The seedpods on Paeonia obvata var. Alba are starting to open. Red seeds are infertile. The blue-black seeds are fertile. Yes, this is the real color and they are this shiny.
'Mr. Poppins' has done his work as both my Winterberries (Ilex verticillata 'Berry Poppins') are covered with berries. Their color will continue to deepen as autumn progresses.
It's interesting to learn that the color of the seeds signifies their fertility. Now I'm trying to remember the color of the seeds produced by my Majorcan peony, the one and only member of the genus that's deigned to bloom in my garden. It didn't do so this year but I did get a few tiny seedlings on another occasion. They remained tiny even after a good year in the pot and I finally stuck them in the ground. Whether they'll ever be seen again is an open question.
Posted by: Kris P | Thursday, September 08, 2022 at 01:58 PM
They add wonderful color to both shrubs, those brilliantly colored berries. T
Very interesting coloration of the seeds on the Peony. I wonder what purpose that serves--attract birds to the infertile ones so the fertile seeds have a chance to drop and grow?
Posted by: hb | Thursday, September 08, 2022 at 06:27 PM
Wow, fascinating! Beautiful plants and seeds, and beautiful photos.
Posted by: Beth@PlantPostings | Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 06:36 PM