Green Petals, Red Stripes, Ruffled Edges -- Is this a Peony or a Parrot Tulip?
Very rare and difficult to locate, yet as easy as a weed to grow!
A Peony like this comes along once in a lifetime! Of exotic Oriental form -- elongated, slightly rolled petals with ruffly tips -- and stupendous color, it looks like something that arose under a grow-lamp, instead of the free-blooming, long-lived garden joy it really is. No wonder it's among the most highly-prized Peonies of all! Bred by Klehm and Krekler (the Lennon and McCartney of Peony hybridizers!), this vigorous little 28- to 30-inch plant is super-floriferous, beginning in mid-spring and continuing for weeks. The semi-double 5- to 6-inch blooms are green with pink edges and some red striping among the ruffles and twisted tips. For many, many years of stupendous bloom, situate this plant in full sun to very light shade and well-drained, moisture-retentive, enriched soil. If planting more than one, space them about 3 feet apart. If you are new to the joy of Peonies, let me enumerate some of their merits! First, they are exceptionally carefree once established. One of the longest-lived perennials, a single plant can last for generations. Second, their phenol content makes them unappetizing to insects, rabbits, and even deer. Third, they offer 3 seasons of color: reddish spring foliage, bright late spring and early summer blooms; and bronze or purple fall tones. Fourth, they are equally suited for garden or vase, offering old-fashioned charm plus armloads of blooms. Very long-lived after cutting, the flowers can even be used as everlastings. Peonies are a nice garden "bridge" plant, looking something like a perennial and something like a shrub. Set in front of large shrubs or trees, they make a big splash of color without occupying a lot of space. Traditional companions to Peonies are spring-and summer-flowering bulbs, blue- and white-flowered perennials, flowering shrubs such as Azaleas, and ornamental grasses. Zones 3-8.
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