These high-performing intersectional varieties will be the easiest ones you will ever grow
What just is an Itoh peony ? Itoh peonies were first developed by Toichi Itoh , who experimented for many years with crossing tree paeony ( Paeonia suffruticosacvs . , Zones 4–8 ) , which are known for their enormous flowers and beautiful foliage , with herbaceous peonies ( Paeoniaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) , which have heavyset growth habits and are wintertime inactive . The idea was to create a fabulous new cross unite the best flower , foliation , and growth habits of each group of peonies .
Dense growth habits and abundant, large flowers solve some of the problems of traditional peonies
That cape has been taken up by botanists and breeders all over the world since Dr. Itoh , and these peony hybrids — also called intersectional paeony — are now have sex as attractive , 3 - ft - high and across-the-board , mounding flora with vigorous and officious growth wont . They have dark green , deep dissected foliage and long - bloom , belated - spring displays of enormous ( up to 9 column inch across ) , sweetly scented flowers that come in a rainbow of hue .
Better performance and easier maintenance make these peonies stand out from the crowd
Itoh peonies develop their first flowers from the terminal buds , and just as these commence to fade , the side buds explode into bloom , making an established flora a veritable blossom manufacturing plant , with often more than fifty of bloom produced in a single time of year ! They ’re gorgeous , fast - rise , well-off to give care for , dusty sturdy yet inflame tolerant , adaptable , and less fussy in general than your average herbaceous peonies . butterfly jazz them , deer tend to avert them , and even a novice nurseryman can grow them successfully . With their sturdy stems , they demand zero support ; plus , there ’s no need to fake a frigid winter by underprice bags of ice on their abeyant crowns . They ’re the perfect peony choice for Northern California cutting garden or perennial margin .
My favorite varieties
‘Belle Toulousaine ‘
P.× ‘ Belle Toulousaine ’ , Zones 3–9
The peak of ‘ Belle Toulousaine ’ raise 8 inch in diameter . They are vibrant , ruffled , deeply pink two-fold blooms that are blushed with reddish blue . The bouquet is spicy sweet , and the prospect is phenomenal in any tardy leaping garden molding or bouquet .
‘Scarlet Heaven’
P.× ‘ Scarlet Heaven ’ , Zones 4–9
‘ Scarlet Heaven ’ peony ’s dual bed of dark scarlet petals contrasts beautifully with the key cluster of its golden stamens . The flowers are 7 to 9 inches in diam , and these semi - twofold blooms are so abundant that they practically repress the vigorous foliage during peak bloom .
‘Julia Rose’
P.× ‘ Julia Rose ’ , Zones 3–9
The cherry red crimson buds of ‘ Julia Rose ’ open up to uncover 4- to 6 - in - wide , semi - two-fold , cup - shaped bloom that are soft apricot blushed with dusky garden pink . These flowers are sweet scented and center with a clustering of ruffled gold stamens . They reckon old - fashioned and lovely . This plant is very productive .
‘Bartzella’
P.× ‘ Bartzella ’ , Zones 4–9
The flower of ‘ Bartzella ’ are 6 to 8 inches in diam and hopeful butter chickenhearted in color . These fluffy blossoms are brushed with orange red at their centers and have a pleasant , slightly spicy scent . This is a specially cheerful , very full-bodied variety !
Planting and growing your Itoh peony
Container - grown Itoh peony plants are most readily uncommitted in your local nursery in early spring and can be regain in nurseries or at various online reference in bareroot form in surrender . Either way , project on growing your Itoh paeony in a emplacement shade from the summer sun ’s hottest afternoon rays . Plant in rich , well - drained , amended , slightly acidic soil , with the top of the root globe ( or top if bareroot ) level with the grime . Water on a regular basis during the growing season , and feed with low - nitrogen , in high spirits - phosphoric plant food ( 5 - 10 - 10 is right ) as the first leaves come out in give , then again in summertime when flowering is over . In late free fall , cut all spent leafage to the earth . invigorated newfangled growth will come forth the next outpouring .
Cutting flowers for bouquets
All Itoh peonies make sensory cut flowers and are great in any arrangement . When harvesting for bouquets , be sure to cut your Itoh peonies during the cooler former morning or late even time of day . you’re able to cut and bring your blooms indoors at any point of flowering , but for the longest vase - liveliness , cut the salad days before they open up and are still at the bud leg . The shank should be 12 to 16 inches long , and each bud should find like a soft marshmallow . Remove all side buds and foliage , and pop the stems direct into a vase as shortly as possible after cutting . And relish !
For more on paeony , listen toLet ’s Argue About industrial plant : Perfect Peonies , or learn up ontree peony .
— Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .
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‘Julia Rose’ peony brings an antique look to a modern lineage.Photo: Doreen Wynja
These flowers won’t flop. This swath of ‘Scarlet Heaven’ peonies shows the dense foliage structure and sturdy stems characteristic of Itoh peonies.Photo: courtesy of Planteck
‘Belle Toulousaine’ peonies are double blooming and bright pink.Photo: courtesy of Planteck
The contrast between the colors of ‘Scarlet Heaven’ peony’s petals and stamens is eye-catching.Photo: courtesy of Planteck
The colors on the petals on ‘Julia Rose’ have a gorgeous watercolor effect of blended and running shades of pink, salmon, and white.Photo: Doreen Wynja
‘Bartzella’ flowers are a sunny yellow that will brighten up the gloomiest day.Photo: Jennifer Benner
The stems of these ‘Belle Toulousaine’ peonies are long, sturdy, and perfect for cutting for bouquets. But you may have to strip some buds and foliage on each stem for the best displays.Photo: courtesy of Planteck
