony blooming. It is a long story...in the end I have a blooming peony.

[Barbara H.]

I think its nice of your peonies to space themselves out a little. Warmer weather is nice too though.

[Nell]

Hollingsworth Peonies assigns each variety they offer to a week (or range of weeks) in a 6/7-week bloom season. 'Nosegay' is week 2, like my 'Claire de Lune', so it's well ahead of the main peony season (weeks 4-6). Most tree peonies are in weeks 1-3, as are many species.

It's peony week 4 here, and the first wave of lactifloras are putting on a great show: Tokio, Carolina Moon, Hot Chocolate, Krinkled White, White Cap. A brief chilly spell has set in, so the next batch won't start up until later in the week. Then it'll be floral overload for a while...

[Nell]

Is the foliage on your P. obovata greener in warmer springs? That's just gorgeous, and sets off the white buds/blooms dramatically.

[Kris P]

I'm so envious. I gave my 2 plants a good talking to but they're ignoring me (again).

[Loree / danger garden]

So many luscious flowers! (and some nice foliage too)

[Linda from Each Little World]

Though I do have a couple of traditional Peonies, I really like these woodland varieties. Better for my light conditions and the foliage never has any fungal issues

[Linda from Each Little World]

Assigning weeks is a great way to know what to expect. I am going to remember this. I only know 'Krinkled White' but I love the names of your other Peonies.

[Linda from Each Little World]

As that peony ages, the foliage tends to lose that lovely bronzy leaf color.