Gardening Enthusiasts: Familiarize Yourself with the Varieties of Peonies
Peonies, with their vibrant blooms and historical significance, have captivated garden enthusiasts for centuries. This article aims to shed light on the various types of peonies, their unique characteristics, and their origins.
Herbaceous Peonies
These perennial plants are known for their soft, herbaceous stems that die back each winter and regrow in spring. The common herbaceous peonies include Raspberry Sundae, Miss America, Sarah Bernhardt, Shirley Temple, and Coral Charm. The single variety of peony has 5-15 saucer-shaped petals, while semi-double peonies have many more petals than the single variety.
Tree Peonies
In contrast to herbaceous peonies, tree peonies are woody shrubs with woody stems that do not die back in winter. They produce large, often fragrant flowers and have a longer life span than herbaceous types. Some popular tree peonies include Black Pirate, High Noon, Vesuvian, Dusky Maiden, and Age of Gold.
Itoh Peonies (Intersectional hybrids)
Itoh peonies are a fascinating cross between herbaceous and tree peonies. They have woody stems that die back annually, combining the best traits of both groups—large, complex flowers and herbaceous growth habit. Itoh peonies have blooms that span 8 inches (20.32 cm) across and finely cut leaves that grow closely to the ground with an appealing and tidy mounded form. They are found in golden, coral, red, and white varieties.
Japanese Peonies
Japanese peonies have a central cluster of upright petaloid stamens surrounded by a ring of stamens, giving an open, decorative center rather than a fully double flower. Japanese peonies arrived in Japan in the 8th century and became a symbol of good fortune and bravery.
Anemone Peonies
Anemone peonies have 5 or more outer petals with no discernible anthers. They feature a central cushion or "bomb" of upright petals surrounded by one or more outer rings of petals, resembling anemone flowers.
Bomb Peonies
A type of semi-double peony, bomb peonies have a very full center mass of upright petals that creates a rounded "bomb"-like effect.
Full Double Peonies
These peonies have many layers of broad petals forming a full, rounded flower with the stamens completely hidden.
Fernleaf Peonies
Fernleaf peonies are a subset of tree peonies distinguished by finely dissected, fern-like leaves, lending a delicate foliage appearance. Fernleaf peonies are more difficult to propagate and are therefore harder to find and more expensive than other varieties.
Throughout history, peonies have held significant cultural and mythological importance. They were associated with Leto, Apollo, Paeon, Pluto, and the Trojan war. By the 19th century, peonies were introduced to European and American gardens and became a popular perennial favourite. In Chinese history, peonies were the main flower in the Imperial Palace Gardens and were known as "Sho Yo", meaning 'most beautiful'.
Tree peonies are particularly sought after by true fans of peonies due to their large flowers and woody stem that can grow up to 5 feet tall. Japanese peonies, on the other hand, have thickened stamens with a feathery appearance. Itoh peonies are extremely cold hardy, withstanding temperatures in the United States Department of Agriculture zone 3b. Fernleaf peonies, with their delicate foliage, stand out among the flowers.
In conclusion, the key differences lie in flower structure—ranging from simple five-petal singles to lush, multilayered full doubles—and in plant form between herbaceous types that die back annually and woody tree peonies that persist year-round. Itoh peonies combine both woody and herbaceous traits, offering a unique blend of the best qualities from both categories.
In the realm of peonies, the 'Itoh Peonies' are a captivating hybrid, boasting a woody stem that dies back annually, while maintaining the appealing herbaceous growth habit.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts often admire 'Tree Peonies' for their large, fragrant flowers and woody stems that persist year-round, reaching heights up to 5 feet tall.
