2017 Hollingsworth Peonies Order

I couldn't help but notice this really cool Saunders hybrid peony (that I don't have) for sale in the Hollingsworth Peonies catalog this year. It is Peony 'Sanctus', and it seems to have really huge stamens. I don't think I've seen a peony quite like it before. The bright yellow stamens seem to cover over half the length of the pristine white petals, and the stigmas lend a pop of bright red in the center. Gorgeous! I also decided to pick up Peony 'Faithful Dream', one of the peonies on the 2017 Herbaceous Hot 100 Peony Catalog Price Comparison List. I've been wanting this peony for a while, and Hollingsworth Peonies seems to be the only APS Commercial Member offering it this year. Peony 'Faithful Dream' was hybridized by Tim Stanek and comes from a cross of Peony 'Old Faithful' x Peony 'Salmon Dream'.
2017 Hollingsworth Peonies Order

2017 First Peony Bloom of the Year - Unknown TP

First Peony Bloom of the Year in Bud
I must say that my first peony bloom of the year is a little underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, the color of the bloom is lovely. It's just a little different than I expected. For some reason I was expecting this to be the Tree Peony 'White Phoenix', which it definitely is not. I have another 'White Phoenix' Tree Peony that actually is white. However this one is a lovely shade of pale lavender. I am not really sure of its identity, but I don't think it really matters. I shall keep it anyway. :-)
First Peony Bloom of the Year - Unknown Tree Peony
Sometimes when you are expecting a certain flower color, and you plant the plant where you want that color bloom. So I may have to move this plant later, but for now it is fine. I like lavender a lot anyway, since purple is my favorite color. I hope all of you have a wonderful start to your peony season. What color (and variety if known) is your first peony bloom this year?
Unknown Lavender Tree Peony

2017 Questions - Reliable Source for Peony Seeds

I received this question from Mubarak in zone :

"I am looking for reliable source for peony seed for my home garden. While searching on internet I found your blog southernpeony.com. Thank you so much for all the information at one place. Please let me know where I can buy seed or can you share some seed with me. I will pay for the postage. Please help me in this regard."

American Peony Society Seed Distribution Sale
I would highly recommend the American Peony Society as the best (and most reliable) place to buy peony seeds. However you do need an APS membership to buy the seeds. One year's APS Membership fee is $25, but it may be worth it if you are buying lots of seeds. Also the seed list for this year was just posted last week, and there are lots of fabulous choices on it. A very talented hybridizer that passed away recently, Bill Seidl, donated all of his seeds to the American Peony Society. So their Seed Distribution Program has lots of rare, hand pollinated, choice seeds (many are limited to 1 pack per person) to choose from.

Also there is an American Peony Society Annual Convention & Show coming up in June of this year in Raleigh, NC. The APS seeds will be at the peony show for sale to the public (no APS membership necessary) and no shipping fee! I'm not sure how far you are from Raleigh, NC, but this will be a great show to see the myriad of peony varieties available, and if you have time, you may want to join APS and attend the whole convention. 😊 Hope to see you there!

2017 American Peony Society Convention