Our peony season is done here in western Quebec, and I've compiled a recap of the best of the best this year. We had sooo much beauty in such a short period of time this year, I am living vicariously through photos.
I have marked if they are still in stock to purchase for fall planting. We have been selling steadily, so a number of our varieties are sold out, however there are some beauties that we still have a good supply of (as I publish this on July 21th).
When asked, 'do I have a favourite peony?' the answer is- it depends on the year. The weather has a large impact on how a peony performs. Late frosts, early heat, rain, are all impacting factors on a how a peony will perform. This year, in our field in Hudson Quebec, where are mature peonies are we had an extra early heat wave, and then a frost. We also had a very dry early spring, then an intense heat wave around week 4 of peony blooms. In general, this was a very quick season, ending 2-3 weeks earlier than usual.
From year to year some peonies might do better, with what seems like a battle against our spring weather. This year, these varieties stood out to me more than others in the field.
#1 SUNNY DAY
(Hollingsworth, 2011)
In 2017 two plants tagged as unknown burst into a flash of yellow. Two very impressively big sturdy plants with these gorgeously delicious buttery flowers, with the tinniest hints of apricot. It did not take long to identify these beauties as Sunny Day (Hollingsworth, 2011). When they bloomed this year on 2021, I had a double take at how beautiful they were. From a quick glance the apricot hues do not show, but a closer look at this flower is required to get it's full effect. One of these roots will be making its way from the field to my personal garden, it's a must have for sure.
Description
Height: >90 cm
Fragrance: faint
Staking Required: depends upon location
Bloom Week: 4
Sidebuds: 1-2 per stem
#2 Blushing Princess
(Saunders / Reath, D.L. / Rogers, A., 1991)
Year after year, this is an impressive flower. Large semi double flowers, and strong upright stems. A peony that doesn't require staking and has a gorgeous flower like this one deserves a spot in your garden. This particular peony has great genetics, and is quite fertile.
Description
Height: 60-90 cm
Fragrance: none
Staking Required: no
Bloom Week: 4
Sidebuds: none
#3 Prosperity Maud
(Menard/D'Aoust, 2003)
Beautiful apricot colouring, and on so many people's wish lists - is how I would sum up this peony. We have a mutual love for this peony is strong. I can still remember the first time I saw this peony when I began working with peonies. I was astounded by the colour, no other peony in the field shared these apricot hues. Completely unique, and also Canadian.
Description
Height: 60-90 cm
Fragrance: none
Staking Required: no
Bloom Week: 4
Sidebuds: 1-2 per stem
#4 White Innocence
(Saunders, 1947)
Speaking of unusual peonies, White Innocence also a unique specimen. With multiple side buds, and flowers that sit tall on the plant, this variety makes a great plant for the back of a border. They kind of dance in the wind, which is an awesome effect.
Description
Height: >90 cm
Fragrance: none
Staking Required: no
Bloom Week: 5
Sidebuds: 1 to 2 per stem
# 5 Kathy's Touch
(Hollingsworth, 2009)
I am going to fess up to another past field label blunder. For years prior to this plant hitting our catalogue, it was labelled as Kathy's Torch, an autocorrect error on the field label. At the time we didn't think any of the name, it seemed appropriate - This gorgeous pink globe sits on top of a very strong stem, much like a torch. a nice big double flower, that flowers early on a strong stem - it doesn't get any better.
Description
Height: 60-90 cm
Fragrance: faint
Staking Required: no
Bloom Week: 4
Sidebuds: occasional
While peony bloom season is over for this year, I am already excited for the next.
Shipping roots will start beginning of September, so if you haven't gotten your root orders in yet, there is still time!
As always, thanks for following along on our flowering journey!
