Miss America

Observations of height, side buds, and staking are from Hudson, Quebec (zone 5a) grown in full sun, in a clay based soil. In different environments plants will perform slightly different. Instead of 1 to 2 side buds per stem, you may have none. If growing in slightly shadier environment, your peony may require staking. The observations are meant as a general guide, in how your peony should perform in optimal planting. In the case of fragrance, these are observations based on personal sniff tests in the field, we must bear in mind our olfactory senses are all different. 

American Peony Society Gold Medal Award

The American Peony Society, by way of awarding medals and certificates, has long recognized exceptional peonies. In this scheme of things the Gold Medal has always been considered the ultimate accolade, but as the Society and the interest in peonies have evolved, so to have the criteria by which these medals were awarded. Today, the American Peony Society selects the ‘Gold Medal’ peony for flower beauty and consistency, as well as, commercial availability and market price.

American Peony Society Award of Landscape Merit

Peony cultivars bestowed this award are chosen for superior ornamental value, overall appearance in the landscape throughout the growing season, and reliable performance across North America.  Plants are required to be self-supporting in wide ranging weather conditions and reliably display their flowers.   Special attention is given to foliage quality throughout the growing season.   ALM peonies should provide gardeners and landscapers with superior plants that can be expected to demonstrate excellence in the landscape.