2016 Southern Peony New Peony Hybridizers Section

I am very excited about a new page I'm adding to Southern Peony - Hybridizers. This page will be on the 2nd row of the menu bar at the top of every page. So it will be very easy to find. This page is a result of my interest in breeding and breeders. When I was reading an article about a breeder from TN of another type of plant, I felt like there was a gap in the reporting and recording of this type of information in the world of peonies. So I decided to start interviewing peony breeders. My first interviewee and I have finally finished my first interview, and I am very excited to publish it tomorrow. I won't spoil the surprise of who the first peony hybridizer interview is with. So you'll have to check back tomorrow to find out who it is and read all about them! Hybridize Definition

2016 Peony 'Halcyon' Best Performer - Week 1

I must say that I am usually not too impressed by Week 1 peonies. They can and do bloom here, but often they only have one or two blooms or the blooms aren't very spectacular. I must say that I have been really impressed by Peony 'Halcyon' this year. It put up 5 blooms this year, and it looks there will be even more next year (as long as we don't get a hard late frost)! Peony 'Halcyon' was hybridized by Professor A. P. Saunders and registered in 1948. In its registration, it is described as blush with purple flares. However, the flowers in my garden open a light pink violet and fade to blush over time. The flares are not purple, but more of a darker pink violet than the rest of the bloom, which makes for a very lovely flower, especially so early in the season. If you are looking for a pretty pastel peony to start your peony bloom season, this one is it!
Peony 'Halcyon'
Southern Peony Best Performer

Peony 'Halcyon'
Southern Peony Best Performer

2016 Peony Blooms Very Early - Week 1

Since we haven't had any late bud blasting winter weather yet this year, the very early peonies did very well this spring. Peony 'Nova' bloomed for me for the first time ever this year. Peony 'Halcyon' was the second peony to bloom in my garden this year and has definitely been the most impressive. Peony 'Early Scout' is a pretty reliable very early blooming peony that gives you a punch of bright red color early in the season. Tree Peony 'White Phoenix' has also been a reliable bloomer since it first started blooming in my garden, and is growing and increasing nicely. If your peony bloom season hasn't started yet, take a peek at some of these very early blooming peonies. Try to seek them out in the peony catalogs this year to add some early peony color to your garden!

Peony 'Nova'	Peony 'Halcyon'
Peony 'Early Scout'	Tree Peony 'White Phoenix'