2022 Southern Peony @ Blossom + Bone Flower Arranging Workshop

Southern Peony Flower Workshop Bouquet with Blossom + Bone
I have been pretty busy this past week, not in the garden but at our quarterly All Hands Meeting at work. This time, though, I actually got to do an activity with and learn something about flowers! How cool is that? (especially since software is my day job)? We were given three options for the social activity on the final day of the meeting, and one of the options was a flower arranging class with Blossom + Bone, a local Durham, NC florist. Of course I picked that one, and I made a thing...


Southern Peony Flower Wrapped Workshop Bouquet
We were allowed to choose the flower colors for our bouquets and the greenery. I decided to pick some of the more lavender colors for my bouquet (of course). There were so many pretty flowers to choose from though, there were bright, sunny yellow snapdragons and neon orange poppies that really grabbed your attention. Even though there weren't any peonies to put in our bouquets, I still had a great time thinking about how to best use the greenery, how to fill in dead space in an arrangement, and how to coordinate (or contrast) the colors in your bouquet. It was so much fun, and I can't wait to put my flower arranging skills to good use again at the upcoming APS Convention!


Blossom + Bone Florals
How can you not love a florist that has an intersectional (itoh) peony on the front page of their web site? Blossom + Bone Florals. I had such a great time meeting some of the ladies of Blossom + Bone, and getting to chat with them about their backgrounds. I even got to hang out with a fellow lefty that helped me tie my bouquet with twine. She had previously worked on a flower farm (after graduating college), and it was fun to hear her stories on how to grow some of the trickier types of flowers. I am filled with gratitude for being able to meet some other flower aficianados, spend some fun time with my colleagues, and get to take home an awesome floral bouquet!!

2022 Tree Peony Blooms - Week 3

Sometimes you just want to look at the flowers. This week had several tree peonies blooming and one that just smelled so good - the bright pink one, Tree Peony 'Sahohime'. I just couldn't get enough of its scent. Every time I passed by it, I just had to lean in for another sniff! The purple flares on the Tree Peony Paeonia Rockii always impress me. The bright red color of Tree Peony 'Taiyo' almost calls to you from way across the garden, beckoning to come nearer. And who can resist such a full, bountiful double blooms as that of Tree Peony 'Shimanishiki'?


Tree Peony 'Lavender Grace'

Tree Peony Paeonia Rockii

Tree Peony 'Taiyo' 太陽 (The Sun)

Tree Peony 'Sahohime' 佐保姫 (Princess Saho)

Tree Peony 'Shimanishiki' 島錦 (Island Brocade)

2022 Red Tree Peony Broken!

Red Tree Peony with Broken Branch
I have a sneaking suspicion that the squirrels might have had something to do with this broken branch on my red tree peony. They have been pillaging the sunflowers in my bird feeders, digging up (and eating) lots of crocus bulbs (and muscari bulbs) in my garden this spring, and just being a nuiscance in general. They've even dug up some daffodil bulbs (which they supposedly don't like)!


Red Tree Peony Broken Branch
I know things like this (broken tree peony branches) happen from time to time, but this year this red tree peony looked especially good and was growing so well. It even had 5 blooms on it, which is the most blooms it has ever had! Aside from losing the bloom, which already hurts, it kind of feels like this tree peony is losing 20% of it's growing capabilities for the entire year, as there was quite a bit of tree peony foliage broken off with this branch as well.


Red Tree Peony with Broken Branch
My tree peony garden feels like it really has had a rough time getting started. I started collecting tree peonies last (after herbaceous and intersectional peonies), and the only tree peony that I have that is doing stupendous at the moment is Tree Peony 'White Phoenix'. I have been having a really hard time getting so many tree peonies to take. Many of them will grow for 1-3 years, sometimes more, but many of them will peter out after that or never really grow well, and just get smaller each year until they die. (Some of them have even gotten sprayed with weed killer!) I hope this string of bad luck with tree peonies ends soon!


Red Tree Peony Bloom

2022 Second Tree Peony Bloom(s) of the Season!!

We've had quite the cold spell since the 2022 First Tree Peony Bud of the Season! That tree peony ostii with the first bud was the lone tree peony with blooms for about a week and a half, and it has also been dry with no rain. Yesterday we got a big rain, about an inch and a half, with a warm front, and that really did the trick!! Several other tree peonies and one herbaceous peony all burst into bloom on the same day, April 1st! The extra moisture (and especially the warmer weather) really spurred these peonies into action! I love the whites and lavenders of these very early peonies. It is nice to enjoy these delicate, pastel petal colors in the early peony bloom season. 🙂


Tree Peony 'White Pheonix'

Tree Peony 'White Phoenix'

Tree Peony 'White Phoenix'

Tree Peony Paeonii Rockii Lavender

Peony 'Halcyon'

Tree Peony Paeonii Rockii Lavender

Tree Peony Seedling

2022 Intersectional Peony 'Haleigh's Hallelujah' at Local Nursery!

I couldn't really believe it, at first. An Intersectional Peony I've never seen before, for sale at my local nursery!?! I was actually interested in it, but then I saw the price tag $99, and it scared me off. There was also only 1 of this variety, and it looked at little smaller than the other intersectional peonies they were selling. I also didn't see a bloom bud on it. I believe I kept myself at a distance since the price was so high. So I actually left the nursery - Logan's Garden Shop, and went on shopping to see what else was being offered this spring.


Intersectional Peony 'Haleigh's Hallelujah' at Local Nursery
I actually went to Homewood Nursery to see what they were selling this year. I wasn't actually looking for a peony that day, when I found 2022 Peonies at Local Nurseries - Logan's Garden Shop & Homewood Nursery. I was really looking for anemones, the small, short growing single variety, in hot pink, red, and white. I had just seen them growing in nearby Edenton, NC when we took a weekend trip for our anniversary. Those anemones were so bright, and their colors just popped in the early spring garden, blooming with the snowdrops. Alas, I did not find any anemones, but I kept thinking about the Intersectional Peony, 'Haleigh's Hallelujah'...


Intersectional Peony 'Haleigh's Hallelujah' Plant Tag
I figured that no matter which catalog or grower I ordered this plant from, the price would probably be $50-$100 anyway, 2022 Intersectional Peony Catalog Price Comparison List (and actually I've never seen it offered before since I've been doing my intersectional peony price list - way back to 2013!) So even if someone did offer it, the price would likely be closer to $100 since it is still rare. Also you'd have to pay a shipping fee to get it to your house (on top of the price of the root). And - it would be a root, this one is a decent sized plant growing in a large 3 gallon pot!


Intersectional Peony 'Haleigh's Hallelujah'
Anyway, I rationalized my way back to Logan's Plant Shop! Ha Ha! 😃 Luckily, the plant was still there and had not been sold (since it was the only one of that variety). Also when I got back to it, I examined it a bit closer, and it did actually have some bloom buds on it. I was thinking earlier that it did not. I think I wouldn't really let myself get close enough to it to really look at it, since the price tag had scared me off! In the end I was able to purchase my very own Intersectional Peony 'Haleigh's Hallelujah', and I'm very glad I did, as it is actually a peony that was hybridized by my friend Don Smith, who I interviewed in 2016 Peony Hybridizer Interview - Don R. Smith. Intersectional Peony 'Haleigh's Hallelujah', was actually named after Don Smith's daughter - Haleigh!

I can't wait to grow it!!

2022 Peonies at Local Nurseries - Logan's Garden Shop & Homewood Nursery

Peonies at Local Nursery - Logan's Garden Shop
When I went out today to look at a couple of local nurseries, I found several varieties of peonies for sale! If you are looking for a quick way to get a peony started or to get started with peonies, buying a potted peony in spring can be a great way to jump start your collection! If you can find one in bloom or in bud with the color showing - even better! That way you can feel a little more sure of what you're getting.


Peonies at Local Nursery - Homewood Nursery
The peonies I saw today were not in bloom. They were in the stem and foliage growth stage, just the same as the peonies growing in my garden. If you do plan to purchase a potted peony this spring, be sure to get it into the ground as soon as possible before the summer weather arrives and it turns so hot! Any extra time they can get to become acclimated to their new home while the temps are still a little cool will be good.


Intersectional Peonies at Local Nursery - Homewood Nursery
Both of the nurseries I visited, both Logan's Garden Shop & Homewood Nursery were offering both the traditional herbaceous peonies and several intersectional varieties as well. I even saw some pretty new intersectional peony varieties like Intersectional Peony 'Pink Double Dandy' (aka Keiko), Intersectional Peony 'Belle Toulousaine', and Intersectional Peony 'Duchesse de Lorraine'. The prices were in the range of $40 for the herbaceous peony varieties and the range of $90-$120 for the intersectional peony varieties.

Herbaceous Peonies at Local Nursery - Logan's Garden Shop
The prices for these potted peonies are definitely more costly than purchasing a root from a grower, but you are really buying time. If you didn't purchase a peony root last year and plant it last fall (to see it grow this spring), then you'd really have to wait until next year to even see your peony grow if you are planning to buy a bare root this year. Also many bare root peony divisions won't bloom their first year to two, or sometimes they bloom the very first year, then won't bloom for another year or two. They need time to become established. These potted peonies are already established as plants on their own and will likely continue to bloom for you year after year, assuming you plant your peony in a location where it is happy!

Logan's Garden Shop Sale - 20% Peonies when you buy 3 or More -
Logan's even had a sale on peonies today - 20% off when you buy 3 or more! I am so happy to be able to support local family businesses in my area, and I hope you are able to do the same where you live! Buying local means a lot to the local economy, the local stores, the local people who own those businesses, and the local people that work there! So I hope you will Shop Small, Shop Local! and look for local plant nurseries near you (that just might already have their first shipment of peonies in)!!

2022 American Peony Society Convention Donation - Intersectional Peony 'Hillary'

This past Sunday I got an email request for donation from the American Peony Society (as all APS members should have received), and although I am not a commercial peony grower, and I definitely do not have fields or even a field of peonies, I still decided to donate a peony to the auction. If you are an APS member and have a home garden like me, I hope you too will consider donating a plant to the auction. Each year this APS auction is the main fundraiser for the APS organization, and it helps support the APS convention and bulletin publishing costs.


Intersectional Peony 'Hillary'
The peony that I decided to donate is Intersectional Peony 'Hillary'. It is definitely one of my favorite intersectional peonies, and it is also a Southern Peony Best Performer. This peony grows so well here that it will make a very large bush (which can also be divided). Even after division, this plant bounces back and keep on growing. The blooms on this plant are stunning, and as you can see from this photo (from our bloom season last year), the petals can slowly fade to an almost pastel like bloom, while the new flowers open a bright reddish-pink! This Intersectional Peony 'Hillary' is as stunning in person as it is in photos (or perhaps more)!

2022 First Tree Peony Bud of the Season!

First Tree Peony Bud of the Season
It is a simple, nameless tree peony seedling, but it is so lovely to see this first pale pink bud appear so early in the season! A harbinger of beautiful sights to come! When in full bloom, these P. Ostii tree peony flowers look mostly white, but it is so nice to see this beautiful blush of pink before these flowers are fully open! The petals look so delicate and soft, like beautiful wisps of pale pink crepe paper!


Pale Pink Bud on Tree Peony Ostii
I hope all of your gardens are growing well, and your tree peony seasons are upon you or quickly approaching! (And if you don't grow tree peonies yet, now might be a good time to consider it - since growing tree peonies is almost like having a whole other peony season/show before the herbaceous peony flowers show up!) 🙂


Pale Pink Bud of Tree Peony Ostii

2022 Registered for the American Peony Society Convention!

I can hardly believe it!! Today I registered for the American Peony Society's 2022 Annual Convention! I must say it is like a breath of fresh air to feel like we can try to get back to some sense of normalcy. The covid-19 numbers have been dropping, and I'm sure it won't be gone forever, but at least now we have vaccines to help prevent/reduce infections, medicines designed to treat it, and have learned so much about how to prevent illness. I myself am fully vaccinated, and I am so looking forward to seeing all of my peony friends at the convention! It has been too long!!


American Peony Society Convention Registration
If you feel comfortable and ready to get back to peony conventioning, I hope you'll register too! It will be so nice to break bread and share stories with fellow peony lovers, to feel the collective joy and energy we all generate and receive from this love of our favorite (at least my favorite!) flower!! I am also particularly excited that my Mom has decided to join me at the convention this year. What a treat! I can't wait to see the beautiful fields of peonies at the University of Michigan's Nichols Arboretum and catch up with fellow peony friend, David Michener. I'm sure he's going to be a busy guy this year! Don't forget about all the beautiful blooms in the peony exhibition, and I can't wait to see what is up for auction at this year's convention!!

2022 Seeing Green (Peonies) on St. Patrick's Day!

Peony & Iris
On this St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to reflect not on being lucky or making our own luck, but on gratitude for all the things we have to feel lucky for. There are so many sad events going on all over the world that have a real impact and toll on people, and I do wish for peace for all of those in turmoil. I think with that, the current state of the world should help us all reflect not just on the small things in life that we may sometimes under appreciate, our safety, our freedom, our health, our food and water, our homes (and gardens!)...


Daffodils & Peony 'Flame'

Peony 'Flame'
We should also reflect on how we as small part of the larger human whole can all do our part to be kind to each other on a daily basis, and kind not just to those who look like us or talk like us or dress like us, but kind to everyone, and kind to those especially that are different. For when we push a part of the human whole into the "other", we create unnecessary conflict. It is up to all of us to do our parts to welcome and include and be kind to all humans, because we are all human.


Tree Peony, Hellebores, & Camellias
So I wanted to take a small part of my St. Patrick's Day today to be thankful for even just seeing the slow and steady passage of time through nature, the tiny green growth springing forth from the ground. The renewal and rebirth of life, that faithfully returns, ever hopeful, a reminder of the good in nature that we are all a part of...

2022 Solaris Farms Tree Peony Order Peony 'Angel' Emily & Her Children!

Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' is by far my favorite tree peony (at least so far!!). Unfortunately my Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' got killed 2 springs ago by TruGreen :-(. So now I have to order another one to put in a super protected area. 😊 My Tree Peony 'Angel Choir' was right beside it, and both of them bit the dust. Gosh, gardening can be an expensive hobby! Sometimes you think you only have to buy a plant once and it will be there forever, but that is not always the case!

Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' at Solaris Farms	Tree Peony 'Angel Choir' at Solaris Farms

Besides those two old favorites it looks like there are 2 new tree peonies from Nate Bremer at Solaris Farms that are children of Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' - Tree Peony 'Black Echo' and Tree Peony 'Olympus'. I really couldn't resist! They both look so gorgeous and loaded with blooms. I have spots in my garden picked out for them already! I want to put 'Angel Emily' in a lavender garden near my Intersectional Peony Garden, and I want to put Tree Peony 'Angel Choir' near a garden bench and bird feeder in my back yard. I also have some hot pink and light pink gardens where I'll put the other two new tree peony varieties.

Tree Peony 'Black Echo' at Solaris Farms	Tree Peony 'Olympus' at Solaris Farms

I am thrilled to see how Nate Bremer is carrying on the legacy of Bill Seidl in the hybridizing of tree peonies. It was a rare and unique opportunity to visit Bill's garden in 2016 Peony 'Dreamtime' Pollen from Bill Seidl's Garden before he passed away, and I'm so glad I had the chance. It was very humbling to find out that he even knew who I was! 😊 I can't wait to see how these new progeny of his angel, Tree Peony 'Angel Emily', turn out!! They look so lovely in the photos!!

2022 Peony Shop Holland Offers 47 Herbaceous Hot 100 Peonies

Peony Shop Holland Offers 47 Herbaceous Hot 100 Peonies
There are so many pretty new peony cultivars over at Peony Shop Holland that are on the Southern Peony 2022 Herbaceous Hot 100 Peony Catalog Price Comparison List. The top grower on the list is actually a Dutch grower based in the Netherlands called Peony Shop Holland.

Peony Shop Holland is offering 47 distinct varieties on our Herbaceous Hot 100 list - (the most ever! since I've been compiling my list). I did notice that many of the peonies offered on the Peony Shop Holland list are Roger Anderson / Swenson Gardens hybridized varieties - that I haven't yet seen Swenson Gardens offer for sale (like all of the Peony 'Joyful ...' series peonies). I guess Swenson Gardens had too many new introductions and decided to sell some of them to Peony Shop Holland for propagation.

Peony Shop Holland is mostly wholesale, but I believe they will sell to anyone. However I think the shipping costs to the US can be prohibitive unless you are able to get together a group order. Here is a description of them from their web site: "Our peony nursery is specialized in growing and multiplying exclusive, high quality peony roots and flowers. Peonyshop.com is a family-owned business run by Jeremy and Joshua (brothers). We propagate our peonies the traditional way and don’t use Meristem culture. The peony flowers are mainly sold in the Netherlands. The roots are exported all over the world, mostly to wholesale peony buyers." If you'd like to learn more about Peony Shop Holland, you can also check out our hybridizer interview with Joshua in 2020 Peony Hybridizer Interview - Joshua Scholten.

2022 Peony 'Lembrose' Most Expensive Peony Ever $2,500.00

Peony 'Lembrose' for Sale for $2,500.00 at Swenson Gardens
One shocking piece of news that came out of my work on the 2022 Herbaceous Hot 100 Peony Catalog Price Comparison List was the price tag on a new cultivar, Peony 'Lembrose', the biggest price tag I have ever seen. The only description on this very expensive peony (aside from the stats: 32" tall, 38" wide, double, mid) are, "Need we say more? The apex of new peony cultivars?", which is not much of a description to me. The Swenson Gardens web page does show several photos of the bloom as is progresses and opens, and it is very pretty.

Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about this super expensive price tag. Does it mean that peonies are becoming more valuable? Is that good for the peony world? Does it mean that peonies are becoming more inaccessible to the average gardener? How do you feel about these new higher prices for new peony variety introductions? Would you pay $2,500.00 for one peony root? If you have a comment, please leave your thoughts below in the "Post a Comment" box.

2022 Southern Peony New Topic Labels for Price Comparison Lists

While working on my Peony Price Lists this year, 2022 Intersectional Peony Catalog Price Comparison List & 2022 Herbaceous Hot 100 Peony Catalog Price Comparison List, I noticed that is was hard to see the prices and varieties side by side for past years, when looking at the topic for "Price List". On the Southern Peony Popular Topics page, you can look at articles by topic. When you click on Price List, it takes you to all of the previous price list articles for both herbaceous and intersectional peonies. Usually if you want to compare, you probably want to see all of the past varieties offered or past prices listed for just one type or the other (herbaceous OR intersectional), but not both.


Southern Peony Popular Topics
So I decided to create 2 new labels and add them to the Popular Topics page, one for herbaceous peonies "Price List Herbaceous" and one for intersectionals "Price List Intersectional". So now you can click on just the type you are interested in viewing, and only those price lists will come up. I hope this new feature is helpful for you when comparing prices and varieties, checking which vendors may have offered which peony varieties in the past, etc. Happy Peony Hunting!!