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4

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

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MODELE DE PERFECTION
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Rose type. One of the fine pinks of unusual form. Has strong stems, beautiful foliage and is a free
bloomer

THE BOOK OF
THE PEONY

BY

MRS. EDWARD) HARDING

WITH 20 ILLUSTRATIONS IN FULL COLOUR
22 IN DOUBLETONE AND A MAP

PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
1917

MWNEOROZLYN VO

COPYRIGHT, 1917, BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

PUBLISHED MARCH, 1917

PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS
PHILADELPHIA, U.S. A.

1950

MAY 5

PREFACE
Nae the peony has been a favourite

in gardens for very many years, and although
experts and hybridisers have been developing and
improving the flower for over half a century, no
book has yet been published containing the widely
scattered facts as to its history and cultivation.

In France and England both amateur and
professional horticulturists lavished time and de-
votion on its improvement. The marked success
attained by them in producing incredibly beau-
tiful types caused the greater appreciation of the
peony to extend to this country. In America
such men as Richardson, Hollis and Terry have
done work along similar lines to that of the foreign
experts.

The peony—at present extensively grown—
is constantly and rapidly increasing in popularity.
Certain enthusiastic commercial growers have
made peonies their specialty—sometimes peonies
alone and sometimes peonies together with a few
other perennials. Their judgment in specialis-

5

PREFACE

ing has been proved sound by events: on the lists
of some of these growers there are more than
ten thousand names of active customers. Hun-
dreds of acres are planted to peonies to supply
the demand.

The annual exhibition and the publications of
the American Peony Society have done much to
awaken the interest of those who have had but
a slight acquaintance with this flower. Many
persons, vastly surprised on seeing the improved
varieties for the first time, complain at not hav-
ing been sooner shown the sources of pleasure
that the peony holds.

Because of the lack of easily accessible in-
formation, until now the knowledge of a finer
cultivation of the peony has remained the prop-
erty of the comparatively small number who have
made its growing either a hobby or a business.
Fortunately the peony is a very hardy and
friendly flower that does its cheerful best to bloom
even though neglected. When attention such as
is ungrudgingly expended upon less responsive
flowers is bestowed upon the peony, its gratitude
finds expression in an increased loveliness which
is more than sufficient reward.

6

PREFACE

With the hope of bringing the modern peony
before those who do not know it, this book has
been planned. The ever-widening interest in gar-
dening and the serious and thorough work of
amateurs to-day encourage me to believe that
what I have written, because I love the peony,
will be of interest and help to others.

To Mr. B. H. Farr of Wyomissing, Penn-
sylvania, my thanks are due for the auto-
chrome of the rare and beautiful P. lutea. To
Mr. A. H. Fewkes of Newton Highlands, to
Mr. Theodore Hobby of the Metropolitan
Museum of Fine Arts and to Mr. Morris Earle
of Williams, Brown and Earle, Philadelphia,
my deep appreciation of their interest and kind-
ness is expressed.

I especially wish to acknowledge my indebted-
ness to Mr. George H. Peterson of Fair Lawn,
New Jersey. As typical blooms from my own
recently transplanted beds were unobtainable, the
illustrations in this book, with a few exceptions,
were secured through Mr. Peterson’s generous
courtesy.

The carefully prepared Bulletins on the Clas-
sification, etc., of the Peony—the work of Dr. J.
7

PREFACE
Eliot Coit and Mr. Leon D. Batchelor—have
been of great assistance to me.

I also desire to extend my thanks to Dr. H.
H. Whetzel for permission to reprint his Bulle-
tin on the Diseases of the Peony.

ALICE HARDING

Burney Farm
February, 1917

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
epAND APPRECIATION) OF THE PD ERONYe.< cciciersiclsinciciereielerreteraers 13
II. Tan Mytsotocy, ANcriENT AND Moprrn History oFr THE
| BOOS aye CnIG MOTE EEO ISCO OIC EM ORTA olatrn AIC Ie ans aot e 25
III. Best VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS............ 69
IV. Extenpinc THE PERIOD OF BLOOM............-..-.--- 103
AVSead? UR CHUASING See ey eotero i cecl ede oroiieis ai crnetet ste ioge eicuone vine tor irons 117
VI. WHERE To PLant AND How TO PREPARE THE SoOt!....... 133
Vile PrANTING SAND) CUIUTLVATION: cise cicieicie is ceiiecic seicieclee rae 149
WilihPE RR OPAGATION ti epccciscy seit eiciaveonaietcieis eve uae ee felis tera tere rety eustole Wis
IX. Tue Tree Prony—DEscripTion AND HisTory........... 185

X. Tree Pronres: CuLtivaTion, PROPAGATION AND BEst

WIAD Te DTS 052 ohe cia abate lier inte fou avec sitaenoistere evenoter talesety eve\cnetere 207

Ke VARIOUS) SPECIES) OF, THE ULEONY- cc)ecicle cise cleisieieieisle/sielehslele 221
APB POND ERY cyaie fe rnicre: ofevevete cl ccsscvacehe olay steneheves(oile «i svereters APG ODE 231
eg 50:2ey Ges ARE OPS Sencha cio Ocho cla cto DierE a ees Dee rsiOe 255

ILLUSTRATIONS

COLOUR PLATES

PAGE

NODEME DEP RERBECTIONS Ha ae eile ie erie see Frontispiece
SS CTIA CT ATER tees UR ay Sear Cea cre ta CRON Se a 16
AN OUP sEROUSSRA Uae nice cise eta Riilccshathich tte seces ea RRA at See tel atte 18
IRRINE VE ORTENSE Sacre lero ey occianes Se Cn ane OR TSE 28
AN Tere Sse CISION a yo eter apt RE Ray eee eo wey Om ta Ne cent 34
SOUVENIR DE L’ExposiITION UNIVERSELLE................-.-00- 46
SSCP HUAINPAV ois sey Vein uy? Lee eas ad cere NEAL TUS pone d CYR On AE 58
emepxn CROUSSE ease crane ore tar ee eee eee ON cea sete 62
SUZANNEMD ESSER Dn ics Una meetin cA a iRaa Laat are dea itaeye OE ns Fences 18
Ee SENIUTO LAVA he) serrate Samia NN CUD ary Sipe ey af eM Detdantl US Te Te oma 106
ISO) TO TIN ATT a ray peers a Ria eai tee net ay cia se Ba eave Day Asay ate reac Vag 110
P. Surrruticosa or Movutan, “CAROLINE D'ITALIE............ 112
1 Zia) AOU DV Nate eee rae hare ae ee eel uA Pa enh ne a RCA Cet 114
GrOIRE DE: CHAGh GOMBAULD tyme econo eee 122
ATICHEDERIULVECOUR TH a 5 cia iseierneeeiGaco ee meee en 128
JETSO SIRO) VOOT MOP tae hs crs ay Tees Cargo PUN raise Rye cea tea En one 138
IVA AWAES FD Ei WAUDDY:iyoeare ikcorseaicga.c etaleseimanere apontal clr iene eres iaysis 152
IN UATRYAGY asf BLOF of) op 0 Uae a Pe ee eT EEE rc SER Pra ro ae 156
JNSYN (GU TINS AOU 6 Bie arin fy Ea LA EE ey ey NS Oe I er eee 170
PORCELAIN OF THE Kana Hsr Periop (1662-1796)............. 188

HALFTONE PLATES

(COURONNE ED OR ysctrnahee ere ere lc eine eeetateneiaicye ale ra oie stave oleteoler airs 30
INUAR TRA CO UIN ya elec paar tere cvol etter lst olorarere ere eieraetosketecars 38

Pace FROM HeERBARIUS OF ARNOLDUS DE VILLANOVA, PUBLISHED
Sa 6 Ue oe NI aed a ee ae Ree A nt re Regn STE 40
Pace From Grrarp’s Hrersat, PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND IN 1597 42
DUCHESSH DEW NEMOURSS ccrricts oho oie ee ate aiora ore ator a ny ote eae etetale 50
PAT OBE stevereicictel oh eco torechare, Stare A ater Aleterchenad Suone stove orators oraverstove wrelura lens 54
IESE DTA VARMA lis creaay ASME Mr oe Muy bY tava alns n/a euaire eveieieneuniore Gone : 72
SARAHY BERNHARDT coc laeeniin seco cee cts a Inara lererercie trae Gia lerelerstersie ROO.
NU MEZRIN TEMPS: Ache ciislaiares oreteleratercve sie oke, biovels avbievelave oiererete-éie letaterete as 108
MUA DAME SILEMONTMR. jaeitore ticsciccs ie odes arsistes isle eves o ecveveile oie aieotoene 122

11

ILLUSTRATIONS 12

PAGHB

MADAME CALTON. Coie ofc tiara eet rete tate ae Serato eke 124
PrEoNIES IN LANDSCAPE PLANTING ON Miss Monrris’s EstTaTE

INBARPHELADEUPHTA escent ca ars nine eae aie ae acieioe 136

GARE UDO ROISS cers cele ne eect ta a aE OEE ora TR Re ae cee 144

SraLK or ALBIFLORA SHOWING TERMINAL Bup WHicu SHOULD BE
Lert anp LatEerRAL Bups Wuicu SHOULD BE REMOVED OR

PINCHED ORR ein sec nine reel eactte ad ae hea eee cata Pe CL eae ee 162
DORMANT HAT TH Yeu RON Va OO Laer eer naire eee 162
BS, GOYA. o oT Deed Wich op a ol ie pare iy a ae ee SP ene Led Ue ay 166
GA INU ERP Re eur ered ers a cen Is ce An nt eae ne 176
UNNAMED SEEDLING OF HERBACEOUS PEONY, SINGLE TYPE...... 180
Manan? JUrms DESSERT a. ocscae en ane eeeeee 182
IPS Moutans (PREEWBEONY) acco een e ee ooo ine eee 202
IREENE DEI ZABITH syatctccrtie a craven Corer oan oor SEE ieee 210
DISEASES ORS THE EBONY. ty sociale tisctcaes cna cie ote ene 237

MAP

SHowine Locaities IN WuHicu THE Most Important PEONIES
AIRES INURE VEY eect ete esis ays Foner as ce EPR Naresh a irc ST ou ee 26

AN APPRECIATION OF
THE PEONY

Sar tl wee x
J Pd

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T aie

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THE BOOK OF
THE PEON Y

CHAPTER I
AN APPRECIATION OF THE PEONY'*

* Full of set flowers,
Full is my chamber;
Thou art most stately,
White peony.”
—Hakku.
HE peony of to-day—too little known and
4 hee seldom sung—the brilliant result of years
of steadfast devotion and untiring effort on the
part of peony lovers and hybridisers, is the most
superb and commanding flower which the garden
holds. The iris, Oriental poppy, fox-glove, holly-
hock, lily, dahlia and chrysanthemum each has its
own special radiance, yet each is surpassed by
the peony with its magnificence of mass and per-

‘I have adopted the spelling generally used in this
country and approved by the Century Dictionary. In
England “ peony ” is the customary spelling. The
botanical name is Peonia.

15

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

fection of detail. The rose, fine, exquisite and
fragrant as it is, must yield first rank to the mod-
ern peony, which by reason of its sheer wealth
of splendour and majesty of presence is now
entitled to be called the Queen of Flowers.

The compelling charm of the improved types
of peony lies not only in their grace and comeli-
ness, but in the infinite variety of both flowers
and foliage. Starting with single blooms, like
huge anemones, through semi-double flowers, re-
sembling water-lilies, and various enchanting
forms of doubling up to the solid mass of petals,
as in Avalanche, the peony holds one spell-bound
in admiration. The wide diversity of foliage and
habit of growth makes the plants an object of
alluring interest. The leaves of certain sorts of
peony are much divided and fern-like; of others,
broad and strong with leathery quality. Usually
varnished and lustrous, they run in colour range
through many shades of green—often tinged with
copper or with red. Some kinds are dwarf and
bushy; some of medium height and spreading
growth, and others tall with a bold outline. All,
however, have an air of sturdy character and self-
reliance.

16

SOLFATARE
(Calot, 1861)

Bomb type. A peony of exquisite beauty and distinetion

AN APPRECIATION OF THE PEONY

Fondly as I esteem the rose—heretofore the
accepted standard of loveliness—I feel that the
peony has the advantage over it, not only in su-
periority of flowers, but in other important points.
The peony has no thorns to surprise or cause
dismay. After the peony blooms its foliage re-
mains an adornment—a contrast to the small and
scanty leaves of the rose, which are often dis-
figured and unsightly. All through the garden
season the peony has a landscape value which the
rose lacks. And, last but not least, the peony
requires neither spraying nor pruning: to the
conscientious owner, burdened with the number-
less details of spring garden-keeping, this is a
welcome relief.

Fifty years ago the word peony meant one
thing: it referred to the red “ piney ” of unfra-
grant memory, which, though highly prized and
desirable at that date, suffers when compared
with the beauties of to-day. Now the word peony
conjures up a large variety of shapely flowers
packed with glossy silken petals in a hundred
shades, tints, and combinations of white, pink,
yellow and red. One who sees for the first time
typical specimens of the modern peony is thrilled

2 17

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

with their breath-taking loveliness: even those
who know well all the fascinations of the flower
are stirred by it to new wonder and delight each
recurring year.

Lest I be thought too loud in my praises of
the peony, I will quote from one of many enthusi-
astic authorities—a book, too, which is not essen-
tially a horticultural work. No one, I venture,
will consider the Encyclopedia Britannica given
to exaggeration in its statements, yet this is what
it says about the peony:

“* Pxony (botanically Peonia; Nat. ord. Ranuncula-
cee q. v.), a genus of plants remarkable for their large
and gorgeous flowers. There are two distinct sorts,
one of the strong-growing herbaceous kind, with fleshy
roots and annual stems, derived mainly from Peonia
albiflora and P. officinalis; the other, called the tree
peony, stiff-growing plants with half-woody permanent
stems, which have sprung from the Chinese P. moutan.

* The herbaceous ponies usually grow from 2 to 3
ft. in height, and have large, much-divided leaves, and
ample flowers of varied and attractive colors, and of a
globular form in the double varieties, which are those
most prized in gardens. They usually blossom in May
and June, and as ornaments for large beds in pleas-
ure grounds, and for the front parts of shrubberies,
few flowers equal them in gorgeous effect.

“The older varieties of P. albiflora include candida,

18

ADOLPHE ROUSSEAU
(Dessert and Mechin, 1890)

Semi-double type. One of the finest reds Blooms freely

AN APPRECIATION OF THE PEONY

Humei, Whitleyi, etc.; those of P. officinalis embrace
albicans, anemoniflora, sabini, etc. The garden varie-
ties of modern times are, however, still more beautiful,
the flowers being in many instances delicately tinted
with more than one color, such as buff with bronzy
centre, carmine with yellowish centre, rose with orange
centre, white tinted with rose, etc.

“The moutans, or tree pxonies, are remarkable for
their sub-shrubby habit, forming vigorous plants some-
times attaining a height of 6 to 8 ft., and producing in
May, magnificent flowers which vary in color from white

to lilac, purple magenta, violet and rose. 59

Even had one never seen the flower, such fer-
vour from a mere encyclopedia would awaken in-
stant interest.

For those who as yet know the peony only
in a general way, I will set out in orderly array
no less than seven distinct and excellent reasons

for considering the peony the best of all
perennials:

1. The sightly appearance of its blooms

The elegance of the flower, its different forms, the
satiny texture of the petals and the numerous tints
and shades of white, pink and red make its fair-
ness a never-ending joy.
In many kinds there is also found fragrance equal
to that of the rose.

19

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

. Its worth for both landscape and cutting

Both in mass and in detail, it answers many re-
quirements. The substantial size of the plant
and of the individual flowers makes it a useful and
striking subject for the garden architect. The
brightness, sweetness and lasting qualities of the
blooms make it an ideal cut flower.

. The freshness of its foliage throughout the summer

A number of perennials lose the freshness of their
foliage after blooming and have to be cut back or
hidden by other plants. Except in one or two in-
stances, the shining foliage of the peony attracts
attention from the time of its appearance above
ground until it succumbs to the late frosts.

. The ease of its culture

Any one can raise peonies successfully with far
less trouble than it takes to grow roses.

. Its practical freedom from insects and disease

While a number of diseases of the peony have been
classified and described, the grower who reads and
heeds directions is not likely to be troubled with
diseased plants.

. Its extreme hardiness

It thrives in very severe climates, and endures a
degree of cold that is fatal to many other per-
ennials.

20

AN APPRECIATION OF THE PEONY

7. Its permanence

Lifting and dividing the roots are not necessary
for at least eight or ten years. Many varieties can
be left undisturbed for fifteen years or more.

The peony has but two drawbacks—which can
hardly be considered objections. (1) It increases
slowly. (2) The stems of some varieties are not
strong enough to bear the weight of the large
flowers and must be supported.

As far back as 1629, peonies were so well
liked and so much planted in gardens that John
Parkinson in his quaint book on plants, “ Paradisi
in Sole, Paradisus Terrestris, or a Choice Garden
of all Sorts of Rarest Flowers,” gives descrip-
tions of six different kinds with four interesting
pictures. Referring to “ Pxonia femina vulgaris

>

flore plena rubra,” which closely resembles and
in all probability was P. officinalis, he says: “This
double peony, as well as the former single (Pzonia
femina Byzantina—the single red Peony of Con-
stantinople) is so frequent in every garden of
note, through every country, that it is almost
labour in vaine to describe it: but yet because I
use not to pass over any plant so lightly I will
set down the description briefly in regard it is
21

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

so common.” A little further along he breaks
through his scholarly reserve with true horticul-
tural ardour, and expresses his real regard for
the peony by exclaiming, “ no flower that I know
so faire, great and double.” I wish that it were
possible for Parkinson to see the peonies of to-
day, but I doubt if he could phrase his admiration
any more charmingly than he did for the less
wonderful peony of 1629.

As the horses never trot so fast as around the
fire in the Winter, so the peonies never bloom so
large and perfectly as in one’s vision of the season
tocome. After one’s appreciation of and enthusi-
asm for the peony are fully awakened, there is
not a week in the year when the flower is not a
pleasure. At all times, might or day, Winter
or Summer, one can in absorbing study be
amongst the peonies and in imagination behold
them again in all their sumptuousness.

When the Spring is here at last, and the earth
has its indescribable scent of warmth and sweet-
ness, I hasten to my peony garden to see if the
first coral tips have broken through the ground.
After a few days, becoming impatient, I loosen
the soil and dig quietly and gently, until I find
the little red points that will soon grow into sharp

22

AN APPRECIATION OF THE PEONY

red spears. ‘Then, reassured that they are really
coming, in spite of the long time Winter has held
them on the way, I cover them up and go away
content. On that day, for me, the garden season
begins.

I know of no plant that is so satisfyingly
beautiful in every stage of its development. The
changing of the shades of red, green, copper and
bronze of the young stems and foliage, the slow
unfolding of the leaves of fine design are ex-
quisite in themselves—and yet they are but a pre-
lude to the burst of glory in the flowers. When
the blossoms appear, it is indeed hard to leave
the garden: no matter how many times a day
one gazes at them, there is something newly en-
trancing on each successive glance. There is
one peony lover, bewitched by their spell, who,
loath to leave them for even a few hours, makes
the rounds of her garden every night with a lan-
tern. ‘This mistress of a much-cherished garden
often rises to listen to the birds and see her peonies
at dawn. The piercing tenderness of the wood-
thrush’s song, the dream-like purity of the peon-
ies, the inspiration of the summer morning, bring
a happiness that is poignant, a thankfulness for

life that is ecstasy itself.
23

; tng
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Vohra
:

5
bale

sy,

THE MYTHOLOGY, AND
ANCIENT AND MODERN
HISTORY OF THE PEONY

ri

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nie,

Sila oy aA
SSTAN EMPIRE,

Up

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/j

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Since One SES /

Jg°
8 PAPAL L £1

HIMALAYAN MTS. yynyay MTS

MAP SHOWING LOCALITIES IN WHICH THE MOST IMPORTANT PEONIES ARE NATIVE
P. Albiflora: Central China and Siberia. (There is no exact P. Moutan: Central part of Western China.
information as to just how fe > albiflora grows.) s: Europe, south of 48th parallel.
P. Emodi: Himalayan Mountains, a. a: Terek Region, Caucasus.
P. Lutea: Yunnan Mountains, Southern China. iana: Tschorok River Region, Caucasus.
Note: The only peony native to America is P. Brownii, which is found in California and the Northwest.

CHAPTER II

THE MYTHOLOGY, AND ANCIENT AND MODERN
HISTORY OF THE PEONY

HE peony has been such a familiar flower
in humble gardens in this country that
many persons are not aware of its aristocratic
and extended genealogy. The descent of the
peony can be traced through numerous periods
of history even into mythology; indeed in Greece,
the Roman Empire, China, Japan, France, Eng-
land and America, its relation to mankind has
been considerable.

In medicine, art, commerce and science, the
peony has played a part which not only entitles
it to general recognition, but which is also ab-
sorbing in detail. At different times in the past,
it has been the object of many journeys and voy-
ages, the subject of years of painstaking study,
and to its improvement men have lovingly de-
voted a large portion of their lives. From Leto,
mother of Apollo, who appears to have been the
original “ introducer ” of the peony, down to M.

Dessert, the great French grower, who in 1915
27

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

sent out his latest peony under the name of “ Vic-
toire de la Marne,” we have a long and entertain-
ing story, of both horticultural and human
interest.

For greater convenience and clearness I have
set out in tabular form some of the facts one
should have in mind in order to read without con-

¢

fusion the complete history of the “ peony ”—

which generic name includes several species, each
with a separate record.

TaBuLaTION oF Principat SpPEcies oF PEONIES
I. Herbaceous Peonies
These are bushy plants two to four and one-
half feet high that die down to the ground in
the Autumn. When the word “ peonies”’ is
used reference generally is made to herbaceous
peonies (in distinction to tree peonies).

1. P. orricinauis (of the apothecaries’ offices or
shops—used for medicinal purposes )—see
colour plate—the red single or double peony
of old-fashioned gardens. White single and
double varieties have also been known for
over three hundred years.

This species is a native of southern Europe and
is the peony of mythology and of Greek and
Latin literature. It is grown to some extent
in gardens now. ‘This species gave the genus
its name.

28

REINE HORTENSE
(Calot, 1857)

Semi-rose type. Considered by many the finest pink peony. It has form, fragrance, strong stems and
free-blooming qualities

ae nee

4 = -

5 : we
a aa an ve fA ae.

as

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

2. P. aueirtora (white flowered )—Improved type—
(see frontispiece and numerous other col-
our plates and half-tones), with red, pink,

white,

mauve or yellowish flowers of sev-

eral forms, single, semi-double, crown, bomb,
rose, etc., and many of them fragrant.
This is the most important and interesting
species of the herbaceous group and is the
principal one grown to-day. It is sometimes
called P. sinensis or Chinese peony.
The primitive type of P. albiflora—from its
name, presumably white—is a native of a vast
range of territory from the central regions
of Siberia to central China. Its early history
is entirely in China and Japan: it was not
known in Europe prior to 1656.

The improved type was obtained:
(a) By importation into Europe from

(b)

Siberia or China about 1850.

By crossing P. albiflora (either the
imported primitive type or the im-
ported improved type) and certain
little-known species, ¢.g., P. pere-
grina (foreign), P. arietina (ram’s
horn fruited), etc.

(c) By crossing P. albiflora (either the

imported primitive type or the im-

ported improved type) and P. offici-

nalis. This crossing, done chiefly

since 1850, is probably the origin of
29

a

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

most of the beautiful double kinds of
to-day with their varied forms and
exquisite colourings.
TENUIFOLIA (narrow-leaved )—see colour plate
—introduced into England in 1765 from the
Caucasus.

4, P. Wirtmantana (Wittman’s)—A pale yellow

U5 ee ee

6. P.

peony. Discovered in the Caucasus about
1842. One of the parents of the desirable
Wittmaniana hybrids.

Emopt (Mt. Emodus), the only peony native
to India.

ANOMALA (unusual), P. coraLiina (coral red
—referring to the seeds), P. DECORA
(comely), P. PEREGRINA (foreign), P.
Brownu (Brown’s)—the only peony native
to America—and others, are less important
species from a gardening standpoint.?

II. Tree Peonies

These have woody stems that do not die down
to the ground in the Autumn. They have been
much cultivated in China and Japan for many
centuries.

. SUFFRUTICOSA (woody) or P. MouTAN—See col-

our plate—with large flowers (eight to ten
inches across), of various shades of red,
white, pink, salmon and purple.
A native of the central part of western China,
it was first exported to Japan in 724; and first
exported to England (and thence to France
and the United States) in 1787.

1A list of these is given in Chapter XI.

30

COURONNE D’OR
(Calot, 1872

Semi-rose type. A white peony of distinction and beauty which can be bought at a low cost

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

2. P. Lutea (yellow )—see colour plate. Discovered
in southern China in 1882.
The main portion of this book is devoted to
herbaceous peonies. Two chapters (IX and
X) cover tree peonies exclusively—their de-
scription, history, planting, cultivation, propa-
gation and best varieties.

Tue Prony In MytTHoOLOGY AND IN THE
CLASSICS

Zeus and Leto were the parents of Apollo,
god of healing, who was the father of A“sculapius,
god of medicine. According to the ancient writers,
Pon, pupil of Aisculapius and physician of the
gods, first received the peony on Mt. Olympus
from the hands of Leto. With it he cured Pluto
of a wound inflicted by Hercules during the Tro-
jan war. To quote from Homer’s Iliad with its
stirring action: “ Pluto also endured a swift shaft
when the same hero (Hercules) the son of A‘gis-
bearing Jove, afflicted him with pains at Pylos
amongst the dead. But he went to the palace of
Jove on lofty Olympus, grieving in his heart and
transfixed with pain; for the shaft had pierced

into his huge shoulder and tortured his soul. But
31

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY
Pzon healed him, applying pain-assuaging

remedies.” *

This cure caused so much envy in the breast of
Msculapius that he secretly plotted the death of
Peon: probably the first recorded instance of
professional jealousy. But the wicked plotter
was destined to be foiled. Pluto, in gratitude for
what Paon had done, saved the physician from
the fate of mortals by changing him into the plant
that had been used in the cure. This plant has
ever since borne Pzon’s name.°®

The history of the cognate word pean is in-
teresting as showing some of the possibilities of
etymology. After the time of Homer, the name
of healer and the office of healing were trans-
ferred from Peon to Apollo, who was thence-

2 Tliad, 5, 401, etc. Another apparent instance of
the peony’s efficacy as a cure for wounds is also given
in the Iliad (5, 899, etc.). ‘‘So spake he (Jove) and
bade Peon heal him (Mars). And Peon laid assuaging
drugs upon the wounds and healed him seeing he was
in no wise of mortal mould. Even as fig juice rapidly
thickens white milk that is liquid before but curdleth
while one stirreth it, even so swiftly healed he impetuous
Mars.”

3 The Latin name Peonia is the feminine of Pzonius

—‘‘* belonging to Peon.”
32

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

forth invoked by the cry “Io Pan” (MI éa:dv)

sometimes made to him as physician and at other
times made to him irrespective of his healing art.
Subsequently, a pan was a choral song to Apollo
or Artemis, his twin-sister (the burden being “ Io
Pean’”’), in thanksgiving for deliverance from
evil. Later it was addressed to other gods on
similar oceasions,* and then to mortals. Now it
is a “loud and joyous song”: witness this book.

The peony was known to Greek writers under
the name pzonia and also under the name glu-
cuside—* having sugar qualities ”—evidently re-
ferring to the honey secretion of the flower buds.
It is mentioned in the works of a number of early
authors, among whom are Pliny, Theophrastus,
Dioscorides and Galen.

Pliny, in his Natural History (about 77 a.p.)
gives the first detailed description of a peony
plant and seeds, but does not mention the flower.
He says: “ The plant known as pzonia is the most
ancient of them all. It still retains the name of
him who was the first to discover it, beng known
also as the ‘ pentorobus’ (from its five seeds

4 Liddell & Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (1888),
p- 1106.
3 33

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

which resemble vetches), by some and the ‘ glu-
cuside’ by others. .. . It grows in umbrageous
mountain localities and puts forth a stem amid
the leaves, some four fingers in height, at the
summit of which are four or five heads resembling
Greek nuts in appearance; enclosed in which there
is a considerable quantity of seed of a red or black
colour. This plant is a preservative against de-
lusions practised by the Fauni in sleep (night-
mare iyi?

Pliny devotes one chapter to a fuller de-
scription of the plant and sets out twenty ills or
diseases of the human body which it will cure.
Among these are jaundice, gnawing pains in the
stomach and certain affections of the trachea. He
says it acts as an astringent and then adds: “ It
is eaten also by beasts of burden, but when wanted
for remedial purposes four drachme are
sufficient.” °

Dioscorides, a medical man who flourished in
the first century of the Christian Era, describes
about five hundred plants in his Materia Medica.
The peony is included in this work. The famous

5 Natural History: Book X XV, Ch. 10.
6 Natural History: Book X XV, Ch. 60.
34

MRS. McKINLEY
(Terry)

Japanese type A disti

ct and effective flower

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

Viennese Manuscript of Dioscorides, painted and
written in Byzantium for the Princess Anicia
Juliana in the early part of the Sixth Century,
contains a number of brush drawings of plants
and flowers, some of which closely resemble our
specimens of to-day. Unfortunately, the illus-
trations of the two peonies mentioned in the text
—Peonia arren [ P. corallina] and Peonia theleia
[ P. officinalis] are missing. The lifelike repre-
sentation of his favourite flower was evidently too
great a temptation for some peony lover to resist.

Herpaceous Prony Hiusrory
IN CHINA AND JAPAN

In China and Japan the popularity of the
herbaceous peony was somewhat overshadowed
by that of the tree peony, but the former kind
has long had a distinct recognition in both coun-
tries. In China it was called “Sho Yo” mean-
ing “ most beautiful,” which bespoke a consider-
able appreciation on its own account, even though
the tree peony was ranked as the King of Flowers.
It served as a sort of Forget-me-not which one
friend bestowed upon another on separation. A
Sho Yo plant was also presented for a friendly

35

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

remembrance after separation. These customs
are referred to in a Chinese song:

“If anyone will give his friend a present
He hands a gift ‘ most beautiful ’ of all.”

In 536, A.D., the herbaceous peony was fairly
well distributed over the country and was used
for medicinal purposes and in a number of places
even for food for human beings. The apprecia-
tion of its dietary value was another instance of
the advanced character of the civilisation of China,
for the peony as a source of nourishment was
surely but the prototype of some of our modern
breakfast foods. Hung King writing at this time,
distinguished two sorts, the red and the white,
which is the first mention we find anywhere of a
white peony.

In 968, Mas Ze, an author on natural his-
tory and natural philosophy, discoursed learnedly
at considerable length on the herbaceous peony.
In the early part of the Eleventh Century, ac-
cording to another Chinese historian of the period.
the herbaceous peony was grown in all parts of
China but the most valuable roots came from
the district of Huni Gan Foo—wherever that was.

36

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

By 1086, as a literary botanist of that date tells
us, gardeners realised the possibilities of the plant
for ornamental purposes and began, by the ap-
plication of strong fertilisers and great diligence
in cultivation, to produce flowers of large size.
As a result of these efforts and the extensive
propagation by planting of seeds, new and better
varieties were produced. In 1596, more than
thirty improved kinds were listed in the catalogues
of Chinese growers.

As to the subsequent history in China not
much information is readily accessible. Loureiro
in 1790 says that P. officinalis was grown over
the entire Chinese Empire, but principally in the
northern provinces, and that it had been imported
to Cochin China. In the middle of the Nine-
teenth Century, a number of valuable peonies
were shipped to France and formed the founda-
tion of collections made by noted French ama-
teurs. At the present time, while the peony is
still grown extensively, few exportations to
Europe or this country are made—due possibly
to the quality of Chinese varieties as compared

with the improved varieties of this side of the
37

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

world, or else to the lack of initiative of the
Chinese in distributing their horticultural
products.’ |

Among the number of beautiful things for
which Japan is indebted to China, few equal the
peony. Early in the Eighth Century, the Japan-
ese imported from China both the herbaceous and
the tree peony. The herbaceous peony was called
“ Skakuyaku ”—apparently a corruption of the
Chinese Sho Yo—and has been highly thought
of, although not accorded the honours given the
tree peony, which is ranked as one of the three
Royal Flowers.

In Japanese literature and folklore the peony
is the subject of many poems and stories. It is
not clear in each case from the translation whether
the herbaceous or the tree peony is referred to,
but it is evident that both kinds were cherished
in the hearts of this flower-loving people. There
is a little Japanese verse that shows that East

7 At the present time (1916) inasmuch as the
Chinese Government has not complied with the regula-
tions of the United States Department of Agriculture
as to inspection, peonies cannot be imported from China
to this country.

38

MARIE JACQUIN
(Verdier)

Semi-double type. A glossy white peony frequently called ‘‘Water Lily”

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

and West meet in the kindred pleasures of the
garden if nowhere else:

“When Spring is on the wane,
Then men are apt
To turn their thoughts
To peonies again.”

At the present time, there are several nurseries
in Japan which grow both herbaceous and tree
peonies. One of these, which does a large export
business to England and America, maintains
an office in each country. Twenty-nine varieties
of the herbaceous peony are listed in the catalogue
of this nursery, the names of some of which are
delightfully quaint. Someganoko—painted fawn,
Shishi-Odori—dancing lions, Kame-no-Kegor-
omo—turtle’s holiday attire, are among the most
diverting. The present exportations from J apan
of herbaceous peonies consist principally of a
form of peonies of a distinct type known as the
Japanese, which constitutes a separate class in-
termediate between the single and double types.

IN ENGLAND
The knowledge of flowers and plants in Saxon
times (about 477-1017) and for several subse-

quent centuries, was chiefly based on the works
39

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

of Pliny and Dioscorides. These two authors
were largely drawn on by Apuleius, who lived
about 150 a.p. His Herbarius, written in Latin,
was later translated into Anglo-Saxon, and must
have been one of the horticultural “ best sellers ”
of the day, as there are no less than four MSS.
extant.

Alexander Necham, born in 1157, was an early
English writer on gardening. After some years
spent as a student and professor in Paris, he be-
came the abbot of the Augustine monks at Ciren-
cester. In those days monasteries had gardens
of considerable size and the monks “ went in heav-
ily ’ for raising herbs, vegetables and flowers. In
Necham’s De Naturis Rerum, he gives a descrip-
tion of what a “noble garden” should contain.
“The garden,” he writes, “should be adorned with
roses and lillies, turnsole, violets and mandrake;
there you should have . . . fennel, coriander

. and peonies.” It would seem that all these
plants were cultivated in typical gardens of the
time. The peony of this date was in all proba-
bility P. officinalis.

In the Fourtcenth Century peonies were used
for seasoning. In Langland’s Vision of Piers

40

PIONIA
@ Pionia calida & ficca in fecundo gradu. Cuius tay
dixin medicinis ponitur cum reperitur in receptis
eligenda eftilla qux nigra exiftit continua non per
foraca.& in hyeme colligitur & per annum feruat.
Virtutem habet occultam contra epilentiam & fus
fpenfam collo praferuat ab epilentiazteftante Galie
no expetto de quoda3 puero cuius collo talis radix
appéfa erat & non patiebat :radice.n,fubtracta fas

PAGE FROM HERBARIUS OF ARNOLDUS DE VILLANOVA, PUBLISHED IN 1484

This is the first known printed picture of the peony

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

Plowman—a popular allegorical poem, written
about 1375—a priest asks a poor woman:
“* Hast thou ought in thy purs’, quod he
‘Any hote spices? ’
‘I have peper and piones’ (peonies) quod
she,’ and a pounde garlike,
‘A ferthyngworth of fenel seed, for fastyng

999

dayes.

In another poem of the same century, entitled

“The Pearl,” the flowers around an arbour are
described:

“T entered in that arber grene

In augeoste in a high seysoun
ee ae aaa aa”

Shadowed this wortes ful schyre (bright)
and schere
Gilofre (clove-pinks) gingure (tansy) and
groomylyon (gromwell)
And pyonys powdered ay betwene.”

It thus appears that at this early day the use
of the peony in the hardy border had begun.

In 1484, about 300 years after Necham, the
Herbarius credited to Arnoldus de Villanova was
published on the Continent. This book contains
probably the first printed picture of the peony—
a wood-cut in which flowers, leaves and roots are

41

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

completely conventionalised (see illustration,
page 40). In addition to its historical interest,
the quaint stiffness of the wood-cut has a charm
of its own. The text, which is in terrific medieval
Latin, is mainly devoted to the use of the peony
for medical purposes, and is based on Galen.
Later English writers made use of this work
freely.

In Tudor times (1485-1603), contemporary
authors mention peonies together with other old
favourites—jasmine, lavender, lilies, rosemary,
rocket and snapdragon—as being grown in the
knottes or beds that were then coming into fashion.

The many names under which the peony was
known in England indicate that the flower was
widely grown and was regarded with affection.
Some of these names were: chesses, hundred-
bladed rose, marmaritin, piny, pie nanny, nan pie,
pianet, piano rose, posy, sheep shearing rose, rose
royale.

In 1579, John Gerard, a physician and prac-
tical gardener of Holloway, near London, pub-
lished his Herbal. In this book, which was
founded on A History of Plants by Dodoéns, a
Hollander (1554), four pages are devoted to

42

HISTORIE OF PLANTS. 831

a 4 ‘Thereis found another fort of the double Peionie not differing from the precedent in ftalkes,
| Jeaues,orfootes: this plant bringeth foorth white dowers wherein confifteth the difference,

3 Paonia famina multiplex. 4 Paonia fomina polyanthos flore alba,
- Double red Peionie. The double white Peionit.

| NN VE Se Weel | jE ‘ by 1G Gas ON
} -\ \ on x ] =) VA ae if : \ i 2 i Paboke SS

oe

j x The défeription,

There is another kinde of Peionie (called of Dodonaus Paonia famina altera, but of Pema Paonia
Promifcua fex neutra: in Englith Maiden or Virgine Peionie ) thats like vnto the common female
Peionic,{auing that his leaues and flowers are much fmaller , and the ftalkes fhorter , and beareth
red flowers,and {eede allo like the former.

We haue likew:fe in our London gardens another fort bearing flowers of a pale whitith colour,

_ very fingle,tefembling the femate wilde Peionie,in other refpects like the doub!e white Peionie.
2 The place.
Allthe forts of Peionies do grow in our London gardens ,except that double Peionie with white
flowers,which we do expect from the lowe countries of Flaunders.

The male Peionte groweth wilde vpon a conie berrie in Betfome, being in the parith of Scuth-
fleete in Kent,two miles from Grauefend, and in the grounde fometimes belonging to a Farmer
there called Lx Bradley.

: % The time,
They flower in May,the feede is ripe in Iuly.
pies - - The names. :
x ee pect is called in Greeke msoria: in Latine alfo Peomia, and Duleifida :in fhops Pronia sin
high Dich }Deanica bluticn in low Durch 99affbloemen sin French Pinine: in Spanifh Rofa
rd monte: in Englith Peionie: it hath alfo many baftardenames, as Rofa fatuina, HerbaCafta, of
: a had Lunaria Pconra : bicaufe it cureth thofe that hauethe falling ficknes, whom moft
men doca' Lunsticos, o1 Lunaticke, It is called sdeus Daéylus : which ‘agreeth with the female 4
Peionie,
= ee , - -
PAGE FROM GERARD’S HERBAL, PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND IN 1597
The anic¢ ames are s swhat primitive and are no longer used. “‘ Female Peony’ was a
Pe ince Deore p teine elie, “Male Peony”? was a name for P. corallina

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

peonies and eight illustrations are given. ‘The
text and pictures are so engaging that I have
reproduced one of the pages (see illustration,
page 42). Gerard speaks of the medicinal vir-
tues of peonies: “The black graines (the seeds) to
the number of fifteen take in wine or mead... .
is a special remedy for those that are troubled in
the night with the disease known as Ephialtes
or night mare which is as though a heavy burthen
were laid upon them, and they oppressed there-
with, as if they were overcome by their enemies
or overprest with some great weight; and they
are also good against melancholick dreams.”

In “The Taming of the Shrew” (1603),
Shakespeare refers to peonies in the line: “ Thy
banks with peonied and lilied brims.”

In 1629, John Parkinson, King’s herbarist,
apothecary and traveller, who possessed an ex-
cellent garden near London, published his “ Par-
adisi in Sole, Paradisus Terrestris”’ (a play on
his name, Park-in-Sun’s Earthly Paradise) “ or
a Choice Garden of all sorts of Rarest Flowers
with their Nature, place of Birth, time of flower-
ing, Names of Vertues to each plant, useful in
Physick or Admired for Beauty.” In this book,

43

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

after describing six kinds of peonies—two of
which were double—Parkinson says, “ All these
Peonies have been sent or brought from divers
parts beyond the Seas; they are endenizened in
our gardens where we cherish them for the beauty
and delight of their goodly flowers as well as
for their physical vertues.” Of the two double
peonies described by Parkinson, one was white
and one red. It has been suggested that the
double white had originated as a sport of the
double red.

The first Botanical Garden in England was
established at Oxford by the Earl of Danby, about
1621 “for a nursery for simples.” In this gar-
den, as appears by the catalogue, there were
“double and single Peony” in company with
twenty kinds of roses, including York and Lan-
caster. In the History of Plants at Oxford by
Robert Morrison (1620-1683), who was noted
for being one of the pioneers in the systematic
botanical classification of plants, there is a de-
scription of several peonies including a flesh-
coloured peony.

In the well-known Botanists’ and Gardeners’
44

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

Directory of Philip Miller, Keeper of the Chel-
sea Botanic Garden of the Worshipful Company
of Apothecaries, which work first appeared in
1731, seven kinds of peonies are set out as all the
sorts the author had observed in English gardens.
The seven are two varieties of corallina (both
single), officinalis (single, large double and small
double), a double white and Lusitanica or Por-
tugal peony. Of the last variety Miller says:
“The Flowers of this kind are single, but do
smell very sweet which renders it worthy of a
Place in every good Garden.” It is difficult to
identify this variety with certainty at the present
time although it is probably Broteri.

During the latter half of the Eighteenth Cen-
tury, several additional kinds, including tenuifolia,
peregrina and anomala, were cultivated in
England.

In the early part of the Nineteenth Century
some varieties of albiflora were imported from
China that are still offered by growers. Among
these are Fragrans (Sir Joseph Banks, 1805),
Whitleyi (Whitley, 1808)—which the importer
had been led to believe was a yellow tree peony—
and Humei (Anderson, 1810). Fragrans was

45

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

the earliest sweet scented double variety grown
in England.

In 1837, the variety Pottsii was described as
the most splendid of the five albifloras cultivated
in English gardens. It had been introduced from
China by John Potts—an intrepid plant-collector
—in 1822, and named after him.

The first large collection of named peonies in
England was made by Loddige in Hackney in
1845, and was sold eight years later. In 1850,
Salter, a nurseryman, began a collection with the
albifloras, Edulis superba (splendid, with edible
roots), originated by Lemon in France in 1824,
Pottsii and Reevesii, and some other varieties
imported from Belgium. In his catalogue, of
1855, twenty-four double sorts are listed. At
this time, peonies began to have such a large
sale that Salter was unable to supply the demand
for P. Grandiflora nivea plena (double large
snow white)—originated by Lemon in 1824—
P. lutea plenissima (very double, yellow)—
originated by Buyck in Belgium in 1842—and
several of the others that he offered.

In addition to the above-named varieties, the

first hybridisers in England had three forms of
46

SOUVENIR DE L’EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE
(Calot, 1867)

Rose type. Large flat flowers of rich deep pink. Brilliant and free-blooming variety

* _ ' ‘a

~ + a *
ek ey See ee eho

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

P. officinalis—rubra (red—the common double
red), rosea (rose) and carnescens plena (double
flesh white) —with which to make a beginning.

In 1864, James Kelway, of Somersetshire,
made his first attempt in improving existing types.
He commenced in a modest way with P. officinalis
and P. corallina, but soon went into the growing
of peonies on a very extensive scale. Twenty
years later he catalogued two hundred and fifty
varieties of which sixty-three were new single
and forty-one new double varieties of his own
raising. ‘Through his energy in introducing and
distributing improved forms Kelway did much
to make the peony popular in England. Among
his best productions are Baroness Schroeder
(1889), Miss Salway (1905) and Kelway’s
Glorious (1909).

Peter Barr was a tireless collector of all
species of the peony and was also much inter-
ested in hybridising. From his establishment
have come Wittmaniana rosea, one of the Witt-
maniana hybrids, and the albifloras, Helena Les-
lie, Lord Rosebery and Celestine.

In 1885, a First Class Certificate of the Royal

Horticultural Society was granted to a peony
47

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

named Snowflake—the first peony to receive this
honour.

About 1890, after a period of many years,
during which exotics and bedding plants were in
great demand, the newer and better varieties of
peony brought that flower into prominence again.
The successful work of French growers who de-
voted much time to hybridising the peony was
largely responsible for the revival of its fashion.
Since then the peony has gone forward rapidly
both in improvement and popularity.

At the Royal Gardens at Kew and Glasnevin
and at Chiswick, there are large collections of
peonies for the enjoyment and education of the
public. At the Royal Horticultural Society’s
Gardens at Wisley, a comparative trial, held
about 1896, is now (1916) being repeated with
the newest forms raised since then. The reports
will be published in the Journal of the Society.

IN FRANCE

The history of the peony in England is chiefly
the history of its cultivation in gardens from the
earliest time. In France the record of the im-
provement of the individual flower in recent years

48

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OP THE PEONY

is the main thing that has come down to us.
There is an account of one famous peony, P.
daurica (brought from Siberia via England),
which was introduced about 1810 as a rare plant
at Malmaison for the Empress J osephine.®

France has given the world the most numer-
ous and famous growers and hybridisers of the
peony, whose efforts during the past century
produced many of the finest varieties we see in
the best collections at the present time. The work
of improving the peony was begun earlier in
France than in England and soon became of
great interest to royal and aristocratic connojs-
seurs. Among the varieties we have to-day were
some originated between 1830 and 1848 in the
garden of King Louis Philippe at Neuilly under
the care of his gardener, M. J acques.

Before this, probably the first man in Europe
to raise peonies from seeds and to offer the best
of these as named sorts was M. Lemon of the

Porte St. Denis, Paris. As far back as 1824
a ree ee es Sec ee UT
* For a full account of this peony see Description
des Plantes Rares Cultivées a Malmaison et Navarre.
A. Bonpland, Paris, 1813. This species is also known
as P. corallina, var. triternata.
4 49

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

(about the time when hybrid perpetual roses
began to be popular), he raised a lot of seedlings
_of P. officinalis from which came P. anemoniflora
alba and P. grandiflora nivea plena. The last
named of these—white, shaded with salmon,—
though one of the oldest hybrids, even now ranks
among the best. In the same year, P. edulis
superba—a peony still much grown—was also
produced by Lemon. In 1830, he originated P.
sulphurea—white, tinted yellowish green—a kind
sufficiently attractive to be cultivated to-day.
Lemon achieved not only greatly desired modi-
fications in colour and form, but also a pleasing
fragrance which exists in most of his varieties
and is very marked in some of them.

Modeste Guerin, starting in 1835, in Paris,
with plants brought from China and Japan, made
rapid advances in improving the peony. From
then until 1866, he introduced more than forty
new varieties: among them General Bertrand
(1845), Modeste Guerin (1845), Duchesse d’Or-
leans (1846), Dr. Bretonneau (1850), Madame de
Vatry (1853) and Alexandre Dumas (1862), are
conspicuous for their excellence. It is interesting
to note that Guerin succeeded in getting in sev-

50

DUCHESSE DE NEMOURS
(Calot, 1856)

Crown type. This lovely cup-shaped bud is of a greenish tint, which fades to pure white as the
flower develops

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

eral of his peonies a touch of yellow, which up
to this time was almost an unknown colour in
this flower. Some of his varieties that had yellow
in them were put out before the first yellow peony
—P. Wittmaniana—was discovered. ‘Three in-
stances of what he accomplished in this regard are
Grandiflora lutescens (1840), with fleshy white
guard petals and a yellow centre, Reine des Fran-
cais (1842), with fleshy pink guard petals and
white centre shaded yellow, and Triomphe de
Paris (1850) , white with yellowish centre. Guerin
also produced some red peonies—chiefly with
magenta tints—which owed their dark colour to
iP Pottsu:

By 1840, the Prince de Salm Dyck, an ama-
teur horticulturist who was a native of Cologne
but who resided for many years in Paris, had
imported a number of valuable plants direct from
the Orient. These apparently passed to the
House of Solange Bodin near Paris. From 1845
on, some fine new double varieties were sent out
by this establishment: none of these, however, are
capable of identification at the present time.

The collection raised by M. Jacques was in-
herited by his nephew, M. Victor Verdier, pre-

51

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

sumably after the revolution of 1848 and the de-
thronement of Louis Philippe. Verdier had pro-
duced some new varieties prior to this date, but
sixteen of his best kinds—still offered by growers
to-day—were put out between 1855 and 1861.
One of Verdier’s most noted peonies is the incom-
parable Marie Jacquin.

Comte de Cussy was an enthusiastic amateur
who started with importations from China and
raised from them a number of distinctive varieties.
It was from his large collection in other hands
that a very high development of the peony was
subsequently reached. About 1850, M. Calot, of
Douai, acquired the collection of the Comte.
From then until 1872, with rare imagination and
diligence he originated over twenty new kinds,
many of which are greatly prized in gardens now.
Among them are Philomele (1861), Solfatare
(1861) —until the introduction of Primevere, the
nearest approach in a hybrid to a yellow peony;
the exquisite Duchesse de Nemours (1856),
Madame Lemonier (1860), Eugenie Verdier
(1864) , Madame Crousse (1866), Couronne d’Or
(1872), La Tulipe (1872), Monsieur Dupont
(1872).

52

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

In 1872 the collection of J. Calot passed into
the hands of M. Crousse, of Nancy, who con-
tinued to send out selections from the Calot seed-
lings until 1879 and who later, from 1882 to 1898,
introduced a large number (over seventy-five) of
seedlings of his own. Under Crousse the peony
was bred up to such a point that it seems almost
impossible to improve upon his work. The name
Crousse attached to any peony can always be
taken as indicating merit. Among the vari-
eties of Crousse are: Modele de Perfection
(1875), Livingston (1879), Madame Emile
Galle (1881), Felix Crousse (1881), Madame de
Galhau (1883), Madame de Verneville (1885),
Avalanche (1886), Asa Gray (1886) Made-
moiselle Rousseau (1888), Monsieur Jules Elie
(1888), Marguerite Gerard (1892).

Contemporary with Guerin, Verdier, Calot
and Crousse was Etienne Mechin, an ardent ama-
teur who, tutored by the celebrated horticulturist,
Bretonneau, began to collect peonies as early as
1840. By 1860, he had acquired a famous col-
lection comprising importations from China and
Japan, and seedlings of his own raising. Madame
Ducel (1880) and Raphael (1882)—a valuable

53

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

early red—are two of his best products. With
his grandson, Auguste Dessert, Mechin put out
a number of new sorts among which were Adolphe
Rousseau (1890) and Suzanne Dessert (1890).
Mechin was succeeded by Dessert who has added
many noteworthy varieties and is still actively en-
gaged in this work at Chanonceaux. Dessert is
considered one of the greatest living experts on
peonies. He has produced Madame D. 'Treyeran
(1889), Marcelle Dessert (1899), Monsieur
Martin Cahuzac (1899), Germaine Bigot
(1902), Aurore (1904). The Mechin-Dessert
group is one of the most important in the history
of the peony in France.

Within the past twenty years, Victor Lemoine
of Nancy, who occupies the old establishment of
Crousse,® has become one of the world’s greatest

® Tabulation showing successive owners of noted
French collections of peonies:
1. Etienne Mechin (1815-1895)
collection started 1840
Dessert and Mechin, 1882-1893
Auguste Dessert, 1888—
now extant at Chanonceaux.
2. Comte de Cussy
Calot, 1850-1872
54

AURORE
(Dessert, 1904)

Semi-rose type. An exquisite peony of delicate pale pink with prominent golden stamens.
Excellent for cutting

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

hybridisers in peonies as well as in other plants.
His varieties—the most recent of the French in-
troductions—are notable for their distinction of
form and colouring in addition to their rare
beauty. Among the best of his productions are
La Fiancée (1898), Madame Emile Lemoine
(1899), Alsace-Lorraine (1906), Sarah Bern-
hardt (1906), Le Cygne (1907), Primevere
(1907), Lamartine (1908).

Other names closely identified with the devel-
opment of the peony in France are Miellez (who
originated Festiva Maxima [1851]), Pele, De-
lache, Gombault, Foulard, Seneclauze, Paillet,
Millet, Brochet and Croux.

Crousse, 1875-1898
Victor Lemoine, 1898—
now extant at Nancy.
3. M. Jacques, gardener to Louis Philippe, 1830-1848
Victor Verdier, 1848—1866.
Eugene Verdier, 1866—?
Part of this collection was acquired by Dessert.
4. Modeste Guerin, 1835-1866
A large part of this collection was bought by
Mechin. The ground in Paris occupied by this
collection and by that of Eugene Verdier was
sold for building purposes, and the collections
were dispersed.
55

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

IN AMERICA

The fact that the peony does not appear in
horticultural literature in this country before 1800
may be accounted for more by the absence of the
literature than the absence of the peony. Not
till the beginning of the Nineteenth Century did
horticulture as distinct from agriculture attain
some individuality. The literature arose with
the art.

Bernard McMahon in his American Garden-
ers’ Chronicle—an ambitious work published in
1806—gives a list of perennials suited to the open
ground in the Middle and Eastern States. He
includes five kinds of peonies: “ P. officinalis:
common peony; albiflora: white flowered peony;
laciniata: jagged-leaved peony; hybrida: mule
peony, and tenuifolia: slender-leaved peony.”
Presumably all these existed in America when
the book was printed, although it has been cruelly
suggested by one critic that McMahon's lists
were compiled from English sources.

As might be expected, the peony appears in
the Catalogue of John Bartram & Son of their
“Foreign Plants Collected from Various Parts
of the Globe” and cultivated at their Botanic

56

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

Garden at Kingsessing, near Philadelphia
(1807). The reference, as in all cases in the
catalogue, is merely the name—“‘ Peonia officin-
alis ”»—without description or comment. In the
Catalogue of Bartram’s Garden published in
1828 (five years after John Bartram’s death),
we find six herbaceous peonies in addition to
some tree peonies:

**Pxonia officinalis..... ....crimson officinal peony .25
“ aIbicANSs tas heise double white ca I
° POSER: Ayes ere tiers rose coloured ti bes
s PUG eee ea double red ae Peer tt 55
oe carnescens .......flesh coloured «1.00
“ albiflorasimplex.. single white ny L007

In Green’s Treatise on Ornamental Flowers,
published in Boston in 1828, peonies are included
among the “leading plants” of the day. And
in the same year there is a record of the elder
Thomas Hogg exhibiting a single white P. offi-
cinalis at an exhibition of the New York Hor-
ticultural Society.

William Prince, of Flushing, Long Island, in
1829, in his annual Catalog of Trees and Plants
cultivated at his famous Linnzan Botanic Gar-
den, says: “ No class of flowers has recently at-

57

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

tracted more attention in Europe than the peonies.
. .. Most of the varieties are extremely splendid
and others possess striking peculiarities. Antici-
pating that a similar taste would be evinced in
this country, the proprietor has, by a great exer-
tion, obtained every variety possible from Europe
and also a number from China.” He lists forty
kinds containing a great diversity of shades and
colours. The prices range from fifty cents to
twenty dollars, but most of the plants are quoted
under two dollars.

An elaborate botanical work published in
1846-1850—The American Flora, by Dr. A. B.
Strong—contains coloured plates and descrip-
tions of P. officinalis, P. peregrina, P. edulis
Reevesiana and P. Russi, all of varying degrees
of red and magenta. I say “ of varying degrees ”’
advisedly: the plates were coloured by hand and
I am credibly informed no two of them were
alike!

The introduction of a number of varieties of
the species of P. albiflora, which occurred about
1850, caused an increase in the popularity of the
peony in this country. The merits of this type—
fragrance, great hardiness, erect habit of growth,

58

STEPHANIA
(Terry, 1891)

Semi-double type. A cup-shaped peony of deep cream. The reflections from golden stamens intensify
the colour and light up the flower

Ys ‘—_
ee

® s <te

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

variability as to colour and form of flowers—all
combined to create a demand for this new
“Chinese peony,” the name by which it began to
be called. As reproduction by division of the
roots was extremely slow on account of the limited
quantity of the several kinds, propagation by
seeds was resorted to. Cross pollination, either
accidental or directed by hybridisers, in time gave
rise to scores of novel forms of flowers.

In 1858, H. A. Terry of Crescent, Lowa, one
of the pioneers among peony experts of this coun-
try, obtained from William Robert Prince, who
had inherited the Linnean Botanic Garden, at
Flushing, thirty varieties of P. albiflora, includ-
ing Humei, Pottsii, Reevesii, Comte de Paris,
fragrans, festiva maxima, lutetiana, edulis su-
perba, plenissima rosea and Queen Victoria.
Many of these freely produced seeds from which
Terry soon had thousands of seedlings growing.
He selected the best for further propagation but
found that generally not five—often not one—
in a thousand were worth cultivating. During a
long life time—longevity and peony growing
seem to go hand in hand—Terry produced over
a hundred new varieties among which are a few

59

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

very beautiful ones—Stephania (note colour
plate), Grover Cleveland, dark crimson, and Mrs.
McKinley (note colour plate). Shortly before
his death, Terry sold most of his collection for
twenty-five hundred dollars.

John Richardson, an enthusiastic lover of or-
namental plants, raised in his small garden in
Dorchester, Massachusetts, a number of impor-
tant new varieties of peony. Some fragrant
flowers of his growing are noted as far back as
1857, about thirty years after the first fragrant
peonies were produced in France. From that
year until his death in 1887 he was actively en-
gaged in growing seedlings. He had only a few
mature plants—some forty albiflora peonies—but
in addition he carefully tended their descendants,
‘candidates for fame” as he called them. He
originated about eighteen double varieties distin-
guished by their fine form, colour, vigorous up-
right habit, large size and uniformly high quality.
Many of them were awarded certificates of merit
by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The
chief stock from which his seedlings came prob-

ably was: Festiva Maxima, Festiva and Pottsii
60

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

plena, and a double white seedling originated by
Mr. Carter of the Harvard Botanic Garden.

A good example of Richardson’s work is
Walton Faxon, conspicuous for its pure and beau-
tiful rose-colour. Others are Milton Hill, another
of the finest pink peonies, Perfection, Dorchester,
Charles Sedgwick Minot and Grandiflora. Most
of his varieties are light in colour and late flower-
ing. Richardson’s seedlings were not offered for
sale until after his death, at which time all of
his productions were named by his friends, John
C. Hovey and Prof. Robert Tracy Jackson, of
Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Richardson’s success in producing new vari-
eties of great worth and beauty is an inspiration.
He showed how even a small garden may prove
large enough to bring enduring fame to its de-
voted owner.

George Hollis, of South Weymouth, Massa-
chusetts, during the “ nineties” originated about
one hundred new varieties. All of his produc-
tions are very scarce and many high-priced at the
present time. Among the best are Standard
Bearer (1906), Adelaide E. Hollis (1907),
George Hollis (1907), Loveliness (1907) and

61

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Maud L. Richardson, which is among the tallest
peonies, often growing five feet high.

T. C. Thurlow, of West Newbury, Massa-
chusetts, was one of the early growers in this
country. Starting in 1875, after some years’
work he got together a large collection which in-
cluded most of the varieties which had been in-
troduced. James Hartshorn of Chicago, on
looking over Mr. Thurlow’s grounds, examining
the labels and taking note of the different kinds,
asked that a price be named for the whole lot of
peonies. On all of his peonies, except two plants
each of a hundred varieties, Mr. Thurlow fixed
nine thousand dollars, which figure was forthwith
accepted. The collection filled two freight cars.
After the plants had been shipped, Mr. Thurlow
started to get up a new collection, better than
the one he had sold.

Recently the seedlings of Brand—notably
Martha Bulloch (1907), and Frances Willard
(1907)—have aroused much admiration. The
beautiful productions of Shaylor, among which
are Frances Shaylor (1909), Jessie Shaylor
(1909), and Mary Woodbury Shaylor (1910),
show what is being accomplished in this country
by careful hand pollination.

62

FELIX CROUSSE
(Crousse, 1881)

Bomb type. A brilliant flower of good form which blooms freely

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

Other persons who, as hybridisers or growers,
have been closely connected with peony history
in this country since 1850 are: Mrs. Sarah EK.
Pleas, now over eighty-five years of age, who
originated Jubilee and Opal No. 2, Rosenfield
(Floral Treasure, 1900, and Karl Rosenfield,
1908), Fewkes, Ellwanger, Peterson, Ward,
Barry and Harrison.

The admiration in this country for the peony,
which started about 1850, has continued to wax—
with occasional wanings—until the present time.
But the growth in favour has had disadvantages
as well as advantages: about 1900, the number
of different varieties introduced from seeds and
from importations of plants (chiefly from Eng-
land and the Continent) had grown to such a size
that considerable confusion in nomenclature was
caused. ‘The difficulty a purchaser had in get-
ting the kind ordered became so great that it
seriously affected the peony trade as well as the
dispositions of many peony buyers. Unscrupu-
lous growers—some, alas, are always with us—
put on the market hundreds of new seedlings
which they christened with good old names. One
expert feelingly described the condition of the

63

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

peony business at this time as “ utterly chaotic.”

To replace confusion with order a few peony
enthusiasts and growers in the summer of 1902
started the movement which resulted in the fol-
lowing year in the incorporation of the American
Peony Society, of which C. W. Ward was the
first President, and A. H. Fewkes the first Secre-
tary. The original purpose of the Society was
“to advance public interest in the peony and
especially to straighten out peony nomenclature.”
In 1904, the Society agreed to co-operate with
the Horticultural Department of the Experi-
ment Station at Cornell University for the pur-
pose of making a study of all the varieties of
peonies which it was possible to obtain. To an
appeal for plants of different kinds, a liberal
response was made by those having large collec-
tions. Nearly every prominent grower in this
country sent samples from his stock: in addition
contributions were made from the finest collec-
tions in Europe, including two hundred plants
from A. Dessert at Chanonceaux.

The first plantings at Cornell in 1904 soon
increased to thousands of specimens having up-

wards of twenty-six hundred names—practically
64

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

all the varieties in commerce. Within three or
four years most of the plants were well estab-
lished and had begun to yield characteristic
blooms. For five years the N omenclature Com-
mittee of the Society, Bertrand H. Farr and
Joseph Dauphin, together with an expert horti-
culturist at Cornell, Dr. Leon C. Batchelor,
worked over this collection and compared their
observations with studies carried on by them at
several of the large nurseries in the eastern part
of the country. With painstaking and disinter-
ested labour, nearly all distinct varieties usually
grown were identified and described as to form,
colour and fragrance of flower and vigour, habit
and floriferous qualities of the plant. After
eliminating the numerous synonyms and the kinds
wrongly named—in a number of instances the
same variety appeared under as many as twenty
different designations—the twenty-six hundred
names contained in the complete list were sifted
down to five hundred separate meritorious vari-
eties. ‘These five hundred—which were mostly
varieties of P. albiflora—comprise nearly all of

the peonies of value to be found in the entire
5 65

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

collection. The description in detail, a check list
of peonies and numerous data in reference to the
peony, have been published in four Bulletins by
Cornell University, 1907-1911. The Peony
Society has thus rendered a service of incalcu-
lable benefit to the peony growers not only in
America, but everywhere. The amateur is thank-
ful for its efforts whenever he places an order,
or wants assistance in identifying some plant in
his garden.

The American Peony Society has also done
valuable work in other lines. It has held large
and successful exhibitions at New York, Chicago,
Philadelphia, Boston and Ithaca. The splendid
display of flowers shown has attracted attention
and aroused enthusiasm, which has rapidly in-
creased in the past few years. In 1911, at the
exhibition held in Philadelphia, the sum of two
hundred and thirty-two dollars was offered in
prizes. In 1916, at the New York exhibition the
ageregate of the premium list was six hundred
dollars, divided among twenty-six classes. At
this exhibition there were over fifteen hundred

blooms staged, and more than sixteen thousand
66

MYTHOLOGY, AND HISTORY OF THE PEONY

persons attended. ‘The American Peony Society
has issued reports from time to time and has re-
cently started the publication of a bulletin con-
taining items and articles of interest in reference
to the peony called “ Bulletin of Peony News”
which appears twice a year.

In 1916, The Northwestern Peony and Iris
Society was formed in Minneapolis.

67

1 a
Dey
oti: ay ae
: 1 Aen

BEST VARIETIES AND
THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

ss
ie CRRA:
i

CHAPTER III

BEST VARIETIES AND THEIR
CHARACTERISTICS

HE selection of any flowers for the garden
4 ies largely a matter of taste and therefore an
expression of personality. In order to make a
choice, however, one must have a clear idea of
existing varieties and which of these are obtain-
able. As we have seen, hundreds of varieties of
P. albiflora have been listed; but as many have
proved to be the same as others, with different
names, and many are so inferior as to be not
worth cultivating, the number of available kinds
that are desirable is not so overwhelming as might
at first appear. Broadly speaking there are about
five hundred varieties which are admirable in
gardens: this list of five hundred might advan-
tageously be restricted to a much smaller number
containing only those of distinction and value.

A Main List
I give a Main List of one hundred and twenty-
five varieties selected on their merits. It includes
71

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

desirable peonies of all prices, from a few of the
new and costly seedlings down to some of the most
charming of the inexpensive sorts. As several
of the loveliest peonies fortunately increase with
comparative rapidity they may be bought at rea-
sonable prices: a number of attractive kinds may
be purchased as low as fifty and seventy-five
cents apiece. One of the delights of a peony
garden is that it is possible to lay the foundation
of a satisfying collection by starting with the
standard varieties of moderate price, and adding
the more rare and costly roots from time to time
as one’s experience and taste direct, and one’s
garden bank account permits.

SHort Lists

Immediately preceding the Main List will
be found six Short Lists which are intended to
assist those who are unacquainted with the dif-
ferent varieties of peonies or whose preferences
may be for white, or pink, or red peonies. In
each of these colours, I have made a selection
of kinds which are considered among the best.
A list of peonies of distinction and beauty at a
low cost, and another list of rare and exquisite

72

FESTIVA MAXIMA
(Miellez, 1851)

Rose type. One of the finest white varieties. An early and reliable bloomer. This inexpensive
peony should bein every garden

ae

-
o? Vs)

¢

=

1

VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

peonies for the enthusiastic collector are added.
These Short Lists are lettered A, B, C, D, FE and
F, and are referred to in column 4 of the Main
List.

The varieties of P. albiflora which I give in
the Main List, together with the species de-
scribed in Chapter IV, are the most striking and
beautiful peonies for our gardens. Species such
as P. arietina, P. corallina, P. decora and others
are best left for ardent collectors to study and
experiment with: for while extremely interest-
ing as members of the peony family and pos-
sibly useful for hybridisation, they lack size,
charm and variety of colour. Although the her-
baceous peonies of Japan have much merit and
are well worth a place in our gardens, it is im-
possible to give an extended list of their names
that would be dependable. As the peonies ordered
from Japan seldom come true to description or
even twice alike, the direct importation of these
peonies must be undertaken as a pleasing game
of chance. One or two growers in this country
and in France have propagated from imported
Japanese stock, and from these growers a few,
but only a few, good ones can be obtained with
assurance of getting what is ordered,

73

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

In preparing the Main List, which is in-
tended to be a guide and not an exhaustive study
of each flower, the descriptions have been made
as simple and untechnical as is practical. Brief
explanations as to a few botanical terms, “ types,”
colours and fragrance will, nevertheless, be
necessary.

TYPES

In the process of development from the original
single type, the herbaceous peony has acquired
certain forms or types which have been classified
and named ‘‘ bomb,” “ crown,” “ rose,” etc., the
full descriptions of which I set out below. ‘The
stamens—the fertilising organs of flowering
plants, consisting of (a) filaments or supports,
and (b) anthers or double sacs filled with pollen
—have in some types of the peony broadened
and thickened into additional petals called stami-
nodes. Likewise the carpels—the seed-bearing
organs—have developed into petals called car-
pelodes. For brevity and convenience staminodes
and carpelodes are usually called petaloids. The
words staminodes, carpelodes and petaloids are
all used in describing types. When the word

1

VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

‘“ guards” is employed it means the outside or
primary petals. | When the word “ differen-
tiated” occurs reference is made to the degree
of difference in appearance between the outside
petals or guards and the petaloids within.

The names of the types and their descriptions
follow:

Deraits or Typers
1. SINGLE

Peonies of this class are com-
posed of a few broad petals, a
single row of which surrounds a
mass of pollen-bearing stamens
and seed-bearing carpels.

Example: Le Printemps.
Single. (Note illustration. )

2. JAPANESE
In this class the doubling
process has just begun. The
filaments of the stamens have
broadened and the anthers have
become extremely large. The
guard petals remain the same as

in the single type.
Japanese. Example: Mrs. McKinley.
(Note colour-plate. )

75

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

3. ANEMONE

This is the next development
in the process of doubling. The
filaments of the stamens are still
broader than in the Japanese
type, having become narrow
petals which fill the centre of the
bloom. While the anthers have
completely disappeared, the

Anemone. centre petals are still narrow
and short. There are few high-
class varieties of this type.

Example: Anemoniflora rubra.

4, SEMI-DOUBLE

Flowers of this type contain
filaments which have widened
irregularly, making petaloids of
varying widths throughout
which stamens are mixed. The
guard petals may or may not be
clearly differentiated.

Example: Stephania. (Note
colour-plate. )

5. CROWN
In this class the petaloids
originating from the carpels
differ from the petaloids, de-
veloping from the stamens as
well as from the guard petals.
Example: Madame de Vatry.
(Note colour-plate. )
76

VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

6. BOMB

In this type the petaloids
derived from both carpels and
stamens have become much

a
broader, without any crown, but
still are clearly differentiated
from the guard petals.

Example: Felix Crousse.
(Note colour-plate. )

7. SEMI-ROSE
In flowers of this class all the
petals are uniformly wide, dif-
fering from the full rose type
in the presence of a few stamens.
Example: Asa Gray. (Note
colour-plate. )

8. ROSE (FULL-DOUBLE)

This type completes the proc-
ess of doubling. All the sta-
mens and carpels have developed
into petals resembling the guard
petals.

Example: Mme. Lemonier.
(Note illustration. )

717

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

CoLouRs

In the Main List, I have given in ordinary
terms the details of shadings and combinations
immediately under the name of each variety and
have placed the colour of the general effect in
a separate column. I have avoided the use of
such expressions as Tyrian rose, Solferino red
and purple-garnet (which as a matter of fact
contains less purple than other shades bearing no
mention of purple). The colour terminology
used by the professional growers is confusing
and misleading to a beginner. For the informa-
tion of those who care to compare the trade terms
with actual samples of colour, I would state that
the chart used by the American Peony Society
is the “ Répertoire des Couleurs pour aider a la
détermination des Couleurs des Fleurs, des Feuil-
lages et des Fruits.” This elaborate work, pub-
lished by the Société Francaise des Chrysan-
themistes in Lyons in 1905, comes in three vol-
umes, or rather portfolios, and contains over
fourteen hundred shades. There has been some
discussion as to the respective merits of this chart

2) (79

and Ridgeway’s “ Colour Standards and Nomen-
78

SUZANNE DESSERT
(Dessert and Mechin, 1890)

Semi-rose type. Deep pink peonries of merit are not numerous. Suzanne Dessert, while it has a distinct
mauve tint, possesses great beauty, which is accentuated by golden stamens and silver-tipped petals

VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

clature.” * Much is to be said in favour of each
chart. | However, as there are many garden
owners who do not possess either, or do not feel
the need of one, I have not employed the cryptic
colour terms used in both.

It is to be noted that the colours of all peonies
vary somewhat in accordance with the age and
strength of the plants and the constituents of the
soil. There may be an intensification of colours
in different years due to the vagaries of the
weather. This year, 1916, Avalanche had such
a strong tinge of yellow throughout as to appear
almost another flower. Allowance should also be
made for the fact that peonies fade in strong
sunlight.

SIZE AND SEASON

Size is also a comparative matter. The actual

dimensions in inches vary in each case with the

‘

degree of cultivation. The descriptions, “ very
large,” “large,” “medium” and “ small,” which
I have used in column 6, refer to the size of the
peony in question compared to other varieties of
peonies grown under the same conditions.

The different varieties of albiflora have a
* Published by Mr. Ridgeway, Washington, D. C., 1912.

79

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

season of bloom which lasts from three to four
weeks. Reference to their comparative time of
bloom within this season is made in column 7.
In the vicinity of New York the earliest varieties
begin to flower during the last week in May.

FRAGRANCE

Fragrance is so largely a matter of personal
preference that I hesitate to mention it in my
list. The American Peony Society has adopted
a plan of marking fragrance as follows: pleasant
odour, single, double or triple X; unpleasant
odour, single, double or triple X. I have found
these descriptions misleading and, as the sense of
smell is extremely variable, I fear others may
likewise be disappointed. For example, Madame
D. Treyeran is marked by the Society: “ Fra-
grance, pleasant, XXX.” In my opinion this
flower has merely the suggestion of a pleasant
odour. In my Main List I have simply marked
those that are fragrant with an X. This runs
the entire gamut from a pleasant freshness of
odour up to intoxicating fragrance. The degree
of sweetness had best be decided by the pros-
pective purchaser according to his own keenness

of perception of perfume values. When scent
80

SARAH BERNHARDT
(Lemoine, 1906)

Semi-rose type. Moderately deep pink peony of fine form

VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

is lacking I have made no note. I have not in-
cluded any positively ill-smelling varieties except
Marie Jacquin, and there are some people who
consider it a fragrant peony, which brings us
back to where we started.

Single varieties are usually lacking in per-
fume and frequently have a disagreeable odour.
Mr. A. H. Fewkes has made some very careful
observations and drawn some interesting conclu-
sions in this matter of fragrance in the peony.
He notes that sweet odour follows closely upon
the development in breeding of the stamens into
petals, and that the full double (rose type) is
the most fragrant. In the single and semi-double
varieties the pungence of the pollen overcomes
the fragrance of such few petals as there are.
Mr. Fewkes also calls attention to the fact that
colour has some mysterious influence upon per-
fume, and that the full double rose-pink varieties
are the most fragrant, while the single or semi-
double reds are inclined to be ill smelling, and
the full double reds, in most instances, lack odour
entirely.”

2 See Bulletin of Peony News, No. 2, published by
American Peony Society, May, 1916.
6 81

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

SIX SHORT LISTS

LIST A
TWELVE FINE WHITE PEONIES

Avalanche

Baroness Schroeder

Madame Crousse
Marie Jacquin
Marie Lemoine
Mireille

Duchesse de Nemours
Festiva Maxima

James Kelway Monsieur Dupont
La Tendresse Stephania
LIST B

TWELVE FINE PALE PINK PEONIES

Aurore Marguerite Gerard
Milton Hill

Reine Hortense

Eugenie Verdier
Germaine Bigot

Livingstone Simonne Chevalier
Madame Lemonier Tourangelle
Marie Crousse Venus

LIST C

EIGHT FINE DEEP PINK PEONIES

Alexandre Dumas
Auguste Villaume
Claire Dubois

Madame Geissler

Modele de Perfection

Monsieur Jules Elie

Souvenir de |’Exposition
Universelle

Suzanne Dessert

82

VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

LIST D

TWELVE FINE RED PEONIES

Adolphe Rousseau Madame Bucquet
Delachei Madame Mechin
Felix Crousse Monsieur Martin Cahuzac
General de Boisdeffre Pierre Dessert
Grover Cleveland Raphael
Karl Rosenfield Rubens

LIST E

TWELVE PEONIES OF DISTINCTION AND BEAUTY AT

LOW COST

Asa Gray

Couronne d’Or

Duc de Wellington
Grandiflora Nivea Plena
Lamartine (Calot)

La Rosiére

Madame Calot
Madame de Galhau
Madame de Vatry
Madame de Verneville
Mathilde de Roseneck
Solfatare

LIST F

TWELVE RARE AND EXQUISITE PEONIES

Alsace-Lorraine
Gismonda

Kelway’s Glorious

Le Cygne

Madame Jules Dessert
Martha Bulloch

Mary Woodbury Shaylor
Primevere

Sarah Bernhardt (Lemoine)
Solange

Thérése

Walter Faxon

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102

EXTENDING THE PERIOD
OF BLOOM

CHAPTER IV
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF BLOOM

HE peony is sometimes criticised on the

ground that its period of bloom is not suffi-
ciently long. The peony does not have the char-
acteristic of other perennials such as the larkspur,
which, after being cut down, blossoms again the
same season; nor does it bloom as continuously
as the hybrid tea rose does under favourable con-
ditions. But the dazzling gorgeousness of the
flower is more than compensation for its compara-
tively short life.

While it is true that the flowers of an individ-
ual variety of peony will last only a number of
days, it is also true that by making a judicious
choice of different species and varieties it is easily
possible to have the joy of peonies in one’s garden
for a period of six or seven weeks. Moreover, as
the peony has in recent years become the sub-
ject of so much horticultural and commercial in-
terest, it is undoubtedly only a matter of time
before the scientific plant breeders, by the em-
ployment of methods of selection successfully

105

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

used with other plants, will increase the sum of
our happiness by lengthening the period of bloom
still further.

In addition to flowering at the desired time
all of the varieties suggested in this chapter for
the purpose of extending the season have distinct
and attractive qualities of their own.

The following list gives the approximate order
of bloom of the different kinds of peonies desir-
able for the garden.'' The order, of course, will
vary somewhat on account of different conditions
of soil, exposure and weather.

(1) P. tenuifolia—with fern-like foliage.

(2) P. Wittmaniana and Wittmaniana hybrids—
little known but very beautiful.

(3) P. officinalis (rubra and other varieties )—the
peony of our grandmothers’ gardens.

(4) P. suffruticosa or P. moutan—the tree peony.

(5) P. lutea—a pure yellow species.

(6) P. albiflora or sinensis—Chinese peonies.
Early varieties.
Midseason varieties.
Late varieties.

(1) First to bloom in the old-fashioned gar-
dens was P. tenuifolia, known in England as the
' See colour plates and illustrations in this and the

next chapter for the six species in the list.
106

P. TENUIFOLIA

earliest species of peony to bloom

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF BLOOM

Adonis peony. With its fragrant flowers of -
bright blood-red, and its deeply cut fern-like
leaves, resembling somewhat those of giant fen-
nel, it is thoroughly in harmony with the other
delicate traceries of early Spring. This graceful
little plant which attains only sixteen or eighteen
inches in height, still has a strong appeal, but is
not planted in the modern garden as frequently
as it deserves to be. A few weeks after blooming
P. tenuifolia dies down to the ground and dis-
appears until the following Spring, differing in
this respect from the other species, whose foliage
remains and helps to furnish the garden all Sum-
mer. There are both single and double flowered
varieties: it is difficult to decide which is the more
attractive.

This peony is a native of the Ukraine, Russia,
a region that lies north of the Black Sea. It
grows in profusion there and on the hilly grounds
and steep banks of the Terek District in the Cau-
casus. ‘The first mention of it was in a Kuro-
pean catalogue published in 1757. It is thought
to have been introduced into England by William
Malcolm in 1765.

(2) The season of P. tenuifolia is closely fol-
107

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

lowed by that of the Wittmaniana hybrids which
bloom early in May, nearly a month ahead of the
Chinese varieties. The original Wittmaniana
species was probably named after Wittman, a
botanist who travelled in the Caucasus. ‘The
details of its introduction are shrouded in mys-
tery, a fact which is the more remarkable be-
cause of the novel colour of the flower—yellow.
It is first mentioned in the Journal of Botany
-(London), for 1842, where a letter is quoted
which shows that, together with other rare plants,
it had been received in a garden in the Crimea,
from Count Worontzoff in Adsharia, not far from
Erzerum. Subsequently this species was lost for
a number of years, but was rediscovered about
1880 in an obscure Irish garden. The suggestion
has been made that the American Peony Society
commission some horticultural Arsene Lupin to
unravel the mysteries of Wittmaniana’s appear-
ance, disappearance and re-appearance.

The flower is single with large firm petals of
a colour well described as “light primrose with
a dash of lemon.” The seeds are a bright coral
red. ‘This type species is not grown here very
successfully; for some inexplicable reason it often
dies out.

108

LE PRINTEMPS
(Wittmaniana Hybrid—Lemoine, 1907)

Single type. Pale creamy yellow. Blooms earlyin May. Excellent for cutting

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF BLOOM

The Wittmaniana hybrids, however, are very
hardy. M. Lemoine, the French hybridist, by
making crosses of various Chinese varieties on
P. Wittmaniana has produced these valuable ex-
tra early-flowering sorts. They have large fra-
grant single flowers of great beauty, in delicate
tints of white, yellow, rose and salmon, and have
thick leaves of vigorous and luxuriant growth.
Avante Garde, palest rose; Le Printemps, yel-
lowish cream; Mai Fleuri, salmon white, and Mes-
sagere, sulphur white, are all most attractive.

P. Wittmaniana has also been crossed with
P. Russi by Lemoine, thereby producing Russi
major which, while very early-flowering, has a
mauve colouring not always acceptable.

A seedling of P. Wittmaniana put out by
Barr, in England, bears a single flower of soft
rose and yellow tints (P. Wittmaniana rosea).

(3) The bloom of the Wittmaniana hybrids
is succeeded by that of P. officinalis, so named
because in the early days its roots were used for
medicinal purposes. The variety rubra plena
(double red) is the peony so common in the old-
time gardens: in fact, up to about 1850 this was

the only peony grown to any great extent in this
109

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

country. Its large size and persistent growth,
the vivid red colour of its blooms and its notice-
ably unpleasant odour all serve to impress its per-
sonality on the observer. For sentimental reasons
and because it is one of the parents of some of
the wonderfully beautiful peonies of to-day, this
peony is entitled to a place in every garden.

Besides this old red “ piney ” there are several

other fine kinds of the officinalis species that are
deserving of selection. Four particularly striking
varieties are easily obtainable and share with the
rubra plena the merit of blooming in May. They
are:

P. OFFICINALIS ALBA PLENA, which has double white
flowers. The buds are pink when they ap-
pear, but fade to white as the flower opens.

P. OFFICINALIS ROSEA PLENA, which has full flowers
of bright rose.

P. OFFICINALIS LoBATA.” This peony has single
flowers of an unusual colour—a glorious
orange scarlet.

P. OFFICINALIS LA NEGRESSE, which has full, double,
rich, dark maroon blooms.

2 At the present time an animated controversy is
going on in England as to the proper classification of
lobata. There is no controversy as to the beauty of the
flower,

110

P. OFFICINALIS

The old red “piney ”’ of our grandmothers’ gardens

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF BLOOM

(4) Next in point of flowering come the tree
peonies. These have as ancestors a primitive
Chinese species, P. suffruticosa or P. moutan, and
are distinguished from the herbaceous peony in
having a shrub-like habit and a permanent woody
growth that does not die down to the ground in
the Autumn. This type has been cherished and
cultivated in China and Japan for hundreds of
years, and has, since 1787, received much atten-
tion in Kurope—particularly in England. In
many places in England, however, it is grown
with but indifferent success, which is due possibly
to the climate or to local conditions. It does bet-
ter in eastern America, where the climate—es-
pecially of the Atlantic Coast slope of the United
States—is similar to that of interior China, its
original habitat. The tree peony usually reaches
a height of three or four feet. There is an in-
stance of one in England twelve feet high and
thirty-six feet in circumference which never failed
for twenty-five years to produce annually several
hundred blooms. The flowers of P. moutan are
remarkable for their beauty of form, texture and
colour combined; they are also very large—often
measuring from seven to ten inches across—and

il

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

have a satisfactory way of lasting long on the
plants. One is surprised that this species is not
more appreciated and frequently planted. The
history of the tree peony and some of the points
to be remembered in its culture are set out in
Chapters IX and X. Among the many fine
varieties grown to-day there are at least four so
exquisite that they should be in every peony lover’s
garden:

CAROLINE D’ITauie, which has finely formed
flowers of silvery flesh colour, with a reflex of
salmon.

Mme. Stuart-Low, which has cup-shaped
flowers of bright salmon red with broad silvery
border and golden stamens. The flowers are of
exceptional brilliance and the plant blooms
luxuriantly.

BLANCHE DE CHATEAU Futu, which has flow-
ers of pure white with carmine spots. This is
also a free bloomer.

REINE ELIZABETH is considered the finest of
all the tree peonies. ‘The flowers are massive—
salmon pink with brilliant copper tints. 'The plant
is a vigorous grower and free bloomer.

(5) After P. moutan comes the bloom of P.

112

P. SUFFRUTICOSA OR MOUTAN, “CAROLINE D'ITALIE”’

The tree peony, beloved of the Chinese and Japane

and famous in Oriental] art and literature

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF BLOOM

lutea. This species, usually classed among the
tree peonies on account of its woody stems, has
thick, deeply lobed dark-green leaves and cup-
shaped single flowers, measuring about three and
one-half inches across, with waxy fleshy petals
of a wonderful golden yellow, strong and pure.
In some of the blooms the lower half of the fila-
ments is red, giving the effect of a red ring in
the centre of the flower. Curiously the leaves are
of the same outline and habit of growth as those
of the tree peony, while the buds are of the same
shape as those of the herbaceous peony. In addi-
tion to its beauty this little peony is gifted with
fragrance, somewhat like that of a lily.

Thirty years ago Abbé Delavay—a mission-
ary—discovered P. lutea in the Yunnan Moun-
tains in southern China, and sent twenty-six seeds
marked “ Seed of an Alpine plant ” to the Jardin
des Plantes in Paris. Only three of the twenty-
six seeds lived, but from them are descended all
the P. lutea now in cultivation. From France
this peony was introduced into England and
thence to this country.

Two recent hybrids of P. lutea and P. moutan
offer much of interest and beauty, though not

8 us

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

as early flowering as either parent. P. L’Esper-
ance, introduced in 1909 by Lemoine, is similar
to P. moutan in foliage and habit, and has single
flowers eight inches across with eight or ten broad-
fringed petals, in colour soft yellow tinged with
buff and splashed at the base with red. P. La
Lorraine, sent out in 1912, also by Lemoine, has
avery full globular bloom, about six inches across,
regular in outline and of a buff tone passing to
golden yellow. It gained high honours in France
and was awarded the First Class Certificate—a
recognition of great merit—by the English Royal
Horticultural Society in 1912. It was one of the
most startling novelties introduced into England
in that year. This variety is not offered as yet
in this country.

(6) The last to bloom and most glorious of
all the peonies is P. albiflora. It is this peony
to which reference is usually made to-day under
the generic term “ peony.” Nearly all of the five
hundred or more named double varieties of albi-
flora have been obtained by crossing P. albiflora
(mostly single) with P. officinalis, peregrina and
other species. This crossing which produced a
wide range of colour and form has been the means

114

A small shrubby peony which suggests a glorified buttercup. It has a delicious fragrance

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF BIOOM

of lengthening the blooming season for the im-

proved species, the result of the union. Many of

the best varieties of P. albiflora have been given

in Chapter III. In order to complete the plan

of having peonies in flower in the garden for the

longest possible time, a few of the

earliest, mid-

season and latest varieties are here named again.

Umbellata Rosea
Festiva Maxima
Ld) eee Madame Ducel
Mons. Jules Elie
Adolphe Rousseau

Avalanche

Marie Jacquin
Midseason. . } Madame Lemonier

Gloire de Chas. Gombault

Mons. Martin Cahuzac

Marie Lemoine

Baroness Schroeder
Late....... Pierre Duchartre

Livingstone

Rubra Superba

115

white
white
pink
pink
red

white

white

pink

pink and yellow
red

white
white
pink
pink
red

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PURCHASING

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9

CHAPTER V
PURCHASING

NLESS the admirer of peonies, who longs

impatiently for exquisite flowers of his own,
has the good fortune to be tutored by a disin-
terested authority, he is on the road to enroll-
ment in the expensive school of experience—ex-
pensive to a varying degree in money, and ex-
pensive to a certain degree in time and results.
Many varieties of the peonies take two to four
or even in some cases five years to become so
well established as to give the most typical blooms.
The owner inevitably feels resentment on ulti-
mately finding, after an extended period of care
and anticipation, that the flower is of inferior
quality, that it is different from what was ordered,
or that possibly the plant is a shy bloomer
or does not bloom at all. For months and years
to slip by without bringing the development one
has a right to expect is both disappointing and
disheartening. As I look back to my early un-
guided efforts to have “lots of lovely peonies,”
the memory of time-consuming mistakes I made,
which might have been avoided had I but had

advice, encourages me to try to help others.
119

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Successful purchasing of peonies, as of most
things, resolves itself into three factors—knowing
quality and prices, knowing where to get the best
and knowing what one wants. In other words,
the buyer of peonies who desires the satisfaction
of feeling that he has used good judgment, must
study (1) the difference between good and bad
stock; (2) the individuals and firms in the peony
business and what they offer, and (3) his own
taste and requirements.

CATALOGUES

While it is often enthralling and always en-
lightening to secure catalogues from a number
of growers and dealers and to compare the lists,
both of varieties and prices, it must be remem-
bered that the beauty of the printed matter does
not always necessarily correspond with the qual-
ity of the plants offered. Advertising is a branch
of any business which is artistically or carelessly
done, as its importance is or is not recognised by
the advertiser. But neither the beauty nor the
simplicity of the printed matter affects the vary-
ing margin between euphemism and accuracy.

The general reputation for integrity of the
120

PURCHASING

grower or dealer putting out the catalogue is an
all-important matter about which inquiry should
be made.

Peony growers’ booklets contain much valu-
able information, but they are sometimes mislead-
ing. ‘The fascination of the printed word seems
never to be so strong as in flower catalogues. The
ingenuousness with which one peruses and accepts
all of these that come to hand each year is un-
deniable proof of the vernal and eternal charac-
teristic of hope. While catalogue reading is prac-
tically unexcelled as a form of indoor agricultural
and horticultural diversion, I fear that it is some-
what dangerous to the happiness if not to the life
or liberty of the novice. The extravagant use of
the West. isaperb,.. “splendid,” * magnifi-

3G

cent,” “ indispensable ” and other ecstatic adjec-
tives at times thrills even a hardened buyer, but
to the beginner, sensitive to suggestion, it is often
positively hypnotic. I would not for a moment
intimate that this is wilful misrepresentation: it
does not seem, however, always to be the whole
truth. A peony may be veraciously described as
so appealingly beautiful that one’s hand at once

reaches for the order form. But before indulging
121

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

the impulse and filling in the blanks, important
questions should be asked and _ satisfactorily
answered:

1. Is the coveted peony a free bloomer?
. Are the stems strong?

2

3. Is its odour agreeable?

4, Is it better for cutting or for landscape?
5

. Is it the proper height for the place where it
is to be planted?
And after all these points are disposed of, others arise:

6. Will the stock described in the catalogue be
as represented?

7. Will the roots be strong and healthy?

8. Will they be true to name?

9. What is the grower’s or dealer’s reputation as
to reliability?

First Hanp INForRMATION AND DISINTERESTED
ADVICE

The ideal way to choose peonies is to visit
several nurseries and make selections of plants
when in bloom. Of the hundreds of varieties
of peonies, the average general nursery carries
in stock only a comparatively small number.
The growers of peonies exclusively, or of peonies
in connection with a few other perennials,

usually put out long lists of the finest kinds. In
122

GLOIRE DE CHAS. GOMBAULT
(Gombault, 1866)

Crown type. Colouring and form of great charm. A moderate sized peony which blooms freely

eS A

MADAME LEMONIER
(Calot, 1860)

Rose type. Full flower of pale pink. The petals are unusually large and gloss)

PURCHASING

order to make comparisons of the habit of growth
and the quality of stock, as well as to enlarge one’s
acquaintance with the flowers of the different vari-
eties, it will be of advantage for one to visit a
number of nurseries, whether the lists of peonies
offered for sale are large or small.

A convincing reason for seeing the flowers in
bloom before ordering is the fact that probably
no words in the English language convey so many
shades of meaning as those expressing shades of
colour. When one reads in a catalogue that a cer-
tain flower is “ Tyrian rose” or “ Bengal rose ”
or “ Solferino red,” unless one possesses a colour
chart, or is familiar with the terminology of the
peony trade, or has perhaps the good fortune to
have lived in Tyre, Bengal or Solferino, as the
case may be, the description will probably be un-
intelligible. How many beginners go to the dic-
tionary to find that “ amaranth ” is “ aname given
to mixtures of colouring matters of which the chief
constituent is magenta ”? Most of us, I fear, learn
the definition through experience when the flower
appears. One may, of course, like magenta: but
if a bluish pink, or purplish red bring tears to the
eyes of others as they do to mine, it is no laughing
matter to own an amaranth peony.

123

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Visits to peony exhibitions will also prove in-
valuable in giving the opportunity to compare
colours and to determine those one likes best.
Furthermore, at exhibitions one can readily and
delightfully become acquainted with names of
varieties and types of form.

In addition to seeing the nurseries of com-
mercial growers and studying exhibitions, still
another important source of aid lies in viewing
private collections. The gardening spirit usually
prompts the owners to extend assistance to other
flower lovers, so that disinterested information is
easily available. Eiven in a small garden con-
taining a few cherished peonies, much help may
be obtained. I give here a list of questions to
ask of one’s indulgent friends, the answers to
which it will be of benefit to have and consider
before buying.

1. Where and when were the roots purchased?
2. How old were they when they were bought?
3. How large were they, and did they have fat eyes?
4. Did they bloom the first year after planting?
5. If not, how many years passed before they
bloomed?
6. Have they been transplanted?
7. Have they been divided?
8. Was the stock clean and healthy?
124

MADAME CALOT
(Miellez, 1856)

Rose type. A high-class and inexpensive light pink peony. It is strong-growing, free-blooming
and fragrant

PURCHASING

One should always note under what conditions
of soil and location the peonies are planted, and
in drawing conclusions one should be fair to both |
grower and owner.

In the Autumn, in the digging and shipping
season, visits to nurseries are also instructive.
One then finds out in a general way what each
grower gives in return for the prices asked in
his catalogue. The size and quality of roots sent
out by growers vary greatly: the blooms from
the roots will show a corresponding difference.
Some growers list and advertise one-, two- and
three-year roots. Others quote a single price and
say nothing about the age or size of the roots. In
the latter case one buys in ignorance and on faith:
in addition, one’s mind is so occupied with pictures
of the glorious flower described that little thought
is given the roots except as to the number required.

PRICES
In buying peonies, low prices alone should not
influence the purchaser. A root of some standard
variety such as Festiva maxima may be bought
from some growers as low as thirty-five cents,
whereas the same variety, listed as being the same
125

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

age, bought from others will cost as much as sixty
cents. ‘The plants listed may both be true to
name, but there are probably differences in the
quality of the root which determine the price.
X’s root at sixty cents will begin to bloom pos-
sibly the first season, and surely the second season
after planting, whereas Y’s cheaper root may
and probably will not be vigorous enough to bloom
until the third or fourth year. And there is no
certainty that it will be a fine strong flower when
it does appear at last.

Three experiences recounted from notes in my
garden book may be of interest from several
angles.

1. Some years ago I bought from a general
nurseryman and seedsman a dozen peony roots of
standard varieties. As his roses and seeds had
been most satisfactory, I ordered peonies from
his catalogue without further thought. Two years
after planting only one flower bloomed on each
of two of the plants. At the end of three years
these same two plants bore several flowers apiece.
At the end of four years the remaining ten roots,
which had not produced a solitary bloom in all

this time, were pulled up, examined and destroyed.
126

PURCHASING

The roots were not diseased but were small and
weak: in fact during the four years that they
had been in my garden they had not noticeably
increased in size. Evidently the stock had been
divided too often and into too small pieces, and
the roots had not been able to recover their
strength.

2. On another purchase of fourteen roots,
which was made from a grower of peonies, I had
a most disappointing experience. As this grower
strongly advocated mulching with manure, I con-
scientiously proceeded to mulch as directed. This
caused two of the roots to rot away during the
first winter. At the end of one year only one
flower appeared on the remaining twelve plants.
At the end of two years, four plants, supposedly
of one variety, bloomed well, but one of the
four was not true to name. The other plants had
one flower apiece, but have refused to bloom even
thus luxuriantly since then. At the end of three
years three more plants decided to blossom in a
half-hearted way, and two others did creditably.
In other words, after four years’ waiting only five
plants out of fourteen proved to be satisfactory.

3. The third experience makes more cheerful

127

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

reading. From another grower of peonies, I se-
cured a shipment of exceptionally fine roots. The
first year after planting seventy-five per cent. of
these bloomed: some of the plants bore six or
eight flowers. The second year all except one
bloomed freely and had sturdy flowers and strong
lustrous foliage. The prices for these roots were
higher than those of certain other growers and
nurserymen, but the results warranted the added
expense. I have just come in from the garden
this warm May morning after having counted
with a miser’s thrills of joy the many large, vigor-
ous buds on plants furnished only last year by the
same man. May he live long and prosper!

The newest and scarcest peonies command a
fancy price. The wise beginner will leave the buy-
ing of these varieties until he has had either ample
experience or specific expert advice. Some of
them are wonderfully beautiful and desirable,
and others are expensive because there are only
a small number on the market, not necessarily
because they are greatly superior to the well-
known kinds which should be in every peony
garden.

198

ALICE DE JULVECOURT
(Pele, 1857)
Crown type. A well-built full flower of delicate rose blush and cream

PURCHASING

Quality is more important than quantity. It
is far cheaper in the end to purchase roots of finest
quality and after several years propagate them
than to buy cheap roots which may be poor stock
and possibly not true to name. In the first in-
stance one has roots of ever-increasing value: in
the second, after a few years of disappointment
the roots will probably be thrown away, entailing
a loss of time which, in peony growing, is of even
more importance than money.

The ever-widening interest in the peony, and
a consequently large demand for it, together with
the fact that the peony increases slowly, will prob-
ably cause the inevitable law of supply and de-
mand to keep up the prices of the standard
varieties.

Pornts To BE DEcIDED

The decision as to where to buy may be arrived
at in one of several ways. It may be the result
of observation during visits to various nurseries
and gardens, or it may be made on the advice of
experienced friends, or, in the event that observa-
tion and advice are not available, a conclusion
may be reached by doing a little experimental
buying. Roots can be obtained from each of sev-

9 129

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

eral nurseries, and comparisons of their quality
carefully made. In Chapter VIII on Propaga-
tion and in Appendix B, will be found pictures
and descriptions of both healthy and sick roots,
which will be of assistance in forming a judgment
on the quality and condition of stock.

Having decided where the roots are to be
bought, the next step in purchasing is to deter-
mine for what use the peonies are wanted. If
they are to be planted for landscape effects the
best for the purpose are the varieties in white,
strong pink and red, which colours have the ad-
vantage of fading less in the sun. If the peonies
are for the garden, varieties in any colours may
be chosen. If the flowers are to be used largely
for cutting, those that are best suited for that
purpose should be selected. For planting in
mixed borders the colours of the other perennials
in bloom at the same time should be remembered.
Edulis superba—pink—and scarlet Oriental pop-
pies make a clash which can be heard for miles!
All these considerations enable one to make a
choice not to be regretted or reversed, a procedure
which is usually disturbing to one’s mind and
purse as well as to the peonies themselves.

130

PURCHASING

The number of peonies required should receive
careful attention from the novice. For one’s first
purchase, the smallest number with which one can
possibly manage to exist is best. Make haste
slowly in collecting: it is likely to be less expen-
sive and it is a good deal more amusing. 'Two or
three years’ experience will bless one with an
amazing amount of wisdom, and there will prob-
ably be a warm feeling of self-gratulation later
at the restraint exercised.

As orders are filed and filled in the sequence
in which they are received at the nursery, the
earlier the order is completed and sent the better.
When the order is forwarded it is well to ask
whether the varieties specified can be furnished
in the quantities and ages desired. If some vari-
eties cannot be supplied, the plan of planting
may be rearranged or the order for them placed
elsewhere. State in the order the date on which
shipment is to go forward, and request a notice of
the shipment before it is dispatched, so that ar-
rangements can be made for being at home at the
time of planting: even the most trusted gardeners
sometimes make mistakes. If one cares at all for
peonies their arrival, unpacking and planting will
be both a rite and a festival. |

131

WHERE TO PLANT AND
HOW TO PREPARE THE
SOIL

ehh :
Man Vie

CHAPTER VI

WHERE TO PLANT AND HOW TO PREPARE THE
SOIL

Tue Prony 1n LANDSCAPE WorkK

ROM the appreciation of the beauty of the
| eee as an individual flower it is but a step
to the realisation of its value in landscape work.
The whole effect of peonies may be described as
enlivening: their natural “ air of gaiety,” as one
writer aptly calls it, is a charm quite by itself,
distinctly in addition to their artistic appearance
and is present whether they are arranged in large
groups or in small plantings.

A striking picture can be obtained by massing
peonies in lawns or open fields, or at a distance
with a background of trees. As an example of
the first method of treatment, the peonies in broad
curving beds at Highland Park, Rochester, make
an admirable composition. Another instance of
this plan is on the estate of Miss Morris (near
Philadelphia) , where a gleaming ribbon of peonies
separated by a strip of turf follows the outlines
of a long bed of shrubbery.

Peonies are well planted in front of but a little

185

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

way from shrubs or evergreens such as yews or
cedars, which not only bring out the bright colour-
ings of the blooms but also serve as a shelter.
At the Royal Gardens, Kew, England, peonies
have been successfully used as a setting for the
smaller flowers in the rock garden. Unless one’s
purpose is to make a collection of peonies for com-
parison or exhibition, a limited space should not
include a large number of varieties differing in
colour or time of bloom.

Peonies placed in lines at the edge of walks
or drives give a pleasing finish. In the border
they are valuable both for their ornamental foli-
age and for their brilliancy when in flower. Ina
formal garden they are a great aid in accenting
the plan: even a few specimens may be used with
marked results. In my own garden, the plant-
ing of individual peonies at all intersections of
the brick walks emphasises the design not only
when the plants are in bloom, but, because of the
boldness of the leaves, throughout the entire sea-
son. And the contrast of the stately white Festiva
maxima against the deep green of Chinese cedars
gives me a picture eagerly awaited every year and
long remembered with delight.

136

er

PEONIES IN LANDSCAPE PLANTING ON MISS MORRIS’S ESTATE NEAR PHILADELPHIA

WHERE TO PLANT

A garden devoted exclusively to peonies, or
to peonies and some other early summer peren-
nials, is the height of simplicity and beauty. Such
a garden also has the advantages of being easily
planned and of being at its best when most proud
garden owners are at home. A planting of peo-
nies, both herbaceous and tree (selected for a
succession of bloom), combined with iris (also
selected for succession), lilies of the valley and
lilacs, gives flowers that need little care and pro-
vides both perfume and splendour in soul-satis-
fying quantities.

The requirements for peonies for mass effects
are white or strong colours so as to fade the least,
and low price so as not to bankrupt the purchaser.
Umbellata rosea and Duchesse de Nemours,
both white, Rubra triumphans and De Candolle,
both red, and Edulis superba, deep pink, fill these
needs and are readily obtainable in quantities.
For wild planting, P. officinalis—red and reason-
able—lends itself gracefully: after becoming es-
tablished it takes care of itself for many years.
A group placed beyond, but visible from, the con-
fines of the garden, makes a dazzling effect.

* Outside ” planting, so successfully employed
137

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

in connection with many noted gardens, always
adds greatly to the picture. A faultless garden
should have an enticing view as well looking out
from as looking into it. ‘This can be obtained in
several ways—for example, by planting shrubs
and trees in the distance to secure a good skyline
or by growing large fields of bright-coloured flow-
ers to create the impression that the world is
all flowers if one cares to go onand on. To stand
within a well-kept garden and to see beyond, the
work that nature will do for us if we will but start
it, a meadow with naturalised yellow daffodils,
an apple orchard in fairy bloom, a hillside cov-
ered with sheets of white anemones, groups of
brilliant red P. officinalis bordering a brook,
masses of blue iris fringing a pond,—is to behold
the necessarily smaller garden enlarged and
perfected.

SELECTION OF PLACE FOR PLANTING
In selecting the location for planting peonies
it is important to keep a few fundamental prin-
ciples in mind.
Good drainage is vital: while the peony de-

mands a plentiful supply of water just before
138

Japanese or crown type.

PHILOMELE
(Calot, 1861)

The collar of deep yellow gives this flower a most striking appearance

WHERE TO PLANT

and during the blooming season, excessive moist- ’
ure at any time is most injurious to it. To ob-
tain the best results it is desirable that ample
watering facilities should be easily available.

In some cases where perfectly sound peonies
have been planted in poorly drained soil, they
have been attacked and damaged by a destructive
worm or grub; when the roots were lifted, freed
of the worms, divided and replanted in well
drained soil the plants regained health. In many
instances of standing water the roots have rotted
away entirely: “disappeared ” as one surprised
and indignant gardener said. At the other
extreme, a hard dry soil is almost equally
undesirable.

The planting of peonies very near trees or
building foundations is not a good practice.
Under trees the shade is frequently dense and the
tree roots, accurately described as voracious, rob
the peonies of both food and water. Close to
building foundations not only is the ground dry,
but the roots are subject to roof drippings and
snow drifts. To expect peonies, even with their
hardy constitutions, to bloom under such condi-
tions is really asking too much of them.

139

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Peonies do well in full sun, in light shade, or
in a position where they are shaded a part of each
day. If sheltered from the wind by shrubs,
hedges, walls or buildings at a short distance it
will be a distinct advantage. Such a protection
is especially valuable in the case of the single
varieties, the blooms of which are somewhat
fragile.

Peonies are indeed “ gross-feeders.” 'To put
forth strong stems, heavy foliage and masses of
large flowers all within ten or twelve weeks, it
is only natural that they must have food and
drink in abundance. Peonies thrive best in a
rich, heavy loam. A clay loam which has been
made friable or a good vegetable garden soil makes
an excellent soil for them. Rows of peonies
along the path edges give a finish to the garden
and furnish quantities of flowers for cutting from
a place where they can best be spared.

The person who has only a few peonies can
put them in the flower border. If small roots are
thus placed, they should not be crowded or shaded
by other plants, as this causes the leaves to shrivel

or wither and retards the development of the root
140

HOW TO PREPARE THE SOIL

buds for the following year. Large, strong
clumps, or the smaller roots planted in groups
are not so apt to meet with this misfortune. As
the foliage of the peony is admirable in itself,
plenty of space for the plant can be left without
injuring the appearance of the border.

How To PREPARE THE Soin
The peony probably asks less of its owner in
the way of care than any other perennial except
the iris. One often reads in catalogues the state-
ment in reference to the peony that “ once planted
all is done,” and if the word “ properly ’
serted between “ once” and “ planted ” this may

is In-
be said to be almost literally true. E:ven the most
neglected peony, if healthy, will manage to make
its own living, and bloom in some manner under
adverse circumstances. But in peonies, as in
other things, there is a price to pay for perfec-
tion. Part of the price is careful attention to
the details of planting.

A deeply spaded place should always be pre-
pared for peonies. In borders, holes two and
one-half feet in depth and three feet in diameter
can be made, and filled with rich top soil care-
fully mixed with well-rotted manure. A good

141

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

proportion is one part by bulk of manure (or com-
post) to nine parts of top soil—as noted in direc-
tions for preparing a trench. In very fertile
ground, when the top soil is not shallow and the
subsoil is not a hard clay, a deep and thorough
spading and the addition of the requisite amount
of manure will give excellent results.

If the flowers are not merely an effective in-
cident in the border but are the chief object of
one’s endeavours, peonies should be placed in a
bed by themselves, where they will make better
growth than when crowded in with other plants.
In planting peonies in a bed considerable space
should be left between them to allow for the
full growth of the massive roots which develop in
the ten or twelve years during which the peonies
should be undisturbed. 'The minimum distance
apart at which they should ever be planted is two
and a half feet each way. A distance of three
and a half or four feet each way is much to be
preferred.

The ideal way to grow peonies, and one which
by the expenditure of some time, patience and
money can be made real, is to plant them in ground
that has been trenched to the depth of two and a

142

HOW TO PREPARE THE SOIL

half or three feet and filled with top soil enriched
with well-rotted manure or compost.

“Top soil,” strange though it may seem to
one struggling with numerous bewildering tech-
nicalities, means exactly what it says: it is the
soil lying on top of the earth. It usually con-
tains decayed vegetable matter, some of which
has come down to us from the Paleozoic and
other polysyllabic ages. As might be supposed,
the “ decayed vegetable matter ” is quite well de-
cayed. The top soil on account of its difference
in colour and texture can readily be distinguished
from the subsoil. The depth of top soil varies
from two inches to four feet: the usual depth on
the level in the middle Atlantic States is about
six inches.

Top soil in which peonies have not been grown
before is best. It has been proved by much ex-
perience that peonies do not thrive in a soil in
which peonies have previously been grown. There
is also the possibility of the soil having been in-
fected by some peony root that was diseased.

The operations necessary to prepare the trench
are extremely simple and extremely laborious.
After the length and width of the trench are de-

143

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

termined, the dimensions should be staked out or
marked off. The top soil of the trench should be
removed and placed alongside. The use of a
plough, if the trench is sufficiently long and wide
to permit it, will save much labour. The top soil
can thus be thoroughly loosened and more easily
and quickly shovelled out. The subsoil should
then be removed to the proper depth.

A little calculation and planning before actual
operations are commenced will prevent a waste
of time and money, and I would say patience, ex-
cept that patience in garden lovers is supposedly
inexhaustible. It is well to figure out in advance
the cubical contents of the trench and decide where
all the subsoil is to be disposed and where all the
new top soil is to be obtained. The handling either
in carts or wheelbarrows should be so arranged
that soil is moved both ways in one operation;
that is—the loads of discarded subsoil taken from
the trench, should, when dumped, be replaced
by the top soil to be taken to the trench. Ob-
viously the less number of trips, and the shorter
the haul, the less the expense.

The mixing of the top soil with the well-
rotted manure or compost can be done either

144

CLAIRE DUBOIS
(Crousse, 1886)

Rose type. Strong fine flower of deep pink tinged with mauve

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HOW TO PREPARE THE SOIL

where the top soil is obtained or at the trench
itself, whichever may be more convenient. But it
must be thoroughly mixed; not put in the trench
in layers. A proportion of one part by bulk of
manure or compost to nine parts of top soil will
be satisfactory in most instances.

The trench should be more than filled. It
should be heaped up and rounded over above the
level of the adjoining ground, for it will settle
and sink to a surprising degree. For this reason
it is best to prepare the beds or trenches some
time in advance of planting: two or three months
is not too long. The ground can be used for
annuals or seedlings until it is time to put in ©
the peonies. In case the trench shall have settled
below the level of the garden, additional top soil
should be added.

Although the result of planting peonies in this
way justifies the trouble required, the construc-
tion of such a trench is not to be lightly under-
taken. Should the trench be of generous pro-
portions, the handling of many tons of soil is in-
volved. Asa rough standard of comparison which
may be useful to the prospective trench maker, I
will give the data on one of the trenches I have

10 145

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

made in my garden. The dimensions are one
hundred feet long by sixteen feet wide by two
feet nine inches deep. As the top soil averaged
nine inches in depth, one hundred and eighteen
cubic yards of subsoil had to be removed and re-
placed by new top soil and compost. The length
of haul to the place where the subsoil was ex-
changed for top soil and compost was sixty yards
by barrow and eighty-six yards by cart. The sub-
soil was a solid hard pan and had to be loosened
by pick, as dynamite could not be used for fear
of disturbing existing tile drains. This trench
required the labour of four men for twenty-six
working days.

WELL-ROTTED MANURE AND Compost:
PREPARATION AND USE

Manure is undoubtedly the best single fer-
tiliser for peonies, but it should always be applied
with judgment. I make a few practical sugges-
tions in regard to it:

1. Use only well-rotted manure or compost—
a mixture of manure and soil. Probably the
quickest and most satisfactory way of preparing
compost is to follow the method used by many

market gardeners. A pile of new manure (pref-
146

HOW TO PREPARE THE SOIL

erably horse and cow manure mixed) about six
feet wide at the bottom and four feet high, and
of any length desired, is made with sloping sides,
so that the top of the pile is about three feet wide.
About an inch of top soil is then thrown loosely
over the entire pile. Thus covered the manure
heats and in a week or ten days produces steam,
which rises when the pile is opened for inspection.
The pile, earth and all, is then turned with a six-
tined fork, all lumps are thoroughly broken, and
a new pile is made. The new pile is covered with
earth as before and allowed to stand about ten
days or until it heats again, when the process is
repeated. Every ten days, as often as the pile
heats, which it usually does four or five times, it is
turned and covered. When it ceases to heat it is
left to stand until used. The turning of the pile
supplies the required air to the bacteria in the
manure. Without air they die, the manure fire-
fangs and becomes almost worthless.

The pile of compost should be made at least
four months before using; six months is a prefer-
able period. By the time it is used, it will be
found to be black, friable, and easily handled
with a spade instead of a fork.

The distinct advantages in composting ma-

147

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

nure as above described instead of simply turn-
ing it in the classical manner le in: (a) the pre-
vention of leaching—due to the absorption of
liquid by the top soil used; (b) the desirable tex-
ture of the compost—due to the admixture of
top soil; (c) the comparative shortness of time in
which the compost becomes available.

2. In preparing a place—large or small—
for planting, mix the manure (or compost) and
the soil with great thoroughness. ‘This point is
of the utmost importance.

3. Do not put manure in layers in any part
of the trench or hole. Solid manure is danger-
ous if in direct contact with roots, as it is apt to
rot or burn them, or to produce fungi. Dessert,
the French peony grower and authority, warns
especially against this.

4. Do not mix too great.a portion of manure
with the soil. One of the most successful growers
in this country has found, in his many years of
experience, that it is possible to make the soil
too rich to obtain the best results with peonies.

5. Do not mulch peonies with manure even
although it is well rotted: they may not rot, and
again they may. Mulching with manure is not
necessary and is a distinct risk.

148

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

CHAPTER VII
PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

R. EDWARD B. VOORHEES, the ex-
1B) pert on crops and soils, was accustomed
to say that in the latitude of New Jersey the
proper time for seeding alfalfa is August 15th at
8 a.M. ‘The psychological effect on the hearers
of such an unconventional statement was usually
startling—incredulity, scorn or amazement, as the
case might be, depending upon the wisdom of the
individual—but nearly every one remembered the
date.

I shall try the same method of firmly fixing
in the mind of the peony lover the proper time
to begin planting: it is September 15th, at 9 a.m.
(I do not believe in hurrying through breakfast!)
The planter of peonies is more fortunate than
the sower of alfalfa in that he has a longer period
of time in which to do his work: planting that will
give entirely satisfactory results can be carried on
for five or six weeks after the day for starting. This
date is not chosen from a whim—it is based on sub-

151

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

stantial reasons. Earlier than September 15th,
moving checks the development of the unmatured
root buds which hold the leaves and flowers for
the following year. But by the middle of Sep-
tember the root buds are usually fully formed
and will not be injured by lifting. Planting in
the early Autumn gives another advantage. If
the soil has ample chance before frost to settle
around the newly planted roots, they are less
likely to “heave” during the winter.

Peonies can, of course, be put in the ground
at any time until the ground is frozen; but the
later the planting is done the poorer will be the
growth made the following season. Spring plant-
ing is most inexpedient and usually means no
flowers until the next year. Peonies start to
grow the first warm days in the spring. If trans-
planted then it is almost impossible to avoid dam-
aging the little white feeding rootlets at a time
when they should be left untouched to give the
plant the greatest amount of nourishment needed
to prepare it for the blooming season so near at
hand.

Iris is affected by transplanting the least of
any perennial that I have ever grown. Peonies

152

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(Guerin, 1853)

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PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

and poppies object to it the most. Indeed, peo-
nies go so far as to protest against being moved
even when the moving is done at the right time
under the most favourable conditions: they show
their resentment by failing to give their best in
foliage and blooms for at least one season. It is
therefore important to plant them not in make-
shift or temporary places, but in permanent loca-
tions where they can remain undisturbed for a
number of years. In order to accomplish this
end with a minimum of effort and to enjoy the
process into the bargain, the knowing gardener
will plant on paper a considerable time in ad-
vance of the actual planting. Paper planting
gives a chance to change one’s mind, rearrange
colour combinations and improve the plan: on
paper the roots may be shifted endless times with-
out the slightest possibility of damage or set-back.

If the suggestions I have made are followed,
by the time the roots arrive from the grower both
the place and the plan of planting will be ready
and each peony can be put in its appointed abode
with little chance of error. It is advisable to plant
promptly when the roots are received, so that they
may have ample opportunity to get established.

153

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

As the roots are usually well packed in dampened
moss or peat, they may, if necessary, be left in
the box for some time; but, unless the soil of the
garden be lumpy or muddy from recent rain, there
is nothing except convenience to be gained by

delay.

PLANTING

To open a case of fine peony roots is a pleas-
ure; the roots themselves are beautiful things,
strong, firm and fleshy, with their delicate little
white rootlets and big crisp eyes that hold the
future glory of the garden. A label is attached to
every plant: as one joyfully reads over the names,
visions of each perfect flower arise. One’s delight
in the peony garden to be begins perhaps with
reading the catalogues: one’s delight in the actual
garden begins right here—at planting.

The roots and buds are as fragile as bits of
old china and, lest pieces be broken off, must be
handled as tenderly. After they are taken from
the case they should be examined, checked and
sorted. The general rule of keeping roots moist
during the process of transplanting applies
to the peony. A dampened burlap bag thrown

154

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

over the plants will prevent the drying out of
the feeding rootlets by the sun or wind. This
covering should be put on at once on unpacking,
and should not be removed until everything is
ready to place the root in the hole.

The fleshy roots of an individual peony plant
vary in length. It is important that the hole
should be made large enough to receive them with-
out the stubbing or cramping of a single root.
As the roots of a plant receive their nourishment
from the soil, and not from each other or from
the air, they should be planted so as to present
to contact with the soil the greatest possible area.
It is a curious commentary on_ horticultural
human nature, and a fact to bear in mind, that all
gardeners seem to be passionately averse to dig-
ging holes of sufficient size to accommodate prop-
erly roots of any kind without crowding or
bending.

The uppermost eyes of the roots are usually
placed between two and three inches below the
surface of the ground when levelled off. Three
inches is a better depth than two. One grower
of much experience advocates planting between
three and four inches deep. He finds that at this
depth the root is less susceptible to disease. It is

155

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

my rule to come as near three inches as is humanly
possible.

Too deep planting sometimes causes “ blind ”
growth—that is, the stalks and leaves appear and
grow but produce no flower. Too shallow plant-
ing makes greater the possibility of the root being
displaced by frost during the winter or early
spring. If the root of a peony is on, or too near,
the surface, it will rot away in a year or two.
Inasmuch as peonies are both expensive and valu-
able, and inasmuch as the care and labour of
planting are considerable, it pays well to see that
the work is properly done the first time they are
planted.

Some of the large peony roots come with a
hollow directly under the crown. In planting,
this space should be conscientiously filled with
soil without pressure on the roots, which are not
only brittle in themselves, but are in such a posi-
tion that the slightest pressure will cause a break.

As each plant is put in its appointed place—
and not before—the nursery label should be re-
moved and attached to a garden stake. Before
soil is placed over the plant the garden stake
should be carefully inserted between the roots.

156

MADAME BUCQUET
(Dessert, 1888)

Semi-rose type. A dark red peony of medium size, with fine foliage and reddish

an

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

This prevents forcing the stake into the ground
at a point where it may injure the peony. The
plant should then be covered with fine soil, pressed
down with the hands: tramping is too rough treat-
ment for these roots.. After the ground is firmed,
I usually draw a circle around each plant in the
soft dirt. This serves as a reminder of its exact
position and warns one against treading upon
that root in the pre-occupation of planting others.

REcoRD OF PLANTING

Labels, even in the most carefully kept garden,
easily become misplaced or blurred: a clearly pre-
pared diagram is the only infallible method of
which I have ever heard for keeping track of
the roots. In addition to any “ orientation ” based
on trees and fences, which may be moved or de-
stroyed, a point of the compass should be in-
dicated. After the planting is done the diagram,
with date, names and condition of roots, and name
of dealer from whom they were bought, should be
copied into a permanent garden-book.

Without such a plan, should the labels be
lost and the names forgotten, the peonies will
grow just as lustily and flower just as freely as

157

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

if a plan had been made. It will be found, how-
ever, that a full schedule of all plantings is in-
valuable for reference if not for blooming. The
duplication of an order of some especially allur-
ing kind, if one does not know its name, is usually
difficult. ‘Then, too, peonies have a pleasing way
of increasing in monetary worth; often some
rare variety is practically unobtainable except
from an amateur’s collection. Unless they have
a name and are true to it, they lose all value ex-
cept for decoration and sentiment. Whether the
number of peonies planted be large or small it
is well worth while to take the trouble of making
a written record.

MULCHING

If the soil has been prepared for planting as
suggested, it is not necessary to do anything fur-
ther until winter comes. The first winter after
planting, as the roots in all probability have not
yet become firmly imbedded in the soil, and may
heave easily when the frost comes out of the
ground, a mulch or covering should be put over
them. But beware of mulching with manure.
Although this is advised by some persons it has

158

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

resulted in many instances in the rotting away
of the root. While the peony is a gross feeder,
manure—always well-rotted—or compost should
be applied to it with both discretion and restraint.
I have mentioned this in Chapter VI on the
preparation of the soil, and refer to it again
here, because mulching many perennials with
manure is a common and successful practice. In
my observation and experience such mulching has
in numerous cases proved harmful to peonies. In
my own garden, the only peonies I have ever
lost have rotted away from a manure mulch.

Straw or leaves make the best mulch, but
should not be applied too heavily: three or four
inches of loose material are sufficient. Last year,
as a cover for a newly planted bed, I used corn
stover with good results. Chicken wire stretched
over the straw or leaves and staked at the edges
keeps them from blowing away in the high winds
of winter.

It has been suggested that the leaves of the
peony plants be cut and thrown back on the roots
for a mulch in the Autumn. This would be good
practice were it not for the danger of spreading
any fungoid diseases to which the peony is sub-

159

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

ject. At one time I followed this method, but
now, out of an abundance of caution, I cut down
and burn the foliage of my peonies in the late fall.
After the first winter many successful gar-
deners do not cover peonies, and there are indeed
instances of these plants flourishing as far north
as Manitoba without being mulched. When it
is remembered that the original habitat of P.
albiflora is Siberia, the rule that they can be grown
without protection wherever apples thrive would
seem to be safe. In addition to latitude, the na-
ture of the soil should be taken into account in
this connection. In most instances I think one
should be guided by local conditions: in latitudes
where zero weather is.prevalent and in soil which
is heavy, a light cover can be used to advantage.

CULTIVATING AND WEEDING
During the first warm days of spring the
mulch of straw or leaves should be promptly re-
moved, for the peony shoots break through the
ground early in the season. As soon as the soil
is sufficiently dry, the beds should be thoroughly
cultivated to a depth of two inches. Care must

be used not to touch the crowns of the plants.
160

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

After this first loosening of the soil, it should be
worked and weeded regularly as the weeds ap-
pear. In spite of the point of view of the lazy
man, weeds really perform a useful function in
the world. Without the wish to be rid of their
presence the soil would be apt to be neglected
and we would lose the dust mulch and the bene-
ficial bacterial activity brought about by stirring
and aeration. So, faithful weeding must be
added to the care of the beloved peony.

WATERING

While the peony will withstand dryness of
the soil to the point of drought without succumb-
ing, a reasonable amount of moisture is essen-
tial for the best development. As the ground be-
comes parched under the hot Spring sun an occa-
sional watering will help to increase the size and
improve the colour of the blooms. If the Spring
season is unusually dry the plants should be
drenched once a week in order to obtain the finest
flowers. For this purpose plain water is best on
newly prepared beds and liquid manure on older
beds. In watering it is well to keep the buds,
flowers and leaves dry and to moisten the roots
alone.

ul 161

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Should August and September be low in
rainfall, it is also desirable to apply some moist-
ure in those months. As an instance of peonies
being dependent on water the season of 1911 in
England is instructive. Peony flowers were
almost a complete failure in that year: growers
attributed this to the drought in April and May,
1911, and a drought in the summer and fall of
1910.

DisBUDDING

In many varieties of P. albiflora, three flower
buds, two lateral and one terminal, appear on
each stem. By pinching off the lateral buds as
soon as it is possible to get hold of them, additional
strength will be thrown into the remaining bud
and an increase of the size and beauty of the
flowers will result.

Disbudding entails considerable work when
one has a large number of peonies: it is usually
done when flowers for cutting or exhibition pur-
poses are desired. Still the ardent gardener, who
knows his every peony by name and watches each
individual flower unfold day by day, finds the
task far from irksome and would gladly do twice
as much. Single peonies, because of the decora-

162

Stalk of P. albiflora showing terminal bud which should be left and lateral
buds which should be removed or pinched off

Dormant healthy peony root

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PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

tive effect of their clusters, are not usually dis-
budded.

Another method of obtaining large flowers
is to pinch off several of the weaker shoots in
the Spring soon after they appear above ground.
The growth which would have gone into these
shoots is thus diverted into the ones that are left,
which will attain greater size and vigour.

FERTILISERS

Until Dr. Bose’s wonderful invention, the
crescograph, which determines in a quarter of an
hour the exact action of fertiliser applied to
plants, is readily available, I suppose we shall
have to be content with somewhat haphazard con-
clusions on the effect of adding food to the soil.

If especially large blooms are desired, I find
it well worth while to apply chemical fertilisers in
addition to manure. While manure is the most
valuable single fertiliser on account of its stimu-
lating the bacteria in the soil, and can, in the
form of weak manure water, be used safely in
the cultivation of peonies, it needs to be balanced
by the addition of phosphoric acid and potash.

Without such balancing, the excess of nitrogen
163

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

in the manure may produce too great leaf growth
at the expense of flowers. A mixture consisting
of two ounces of phosphoric acid and two ounces
of muriate of potash placed around a plant in the
Autumn in a circle of the same size as the circle
formed by the outside leaves of the plant, will
be of considerable benefit without incurring any
danger of injury to the roots. This quantity is
recommended for a clump four or five years old:
the exact amount in each case depends upon the
size and condition of the roots and the available
general fertility of the soil. Since potash has be-
come so scarce on account of the war, I have been
using a mixture of bone meal (four ounces) and
wood ashes (six ounces) with apparently excel-
lent results. It is desirable to make the applica-
tion during the Autumn just before a rain. The
fertiliser should be lightly dug in with a small
hand fork.
SUPPORTS

The original P. albiflora in Siberia was prob-
ably not beaten down by the rain. Some captious
critics of the peony complain because the flower
of to-day—bred solely for size and beauty—needs
support. Every attainment is apt to have its

164

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

corresponding drawback: in the case of the peony,
the drawback can be obviated by a little initiative
and some stout wire. The best method of sup-
porting individual plants is probably that de-
scribed by Prof. Jackson, in 1904, as follows:
“ Three iron rods three feet long are made of
heavy wire one-quarter of an inch in diameter, an
eyelet is bent in the top, and the rods are gal-
vanised after they are cut and bent. A circular
connecting wire of lighter weight, one-eighth of
an inch in diameter and six feet six inches long,
is passed through the eyelets and made secure by
looping wire. Thus one can have the circular wire
of full size, or reduced to any smaller diameter
desired, and held in the reduced size by tying
one end. Such supports are very inconspicuous,
being practically invisible in a well-grown plant,
and have given satisfaction to several peony
growers who have tried them.”

In gardens where expense is considered, I
have seen practical and cheap supports of home
production. A barrel hoop, either of wood or
metal, was neatly secured to three wooden stakes
and the whole painted grass green.

Probably every peony lover has his own special
165

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

kind of support to fit his taste or purse; so long
as it fulfils its purpose, who shall criticise? But
supports the peonies must have, while in bloom,
and the circular design in some rigid material
which allows the leaves and stems freedom is best.
Surely no gardener will be so cruel as ta tie the
entire plant to a stake, where it would give a
pitiful resemblance to lovely Andromeda en-
chained and suffering.
CUTTING

Peonies as cut flowers are being more and
more appreciated. Pale pink masses of Madame
Lemonier in a big silver loving cup, or a crys-
tal vase filled with blooms of Duchesse de Ne-
mours with creamy chalices tinged with faint
sea foam green, make a bewildering burst of
beauty which one never forgets. In the house,
too, one can observe the flowers at one’s leisure
and enjoy to the full every lovely tint or varying
shade. This is particularly true of the light-col-
oured blooms which—unless protected—are apt
to fade out in the strong sunlight of the garden.
It is not often realised that the absorption of
water in large quantities directly through the stem
greatly increases the size of the flower over what

it would have been if left on the plant.
166

MADAME D. TREYERAN
(Dessert, 1889)

Semi-rose type. The wire supports mentioned in Chapter VII are shown

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PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

Gathered when in full bloom, peony flowers
often last well for several days; but for them to
keep their freshness for the longest time they
should be cut when in the bud and allowed to
begin to open in a dark, cool place. ‘Treated in
this way I have had flowers retain their splendour
over a week. Unless one has many hours free
to spend in the garden, one loses much of the
enchanting opening of the peony—an additional
reason for cutting rare and delicate varieties and
allowing them to open in the house.

There is a certain point in the development of
the bud which marks the proper time to cut it.
In most varieties the right time is just as the
outer petals unfold. If cut earlier, the buds may
be so checked as to refuse to open at all. But
peonies having tight, hard buds, naturally slow
to open like Mathilde de Roseneck, should be
allowed to expand well before cutting. As the
stem is cut it should be plunged instantly into a
pail of cool water: if this is not done, air enters
the stem, the sap circulation is seriously inter-
fered with and the bud wilts. The pail contain-
ing the buds should be put in a cool, dark place
until desired to have the buds open. As with

167

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

other cut flowers, the ends of the stems should be
snipped and the water changed every day.

In cutting peonies, I always leave plenty of
foliage on each plant, so that it will have enough
leaves to sustain continued growth. The flower
stalk should never be cut to the ground. Some
stem and two or three leaves should always be
left. Otherwise the root buds will be small and
poor the following year.

ARTIFICIAL SHADE

If one wishes the peonies of pale and delicate
colours to remain on the plants, an overhead
screen will protect the blooms from the bleaching
effects of the sun. When the plants are in beds
or groups a movable cover can be used in the fol-
lowing way. A strip of cheese-cloth is arranged
with little rings sewed at short intervals along each
side. Through these rings are passed strong
wires which, when pulled tight, are firmly fast-
ened to stakes at each end of the planting. While
the sun is strong, the cheese-cloth is left in place
over the peonies. At night or on rainy days it
is pushed to one end of the bed and tied out of
the way.

168

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

A recent device designed to protect individual
blooms from sun and rain is ingenious and prac-
tical. It consists of a cone-shaped cover about
seven inches broad at the base, made of oiled or
waxed linen, attached to a metal rod and adjust-
able to the height of the peony over which it
is placed.

DISEASES

Compared with other garden plants, the peony
has a wonderful constitution and seems to lead a
charmed life. It is not, however, entirely free
from disease. Instead of with alarm, the earnest
gardener will read with interest and profit the
lecture on Diseases of the Peony, delivered by
Professor H. H. Whetzel, of Cornell Univer-
sity, before the Massachusetts Horticultural So-
ciety. I have reprinted this as an appendix.
Professor Whetzel makes several valuable sug-
gestions as to the control of some of the diseases
of the peony.

As preventive measures are also advisable, I
tabulate briefly a few points which the beginner
may find of assistance.

I. In purchasing, be careful in making a selec-
tion. Some varieties, although beautiful, are

169

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION

weak and susceptible to disease. A rigid inspec-
tion of every peony root before it is planted in
one’s garden soil is important.

II. Use great caution in applying manure.

III. In the fall, remove and burn all foliage.

1V. Do not plant peonies twice in the same
soil.

RosE-BUGS AND ANTS

In this country the only insect enemy of the
peony that has come to my knowledge is the rose-
bug or rose-chafer. Sandy soil is the usual
breeding place of this energetic pest. Clay soil,
unless in the vicinity of sandy soil, is seldom in-
fested. As early as 1810, the pernicious activi-
ties of the rose-bug caused anxiety to gardeners:
in recent years it has become more and more com-
prehensive in its tastes until now its diet includes
not only roses, but many other garden plants, par-
ticularly those bearing white flowers. Rose-bugs
take an especial gustatorial delight in the grape,
but in seasons when they are numerous they de-
vote their energies with striking impartiality to
other fruits, to vegetables, and to field crops, such
as corn and wheat. The rose-bug is now such a
menace that it has become the subject of inves-

170

ASA GRAY
(Crousse, 1886)

Semi-rose type. A wonderful shade of pink, illumined by the glow of its golden stamens. A strong
grower and a profuse bloomer

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

tigation and study by the Federal Government
and by State Experiment Stations.

The consensus of opinion is that no way of
adequately controlling the rose-bug has yet been
discovered. Poisonous sprays, which kill other
insects, only stupefy the tenacious rose-bug.
When this fact looms large, one is inclined to
question, with James Russell Lowell, “ whether
Noah was justified in preserving this class of
insects! ”

To reduce its ravages, two practical sugges-
tions are made:

1. Through May and up to the middle of
June, the ground should be thoroughly stirred
to the depth of at least two inches. The young
of the rose-bug are very delicate and are easily
killed in the second or pupal stage of their growth
when developing underground. The slightest
disturbance destroys them.

2. When once the beetles have appeared in
the garden, hand picking is the only way in which
to dispose of them. This slow and wearisome
proceeding may be somewhat hastened if a few
spireas or white roses are planted to act as lures.

The rose-bugs are fond of these plants and gather
171

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

on them in great numbers. It is then compara-
tively easy to collect the beetles and drop them
into a pan of death-dealing kerosene.

If the labour of hand picking is too arduous,
peonies may be protected by frames covered with
netting.

Fortunately for peony-lovers near New York,
the early and many of the mid-season varieties
are usually through blooming before the rose-bug
makes its appearance.

Ants cause no direct injury to peonies. Al-
though unpleasant, they are dangerous only as
carriers of spores produced on sick plants. As
plants other than the peony are also victims of
various fungoid diseases, it is the part of wisdom
to watch one’s garden carefully, and to remove
promptly and burn at once all infected foliage
and roots. The industrious ant will then make
less mischief. As a further precaution, the num-
ber of ants can be much reduced by the destruction
of their nests with boiling water.

172

PROPAGATION

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CHAPTER VIII
PROPAGATION

ERBACEOUS peonies are usually prop-
H agated in two ways: 1, by the division of
roots, which method increases the number of
plants of established varieties, and 2, by growing
from seeds, which method, as the offspring never
come true to either parent, produces new varieties.

DIvIsIon

Professional growers select stock one, two or
three years old for dividing. Two-year-old stock
is best. The use of young roots for division not
only saves time in increasing stock, but also pro-
duces plants which flower more freely. Roots
older than two years may also be successfully
divided and grown: it is indeed such roots which
ordinarily are divided in private gardens. As the
amateur grower desires to have blooms he leaves
his peonies undisturbed to flower. However, if
they are left too many years before they are
divided, the new stock thus secured may be dis-

175

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

appointing. Divisions from old clumps some-
times fail to flower freely.

Young plants have straight and smooth roots
and may be cut up easily and evenly; the older
the plant the more difficult is the process of divi-
sion. The peony root grows so large and strong
that after a few years it often becomes a mass
of interlaced fleshy roots. In dividing such roots
there is necessarily much waste. Other kinds
lend themselves to division much more easily.
A few varieties have a way of growing in sep-
arate pieces, each piece with a small crown of its
own, a characteristic which prevents the develop-
ment of a fine large plant.

The condition and shape of the roots is in-
fluenced by the soil in which they have grown.
A deep and friable soil will produce straighter
roots than a shallow soil underlain with a hard
subsoil. One grower of peonies in England states
that he has found peony roots in his garden ex-
tending down to a distance of three feet. Ex-
ploring roots in their search for food are forced
to turn and twist when they meet an unyielding
subsoil.

~ Before lifting the roots which are to be divided,
176

LA TULIPE
(Calot, 1872)

Semi-rose type. This large ivory-white flower is flushed with pink. A strong-growing, desirable
and inexpensive variety

PROPAGATION

the leaves and stems should be cut off to the
ground. This prevents the rapid softening of
the roots, a shock to the plant from which it must
recover before it starts to grow again. The soil
should be removed and the roots divided with a
sharp knife into pieces containing from three to
five strong buds or eyes, with a generous pro-
portion of fleshy root. I find that a hunting knife
with a six-inch blade is safe to use and has the
requisite strength for the work.

Scarce and valuable kinds are cut into smaller
pieces so that only one bud is allotted to each
piece. If such a fine division is made the new
plant should be placed in a cold frame for the
first year, as much to keep track of the valuable
root as to protect it: such procedure, however,
is not an absolute necessity.

One should be warned against too minute or
too frequent division. Roots so divided seem
to lose their vitality: it may be a long time before
they bloom, if they do not succumb entirely.

If in the work of dividing roots of fine vari-
eties some of the fleshy pieces are broken off near
the crown, it is well worth while to save them.
The upper part of a fleshy root or “ finger ” will

12 MP peh

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

often develop buds and form a crown of its own.
The chance of the lower part of a root finger
making any growth is very small.

After the roots are cut up the divisions should
be planted at once;* but, if possible, not in the
same soil in which peonies have already been
grown. Emphasis should be laid upon this point.
Such planting is often, although not invariably,
the cause of failure and disappointment. As
peonies require much nourishment, they exhaust
to an unusual degree the soil in which they grow.
If placed in exhausted soil, the new root, suffer-
ing from the shock of division and transplant-
ing, is at a great disadvantage: many so planted
have failed ever to bloom.

A peony should not be planted in ground
that has been previously occupied by one that
was diseased.

If it is necessary for the sake of garden design
or effect to place a peony where one was growing

1One prominent grower has recently tried the
method of placing the newly divided roots, lightly cov-
ered with paper, in a cool, dark place for a day or two
and letting the cuts become somewhat callous before
replanting. His object in doing this is to lessen the

possible danger of rotting.
178

PROPAGATION

before, the soil can be entirely removed to a depth
of two and a half feet and replaced with fresh soil.

Raising PEONIES FROM SEED

The growing of peonies from seed is a most
fascinating pursuit. As the seedlings are never
the same as the parents the possibility of new
and more beautiful varieties is a constant hope
and a glowing enticement. This possibility ap-
peals strongly to the wish to create which exists
in every normal human being. The number of
yellow peonies or peonies in which yellow is notice-
able is very limited. A glorious yellow peony
that will hold its colour for more than a few hours
is one of the ambitions of a number of peony
lovers. Many of the pink peonies would be love-
lier had they less of a bluish tinge. Here are
tasks for the enthusiastic amateur. And success
in accomplishing them can be attained through
seedlings alone.

Peony seeds harden rapidly after ripening
and when they have once fully dried it is prac-
tically impossible to make them germinate in less
than two years. Frequently they require even
a longer time. In order to avoid the delay caused

179

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

by this dryness and hardness the seeds: must be
gathered just as they are turning brown and must
be planted immediately. They should be planted
about two inches deep in friable loam. The tiny
seedlings will usually appear the following Spring,
although some of them may be more deliberate.
The seeds may be planted successfully either in
the open or in boxes which are about six inches
deep and which are placed in cold frames. If
planted in boxes they should have plenty of air
and moisture, and should be given partial shade
to prevent drying out. At the end of a year’s
growth in the box the seedlings should be trans-
planted. They may be grown in boxes another
year if desired, but after the first transplanting
they make more rapid growth if planted out-
doors. When these new peonies are three or
four years old the anxious gardener may reason-
ably expect them to bloom. Sad to relate, it is
seldom that more than one in a thousand of the
seedlings approaches the standards of the old and
established varieties. The thrill of having grown
them blots out this horrid realization for a while.
But the cruel fact that seeds pollinated with the
casual assistance of bees and other insects gener-
180

\

UNNAMED SEEDLING OF HERBACEOUS PEONY, SINGLE TYPE

a oe

PROPAGATION

ally produee peonies inferior to those which we
already have, is becoming widely appreciated.
There promises to be a more definite effort to
raise only those seeds which are the result of a
careful selection of the parents and of hand
pollination.

Hanp PoLLinaTIon

Many beautiful peonies which have been de-
veloped within the last fifteen years are the result
of careful cross-breeding. Although the breed-
ing of plants is in itself a life study, there is no
reason why the amateur may not, with a little
knowledge, enjoy some of its delights and
rewards.

The first thing for the novice to learn is the
construction of the flower which he wishes to
breed. A flower is usually composed of two sets
of organs—the non-essential and the essential.
The non-essential are (1) the calyx or green cup
at the base of the flower, composed of sepals, and
(2) the corolla, composed of petals. The essen-
tial organs are (3) the pistil and (4) the stamens.
The pistil has three parts, the stigma, on which
the pollen or fertilizing dust is placed, the ovary,
which contains the seeds, and the style or slender

181

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

tube which carries the pollen from the stigma to
the ovary. The peony has a compound pistil, the
component parts of which are called carpels.
Each carpel is composed of a single cell contain-
ing many seeds, and the style or extension of the
ovary. A groove runs along the inner side of
the carpel. This groove contains tiny stigmatic
nodules or protuberances.

Both pistil and stamens are to be found in
the peony. The stamens, which are usually nu-
merous, surround the pistil. In peonies which
have entered into the process of doubling, the
stamens may be found amongst the petals
throughout the flower. The stamens are in two
parts: (1) the anthers or cells full of yellowish
powder or pollen, and (2) the filaments or slender
stems supporting the anthers. The anthers are
composed of two long, narrow cells which open
when the pollen is ripe.

Cross-breeding or cross-pollination consists of
securing the fertilisation of the seed cells of one
peony by placing upon the nodule-covered groove
of the carpels the pollen obtained from the anthers
of another peony.

The two flowers which have been selected
for cross-breeding should be carefully protected

182

MADAME JULES DESSERT
(Dessert, 1909)

Rose type. One of the newer peonies, white tinged with straw and flesh colour

=
-

PROPAGATION

to avoid other pollination than that desired. For
this purpose oiled paper bags may be placed over
the flowers and secured with wire or string. The
anthers on the flower which is to be pollinated
should be removed as soon as possible, in order
to prevent self-fertilisation. Every care should
be exercised in removing the anthers to avoid
cutting or bruising the carpels. Some of the
petals may be removed to facilitate the work. The
stigmas should be watched to observe when they
are ready to receive the pollen. When the stigmas
present a waxy granulated surface they are ready.
The pollen should then be taken from the anthers
of the pollen parent flower and applied to the
receptive stigmas. This may be done in a number
of ways. The ripe anther may be crushed upon
the thumb nail of the operator or upon a watch
crystal or other small receptacle. By means of
a tiny scalpel, camel’s-hair brush or the operator’s
finger tips the pollen may then be placed upon
the stigmas, which should be covered generously.
Opinions differ as to whether the paper bag should
or should not be replaced after the operation is
finished. In case the bag is replaced, it should
be left only until the stigmas have withered. A
tag bearing the names of the parent varieties
183

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

(the name of the ovule parent appearing first in
order) should be securely fastened to the stem.
In crossing some varieties there often arises
the difficulty of finding both stigmas and anthers
ready for breeding at the same time. Ripe pollen
may be kept in dry, air-tight paper bags for a
week or more, but the fresher the pollen the more
vitality it has. A peony may be forced by plant-
ing it in a frame, keeping from frost all Winter,
and in the early Spring placing under sash. Forc-
ing in a greenhouse may also be employed.
The equipment for cross-breeding should in-
clude a strong magnifying glass, a pair of fine
long-handled scissors, a scalpel or a camel’s-hair
brush and a small receptacle for holding the pol-
len. Some hybridisers use a jeweller’s eyeglass.
Single and semi-double varieties of peonies
produce seeds most freely. Full double varieties
seldom bear any seeds. In cross-breeding peonies,
those two varieties which present most nearly the
desired characteristics should be chosen, for in
cross-breeding between varieties lies the means
of strengthening a type and producing variations.
Breeding between individual flowers on the same

plant generally produces nothing of value.
184

THE TREE PEONY—
DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY

CHAPTER IX

THE TREE PEONY—DESCRIPTION
AND HISTORY

MOUTAN—the tree peony—differs from
P the herbaceous peony in having woody
stems that do not die down to the ground in the
Autumn. This is the most noticeable structural
difference. The leaves are dissimilar in outline
from and are usually of a paler shade of green
than those of the herbaceous peony (albiflora
type). The buds are much larger and flatter and
are raised to a sharp point in the centre. They
lack any honey secretion and are of the same
colour as the leaves.

The tree peony is like the herbaceous in that
its flowers have both single and double forms.
The flowers of the tree peony, however, usually
attain a larger size.

While the tree peony has much in common
with the herbaceous peony, it has so much that is
distinct that I have thought best to treat it sep-
arately. The tree peony has a more extended

187

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

history and wider cultivation in the Orient than
the herbaceous kinds: in Europe and America the
reverse is the case.

Tuer TREE Prony in CHINA

In the Sixth Century, a.p., the Chinese dis-
tinguished two kinds of peonies—the Mow Tan,’
or improved kind, the present P. moutan, and
the Sho Yo, or common kind, the ancestors or
one of the ancestors of the present P. albiflora.
The Mow Tans, the more beautiful of the two,
were called Hwa Wang—The King of Flowers
—and the Sho Yo were called Hwa Leang—The
Ministers of the King.

A Chinese author, writing in 536 A.D., says
that the original native country of the moutan
was the eastern part of the province of Sze-Chuan
and the adjacent southern part of the province
of Shen-Si (western China—centre—about the
latitude of South Carolina). In 656, this state-

1 Mow Tan means “ male scarlet flower.” It was
so called “ because of its propagation being principally
effected by dividing the root and because the scarlet
flower was considered the principal one.” 'The moutan
was also known as Muh Sho Yo—* tree-like most
beautiful.”

188

PORCELAIN OF THE KANG HSI PERIOD (1662-1796)

The chief decoration of this vase is peonies. The green peony is so coloured
through artistic license. The vase belongs to the Altman collection in the
Metropolitan Museum of Art

THE TREE PEONY

ment was corroborated—or copied and accepted as
true—by a Chinese writer on natural philosophy.

Prior to 600, the peony was used by the
Chinese chiefly for medicinal purposes. About
this date, during the reign of the Emperor Yang
Te—connoisseur in many things—the tree peony
was introduced into gardens as an ornamental
_ plant. By 700, according to an old Chinese work
on “'The Origin of Things and Matters,” the
number of sorts grown had greatly increased and
the plant was found near the huts of the poor as
well as around the houses of the rich. Soon after
this, the growing of peonies had become so im-
portant that Gow Yang Sew established a gene-
alogical register (Mow tan poo) in which to
record the parentage and characteristics of the
kinds that were grown from seed. The first
botanical garden recorded in history goes back to
the time of Queen Hatasu in Egypt, about 1500
B.C. (the Garden of Eden, though doubtless com-
plete in the varieties of the time, did not, so far
as we know, include any scheme of classification) ;
but this Chinese pedigree book is the earliest in-
stance I have found of a common or garden tree
having a family tree of its own. Thirty differ-

189

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

ent peonies were described under names that
allude to their origin or colour or are the names
of distinguished persons.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-906 .D.)
the peony acquired an extraordinary fashion and
commanded extremely high prices. Poets began
to write about it and emperors placed it under
their protection. The fields where it was grown
were consecrated by inscriptions of a religious en-
thusiasm. Its culture was the favourite amuse-
ment of the nobility, the literary and the rich.
Some varieties were held far above the ordinary
rates of barter: one kind, called Pe-Leang- Kin—
one hundred ounces of gold—and sold for that
amount, gives one an idea to what extent the
passion for the peony went. Some were regarded
as heirlooms; and not infrequently a prize plant
was offered as a portion of the marriage dowry.

When the Emperor Yong-Lo of the Ming
Dynasty moved the court to Pekin at the end of
the Fourteenth Century, he commanded that peo-
nies be brought each year from How-Kow-ang.
On their arrival a solemn presentation was
held. This ceremony was continued for several
centuries.

190

THE TREE PEONY

The tree peonies grown in China were white,
pink, red, lilac and, it is stated by some writers,
yellow. The wish for a yellow peony has been
present in the heart of man for many hundred
years. So great was the desire of the Chinese
for this colour that they employed many schemes
to procure it: dyes were poured on the roots and
white flowers were wrapped in yellow paper with
the hope that the petals would take up the colour.

Peonies were grown in the natural shape of
bushes, or were trained on espaliers in various
designs. Through careful retarding or forcing,
they were made to bloom in summer and autumn
as well as in the spring.

In the art and literature of China the tree
peony has held a conspicuous place. In ceramics,
textile and pictorial art and in poetry and prose
the peony was an honoured motive or subject.
The beauty of the colour and form of the flower
has during many centuries made an irresistible
appeal to the most cultured inhabitants of the
Flowery Kingdom.

In Chinese art, each of the twelve months of
the year was represented by a flower—plum for
January, peach for February, tree peony for

191

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

March, double cherry for April, magnolia for
May, pomegranate for June, lotus for July, pear
for August, mallow for September, chrysanthe-
mum for October, gardenia for November and
poppy for December. From the three flowers
for the months of each season, one was selected
as emblematical of the entire season—the tree
peony for Spring, the lotus for Summer, the
chrysanthemum for Autumn and the plum for
Winter. These four appear as the favourite
flowers in all the different forms of Chinese art.
They are frequently used in ceramics, particularly
in the decoration of the four faces of a quad-
rangular vase or the four side panels of a bowl.
In the patterns of velvets, brocades and woven
silks they occur again and again.

Phoenixes, pheasants and peacocks are often
depicted with the peony as are storks with the
pine, swallows with the willow and quail with
millet. It was considered appropriate that the
phoenix, the king of all the birds, should appear
with the peony, the king of all the flowers. This
combination was embroidered with exquisite skill
on articles of the trousseaux of the imperial

princesses,
192

THE TREE PEONY

In some instances a cock is shown with the
peony—the association being based on the fact
that both had been held in high regard from the
earliest times. The lion—a favourite subject of
Chinese ceramic art—is usually pictured with
elaborately curled and dressed mane, disporting
joyously among peony flowers: apparently even
the animals in those days appreciated peonies.

In the Han Period (206 8.c.—220 a.p.), when
all the arts were still in their infancy, I find no
decorations of peonies on pottery. In the crude
bas-reliefs of the time, there are birds which are
unmistakably phoenixes and trees or flowers which
by a slight exercise of the imagination may be
considered peonies. The bas-relief of the family
of Wu at Shantung, 147 «.D., is an example.

In the Sung Period (960-1279 a.p.), among
the molded designs used in ceramics were
pheenixes flying among peonies. Brocaded pat-
terns composed of interlacing sprays of tree peo-
nies and lilies often occur. A spray of lotus or
peony was sometimes engraved under the glaze
of dishes.

In the Ming Period (1368-1644 a.p.), when
Chinese pottery and porcelain reached a high

13 193

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

period of development, the peony was well repre-
sented in numerous pieces which were decorated
in colour.

In the advance in ceramic art which culmi-
nated in the Kang Hsi Period (1662-1796 a.p.),
the peony was used more and more frequently
as a theme and was portrayed with greater beauty
and fidelity. 'To show the peony as it appears
on what is generally considered to be the most
wonderful porcelain the world has ever seen, I
have reproduced in colour a vase of this period
(see colour plate). ‘The vase is one of the Altman
collection and has a value of many thousand
dollars.

THE TreEE PEoNy IN JAPAN

About the time of the establishing of the gene-
alogical register in China, many tree peonies were
taken to Japan. Under the name Botan (prob-
ably the same word as moutan), they at once
became great favourites as ornamental plants—
a popularity that has continued to the present
time. The medicinal qualities of the plant were
soon known to the Japanese and in time the cul-

ture of the tree peony for sale as a remedy grew
194

THE TREE PEONY

into a considerable industry. ‘The provinces of
Yomato and Yamasiro (about the same latitude
as, but much nearer the sea than, Shen-si—the
moutan’s original habitat) furnished the market
with large quantities of bark and roots. The
drug made from the peony apparently does not
possess the same fascination as a dispeller of care
or a producer of joy as opium or hasheesh: smok-
ing or taking it has never become a national vice
in either China or Japan.

The district of Nara in Yomato was famous
for its magnificent flowering plants, some of which
brought as much as fifty dollars apiece. The best
specimens came from the districts near Tokio and
Yokohama, where the colder climate produced
flowers that had better colour and substance.

The tree peony was the subject of much pa-
tient care and clever experimenting. About 1700
A.D., Ito Ifui, a Japanese gardener, agile with
both spade and pen, wrote detailed and extended
instructions for the culture of the tree peony
which included propagating from cuttings and
some methods of grafting.

The Japanese take a pride in the tree peony
that is second only to that taken in the chrys-

195

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

anthemum. On the eighty-eighth day after Janu-
ary first the Japanese farmer starts his agricul-
tural operations for the year. Shortly after this
important event the tree peony comes into bloom
and flower shows for it are held over the entire
country. In some of these exhibitions as many
as five thousand plants of varying colours are
arranged in tier upon tier of brilliancy.

The tree peony is classed with the iris, lotus
and wistaria as the most important flowers of
summer. The peony, the cherry and the lotus
are the three flowers to which is attributed royal
rank. The tree peony was often called the
Flower of Prosperity and occasionally the Plant
of Twenty Days, because of the long time dur-
ing which the flowers preserved their beauty and
freshness.

The tree peony and chrysanthemum are not
used in the landscape garden proper. Their dis-
play is restricted to flower beds arranged in long
sheltered areas which are usually placed near the
apartments of the ladies. In the grounds of the
palaces peonies adorn the open spaces facing the
ladies’ chambers from which the beauty of the
flowers can be readily viewed.

196

THE TREE PEONY

The peony was much cherished by the upper
classes, who gave it “scrupulous care and nurs-
ing” in order to produce flowers of enormous
size. ‘This care included, according to Ito Ifui,
the rubbing of the stems with camellia oil in order
to free the bark of lichens and moss!

In Japanese art the plum blossom is insep-
arably connected with the nightingale. Similar
combinations of bird and flower or beast and
flower are found in the many designs of the
country, as, for example, bamboo leaves and spar-
rows, deer and maple leaves, peonies and peafowl.

9

The “ exuberant flower” of the peony, with
its long, curling petals, was a favourite subject in
art. With peacock or Shishi—a kind of conven-
tional lion derived from the Chinese—the peony
forms the constant decoration of temple and
palace walls.

As the peony was given royal rank and was
regarded as the queen of all flowering plants, it
had to be used alone in any indoor flower arrange-
ment and had to be placed in the position of
honour in the room, that is, on the dais of the
principal recess.

The peony has a place in the religion of the

197

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Japanese. In Shintoism, there is a festival called
Bommatsuri, celebrated on July 13-15 in each
year, which corresponds to our All Saints’ Day.
At this time departed spirits return for a brief
earthly sojourn. Elabonate ceremonies are held
in each house. Choice d'shes are prepared and at
night the way is lighted for the spirits by persons
carrying “peony lanterns,” which consist of
candles fastened in the centre of artificial peonies
made of paper or silk and swung by a fine wire
bale on the end of a long pole.?

The affection of the Japanese people for the
peony is shown by the numerous legends and bits
of folk-lore concerning it, all of which are marked
by a charming symbolism. In many of these the
soul of the peony inhabits a body which is appar-
ently human, but which suddenly disappears on
sufficient provocation. In one legend, a Japa-
nese scholar made the cultivation of peonies his
sole recreation. On a sunny morning a beautiful
woman clothed in purest white appeared at his
door, and asked permission to become a member

2 Lafcadio Hearn described another kind of peony
lantern made by attaching to the top of a festival lan-
tern artificial peonies of silk.

198

THE TREE PEONY

of his household. On account of her loveliness
the request was granted. For days, contented
and happy, she joined in tending the treasured
peonies. During a terrible storm, a dark, mys-
terious stranger sought shelter in the house. On
seeing him the woman ran in fear. When the
scholar followed her she fell to the ground, appar-
ently in a swoon; he stooped to lift her, but she
faded before his very eyes and vanished. She
was the Spirit of the Peony. When next the
scholar went into the garden he found that all
his peonies had been destroyed by the rain.

Tue Tree Prony 1n ENGLAND

Although known in England in 1669 nothing
was done to import the tree peony into that coun-
try until the latter part of the Nineteenth Cen-
tury. From Chinese drawings and from praises
bestowed on the plant in books, an “ ardent desire
was excited in Sir Joseph Banks—the head of
the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew—and others
to obtain some of the plants.” In 1786 Sir Joseph
commissioned Mr. Duncan—“ a medical gentle-

man attached to the East India Company’s ser-
vice ”’—to procure a plant for Kew. This was
199

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

done and the first tree peony in England was
seen at the Royal Garden in 1787. The plant
P. Banksi, which had flesh pink double flowers,
and several others which were received from time
to time, uniformly failed to thrive—due probably,
as one English writer surmises, to being too

¢

rapidly forced as “stove” plants.

In 1794 a fresh supply of tree peonies was
purchased in Canton and sent to England. Ow-
ing to the long voyage and improper packing,
many of these died en route: only three plants
survived the trip. On arrival at Kew, the three
were successfully grown outdoors, propagated,
and distributed in British collections. These peo-
nies had deep pink flowers and were named Rosea.
Later many other importations were made con-
sisting of the above varieties and the Papaveracea
or poppy-flowered peony. For a time high prices
were paid for the plants.

In 1838, a monograph on the peony describes
only the tree peonies I have mentioned, but in
1850 there were a dozen distinct kinds in cultiva-
tion in England. Some of these had probably
been raised from seed obtained from the three

original varieties imported. The Earl of Mount
200

THE TREE PEONY

Morris and the Earl of Sandwich both took a
great interest in the tree peony and produced
several distinct sorts from the Papaveracea.

In 1860 the English gardens were chiefly sup-
plied by French growers. In the English maga-
zines of the eighties there are references to ““ Whit-
sun roses,” which was the popular name by which
the tree peony was then known to the trade.

For some time past, the English appear to
have wanted a blue peony above all others. In
about 1875 this colour is referred to as being
the most highly desired. In 1880, Robert Fortune
was commissioned by the Royal Horticultural
Society to find a blue peony. After much search-
ing in China, he succeeded in finding a moutan
with lilac flowers—which seems to be the nearest
to the ideal yet realized.

About 1870 an English nurseryman collected
seeds of all the varieties in commerce and started
propagation of tree peonies. These plants have
gradually been grown by more and more persons.
In 1890 it was said that the sorts offered could be
counted by the hundreds. At the present time
English growers list no less than one hundred and

ten different kinds.
201

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Although there are numerous instances of tree
peonies not thriving in England, they are cul-
tivated successfully in many parts of that coun-
try. Failure to grow well has probably been due
to local conditions.

I find the mention of one tree peony in Eng-
land in 1885 that “ perfected” 320 flowers in
one season. There are statements here and there
about occasional specimens noted for their huge
size and their abundance of bloom. One plant in
particular, grown in the garden of KE. Taylor,
Diss, Norfolk, is famous for its long life and
sturdy growth. In 1904, when eighty years old,
it was fifteen feet across and produced 400 flowers
from eight to nine inches in diameter.

It is stated by one writer that the “ re-intro-
duction” of the tree peony in England was
mainly due to T. S. Ware of Tottenham, whose
display of the flowers was always a great feature.

Tuer Tree Prony In AMERICA
We have no exact knowledge as to the date
when the tree peony was introduced into the
United States. Hovey (writing in 1836) thinks

it must have been about 1820. In 1826, a plant
202

P. MOUTAN (TREE PEONY)

This plant in a garden in Germantown, Pa., bore over seventy blooms

THE TREE PEONY

of P. moutan, var. papavaracea, was imported .
from England by William Lathe of Cambridge-
port—probably a wise and public-spirited move,
for if ever a place (from its present appearance)
needed brightening up it must have been Cam-
bridgeport.* |

In 1828 the catalogue of John Bartram lists
the same variety, adding “ poppy flowered tree
peony,” but without price, and “ P. moutan rosea,
rose coloured,” at five dollars. William Prince’s
catalogue for the following year for the Linnzan
Botanic Garden at Flushing, Long Island, sets
out these varieties and also P. moutan Banksi
“Chinese purple tree peony with magnificent

>

fragrant flowers,” all at five dollars apiece. So
even in the days when the high cost of living was
not a vital issue tree peonies were not an inex-
pensive hobby.

In 1836 Colonel Perkins of Brookline, Massa-
chusetts, imported direct from China a tree peony,

which was thought to have been P. moutan Raw-

3 Tt is an historical fact that this peony was later
moved from Cambridgeport to the place of J. P. Cushing,
Watertown, Mass.

203

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

sel. At the same date a Mr. Wilder of Dorches-
ter is recorded as the owner of several of the latest —
seedlings which he had received from France.

In 1862, Prince, at great trouble and expense,
obtained some twenty varieties of tree peonies
from European gardens and introduced them at
Flushing. He says, in that year: “I have also
originated from seeds during the past fifteen years
twenty-two most gorgeous varieties, whose flow-
ers are of the largest size, and comprising white,

roseate, crimson, lilac, purple and variegated
shades.”

At the present time there are a few gardens
in this country in which the tree peony is made
an important feature. It is not, however, grown
in the United States nearly as widely as in Eng-
land and France. Its charms are not well known
to the gardener, it does not make the same senti-
mental appeal that the herbaceous peony does,
and it is not offered so freely by the nurseries.
Some houses do not list it at all, others sparingly.
As an example two large growers of herbaceous
peonies each catalogue less than a dozen varieties
of P. moutan. As the plant has such wonderful

204

THE TREE PEONY

beauty and such an interesting historical back-
ground, more discriminating amateurs will, as

time goes on, probably come to include it among
their cherished floral treasures.‘

4 Since the above was written, Mr. B. H. Farr has
imported a collection of over two thousand tree peonies,
which will undoubtedly be the beginning here of a wider
acquaintance with this beautiful plant.

205

TREE PEONIES:
CULTIVATION, PROPAGATION
AND BEST VARIETIES

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CHAPTER X

TREE PEONIES: CULTIVATION, PROPAGATION
AND BEST VARIETIES

LOCATION AND SOIL

N growing tree peonies, location and soil are
I important. The tree peony should always be
planted at a distance from trees or shrubs and
sheltered from the north and east winds. A
friable and rich vegetable garden soil, similar to
that which should be provided for herbaceous
peonies, is best. If the ground is poor it should
be made fertile by the addition of well-rotted
manure or compost. The suggestions given for
herbaceous peonies in Chapter VI under the head-
ing, “ How to Prepare the Soil,” apply with
equal force to P. moutan. Observant gardeners
have noticed that soils in which there is consider-
able iron are particularly suited to growing tree
peonies. Where the iron is deficient, the applica-
tion of a small quantity—preferably in the form
of the sulphate—is of value in producing, vigour
in the plant and depth of colour in the blooms.

14 209

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

In addition to proper location and good soil,
drainage is most necessary: excessive moisture en-
courages the development of a white fungus to
which the tree peony is susceptible.

PLANTING

Late September or early October is the best
time for planting tree peonies. The roots should
always be closely examined for white fungus.
Any rotted parts should be cut off, and the roots
given a soaking in a five per cent. solution of
formalin. Unless the fungus is thoroughly re-
moved it will spread and eventually cause the
death of the peony. In planting, care should be
taken that the roots do not cross each other, and
that the tree is set at the same depth as it was
in the nursery.

CULTIVATION
Tree peonies, unlike herbaceous peonies,
should never be cut down. With the exception
of an occasional shaping of the tree and the re-
moval of the ends of the branches when they have
died back a little, pruning is unnecessary.
For the first winter after planting the ground

should be mulched with a light covering so that
210

RE1NE ELIZABETH
(P. Moutan)

One of the finest double tree peonies. The flowers are massive—salmon pink with brilliant copper
tints

THE TREE PEONY

the roots will not heave as a result of frost. Each
Autumn, in order to prevent the breaking of the
branches by heavy snows and to help protect the
trees from the unscrupulous appetites of hungry
rabbits, I tie up my tree peonies with straw in a
manner similar to that in which roses are gen-
erally prepared for Winter. After the first warm
days of Spring have brought life into the buds of
P. moutan, late frosts often do much damage.
For this reason I never remove the straw in early
Spring. The binding strings are cut and the straw
is loosely woven through the branches or drawn
up tent-wise and tied to a tall stake so as to keep
off the cold sweeping winds of April and the
sudden still frosts. If by any mischance the
buds should be nipped, they should be shaded
from the sun at once and allowed to thaw grad-
ually. Such a misfortune has never occurred in
my own garden: the use of the loose straw in the
branches has always proved effective. Contrary
to expectation, the straw covering does not hasten
the Spring growth of the peonies, and so does no
harm. A small frame covered with muslin or
canvas has been suggested as another simple and

practical method of protection from late frosts.
211

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

The tree peony will, under favorable condi-
tions, live a great many years. There are records
of some ninety years old. When once established
they should be left undisturbed indefinitely.

FERTILISING
The tree peony may be fertilised in the same

manner as the herbaceous. In moderation, weak
manure water, wood ashes and bone meal may all
be safely used. The Japanese successfully employ
a special mixture composed as follows:

Compost 114 — 134 lbs.

Superphosphate of lime 14 oz.

Straw ash 2 — 8 oz.

Oil cake Y% lb.
Saltpetre 14 oz.

This formula was recently given to me by a
larger grower of tree peonies in Japan, and as
the culture of the tree peony receives especial care
in that country, the information should be valu-
able. Like all other fertilisers, the mixture must
be used with extreme caution.

Fertilisers may be applied to the best advan-
tage at any one of the following times: one month
after the flowering is over, in the Autumn after

212

THE TREE PEONY

the leaves fall, in the Spring before the buds start
forth, or just before the flowers open.

It would be of interest to know what methods
the Chinese gardeners use in cultivating the
famous tree peonies in the gardens of the Man-
darins, where the plants frequently attain great
size and produce as many as three or four hun-
dred flowers every year. There is little material
available on the subject of Chinese gardens and
gardening, and the Chinese themselves seem in-
disposed to enlighten us. There are no exporting
nurseries in China and the difficulties of obtain-
ing either peonies or facts as to culture are almost
insurmountable,

Forcine

Tree peonies lend themselves most willingly
to the process of forcing, provided it is gentle and
applied to good, strong plants. They should be
taken first into a house that is slightly heated,
say 40°-50° F. In about two weeks, or as soon
as the buds begin to swell, the peonies may be
removed to a temperature of about 55° F., where
they will flower in five or six weeks. Frequent
watering is necessary and if the atmosphere is dry

213

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

the plants should be sprayed in addition to the
watering. As soon as the flowers open, water
should be applied to the roots only. ‘The flower-
ing season will be quite long if the tree is strong
and has set many buds. After forcing, tree peo-
nies require two or three years for recuperation.
Because the blooms of double-flowered varieties
last longer upon the plant, those varieties are
best for forcing. Reine Elizabeth, Lactea, Jules
Pirlot and Lord Macartnay are excellent for this
purpose.
PROPAGATION

GRAFTING

The usual method of propagating tree peo-
nies is by grafting. In China and in France they
are grafted upon the fleshy roots of herbaceous
peonies. In Japan the practice is to graft upon
the wild moutan stock, but this is far from satis-
factory. The wild moutan stock is so strong and
persistent that a constant struggle is necessary
to prevent the graft from being choked out. The
graft sometimes makes roots of its own and thus
becomes established, but it is at the price of eternal
vigilance on the gardener’s part. At the present
time I know of but one grower who imports the

214

TREE PEONIES

Japanese varieties and who grafts them upon
herbaceous roots.

The method of grafting known in China since
about 1000 a.p., and followed there and in France,
and also in this country by some enthusiasts who
grow tree peonies, is the best. Seeds of herba-
ceous peonies—P. albiflora—are sown in large
quantities to furnish roots. A good piece of root,
about the size of one’s middle finger, is selected
and slit from the crown downwards for about two
inches. The scion from the tree peony should have
at least two eyes. It is cut in the shape of a wedge
and after being fitted with exactness into the slit,
is bound in the usual way. The grafted root is
placed in a deep pot of soil, with one eye of the
moutan scion below the surface. The pot is then
placed in a frame.

The grafting should be done in August or
September so that the stock will develop roots
before the Winter. After a season’s growth in
the cold frame the peony may be planted out and
cultivated the same as an established plant. In
this way the tree peony in time develops its own

roots, and does not cause annoyance by suckering.
215

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

LAYERING

A number of other methods have been used
for propagating tree peonies. Of these, layering
is perhaps the simplest. Year-old shoots of a
strong, healthy plant are firmly pegged down in
the Autumn. The first year after pegging, roots
are thrown out from each bud, and the second
year the new little plants are removed from the

parent tree.

DIVISION

Division of the roots to increase any especially
desirable kinds has also been employed. This is
done during the Autumn, at the usual planting
time. In dividing the roots care is taken that
each division retains some fibrous rootlets. I do
not know to just what extent this method is prac-
tised. It would seem to have the serious draw-
back of destroying a well-established plant and
taking great risks with the success of the divisions.
Grafting upon herbaceous roots has proved to be
the most practical and successful method of in-

creasing the stock of existing varieties.
216

TREE PEONIES

SEEDS

The planting of the seeds of tree peonies, as
is the case with herbaceous peonies, brings new
varieties into existence. ‘There is a constant sur-
prise and delight in raising tree peonies from
seed: beautiful and wonderful flowers reward the
patient gardener. Patience is indeed necessary.
The seeds, if planted as soon as they become ripe,
take at least a year to germinate—and a much
longer time if they have been allowed to become
dry and hard before being planted. After the
little plants appear, from five to seven years must
pass before one can hope for flowers. But during
the long wait when the plants are still too young
to bloom they have a charm of their own in the
diversity of their foliage. I know of two gardens
where tree peony seeds are planted regularly each
year, so that there are new ones blooming every
season.

Tree peonies raised from seeds have the great
advantage of being on their own roots from the
start. Then, too, the seedlings, although differing
from the parents in most instances, equal them
in beauty. This is a point worthy of considera-
tion: for the same difficulty exists in purchasing

217

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Japanese tree peonies true to name and descrip-
tion as is the case with the Japanese herbaceous
varieties.

In Chapter VIII directions are given for the
planting and cultivation of herbaceous peony
seeds. The same directions may be followed in
the care of the seeds and little plants of P. moutan.

Brest VARIETIES

The tree peony deserves a much wider ap-
preciation and cultivation in this country than
it now receives. While its requirements are more
exacting than those of the herbaceous peony, it
is far from being as fragile and difficult to grow
as is often supposed, and is more worth while
than other plants on which it is necessary to
expend greater care.

In addition to the European varieties of |
tree peony mentioned in Chapter IV, and the
varieties especially good for forcing mentioned
above, I append a list of twelve beautiful tree
peonies which also are Kuropean—not Japanese.
Some of these varieties can be bought in this
country. All can be obtained from French

growers.
218

TREE PEONIES

FRAGRANS MAXIMA PLENA, flesh pink and
salmon.

Guogsosa, very full, white with red splashes.

GLORY OF SHANGHAI, anemone type. Glossy
bright pink.

JEANNE D’ARC, very large, full flower. Sal-
mon pink with yellow tints.

LAMBERTINZ, white, shaded with pink and
purple.

Louise MoucHeE et, very large, double, sal-
mon flesh pink.

MapameE Larray, large full bloom, violet,
rose and white.

Rosert Fortune, brilliant salmon _ red,
fringed petals.

SAMARANG, semi-double, bright scarlet, black
spots.

SOUVENIR DE Ducuer, full globular flowers,
deep violet with reddish tinge.

SOUVENIR DE MapAME Kwork, large, double,
pale flesh-pink splashed with purple.

VILLE DE Satnt DEeENIs, very large white
flower, tinted purple.

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220

VARIOUS SPECIES OF
THE PEONY

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CHAPTER XI

VARIOUS SPECIES OF THE PEONY

HE peony belongs to the order Ranuncula-

cee (from rana, a frog, because certain
members of the family thrive in swampy places).
The order—sometimes called Crowfoot—em-
braces twenty-seven genera of plants, including
such familiar friends as Aconites, Anemones,
Buttercups, Clematis, Columbines, Fennels, Hel-
lebores and Larkspurs.

There are between eighteen and twenty-five
species of the Genus Pzonia. Few botanists agree
as to the exact number or as to the status of many
of the varieties. ‘This is not surprising, for in the
herbarium different species are often almost in-
distinguishable and in the garden a certain num-
ber vary by characters of most unequal value.

A key to the species of the Genus Pzonia was
worked out by Dr. Coit in 1907, based on earlier
descriptions. While this key is not final it is a
great assistance in making classifications. In
view of recent information, I have made some
changes in this table and reprint it on page 220.

223

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY
For the benefit of those who may wish to start

collecting peonies of botanical or historical in-
terest, or who may wish to use some of the wild
species in hybridising, I give a few notes on a
number of species and some of their varieties,
which notes include the original habitat and a
short description of the flower.’

1. Albiflora (white flowered). Central China and Siberia.
Older Varieties:

Candida,

Festiva,

Fragrans,
the first named albiflora to be imported into
England (1805),

Humei,

Pottsii,
introduced in 1821, from China, by John Potts,
a collector who had been sent there by the
Royal Horticultural Society. There are six
peonies named Pottsii or a variety of the
same. The famous Pottsii in John Richardson’s

garden was a rich deep crimson and double.

1 For complete botanical descriptions of the prin-
cipal varieties, see Bailey’s Standard Cyclopedia of
Horticulture, Vol. III, p. 2431 (1916).

224

VARIOUS SPECIES OF THE PEONY

Reevesii,

Introduced from China by John Reeves.
Flowers dark red with slight magenta tint.

Rubescens,

Vestalis,

Whitleyi,

Introduced in 1808.
More Recent Varieties:
See Main List of Peonies, Chapter ITI.
2. Anomala (unusual—referring to the leaves, which are
finely divided). Siberia.

Stated by some writers to be the same as P. Emodi,

which it very evidently is not. First mentioned

in Flora Siberica (St. Petersburg, 1747.) Flowers
with irregular petals of a brilliant red and with
clusters of yellow stamens. The roots grow to
great size and are used by the Mongol Tartars
for food.

Varieties :

Insignis (remarkable). A form of this is grown
in gardens under the name of Peter Barr.
Flowers magenta.

Intermedia (intermediate). Flowers rosy crimson.

3. Arietina (ram’s horn fruited). Levant and Crete.
It is a very early bloomer. Index Kewensis re-
gards this as a form of peregrina. Flowers dark
red; each leaf is divided into segments, each from
one to two inches wide.

4. Brownii (Brown’s). California and Northwest.

This is the only species native to the Western
15 225

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Hemisphere. It blooms in June and July, often
near banks of melting snow. ‘The flowers are
dull red or brown and are not attractive.

5. Cambessedesii (Cambessedes’s). Balearic Islands
and. Corsica.
Flowers deep rose pink with slight magenta tint.
Introduced into England in 1896 by Miss F.
Geoghegan.

6. Corallina (coral-red, referring to the seeds). South-
ern Europe to Asia Minor.
It is claimed that Corallina has grown wild on
an island in the Severn. If this is true, it is the
only peony native to England. Flowers, bright
crimson. The segments of the leaves are quite
distinct from one another at the base and nine
in number in the fully developed lowest leaves.

Varieties:
Broteri (Brotero’s). Spain and Portugal. Dwarf
habit, flowers crimson, stems and leaf-stalks red.
Fragrant. This variety is probably the P. Lusi-
tanica of Philip Miller.
Russi (Russ’s). Corsica, Sardinia, Algeria.
Flowers rose coloured.
Triternata (three times ternate, #.¢., with twenty-
seven leaflets), rose and whitish flowers.

7. Coriacea (leathery). Spain, North Africa.
Flowers bright crimson, seeds dark purple.
Leaves composed of nine to thirteen leaflets, which
become leathery as they advance in age.

8. Decora (comely).
The first mention of this peony is that seeds came

226

VARIOUS SPECIES OF THE PEONY

from Constantinople. Flowers rather small, dark
red, tinted magenta. Dwarf habit, very bushy.
Varieties :

Alba (white), satiny white, tinted pink.
Elatior (taller), large magenta coloured flowers.
Pallasii (Pallass’s—originally Byzantina), deep
crimson flowers.

9. Delavayi (Delavay’s). China.
Woody stems, small flowers, red, tinted magenta.

Variety:

Angustiloba (narrow-leaved), finely divided
leaves.

10. Emodi (Mount Emodus—not found in modern
gazetteers ).
This is the only peony native to India. It grows
in the temperate zone in the Himalayan Moun-
tains from Kumaon to Kashmir. Flowers single,
four to six inches across, pure white with promi-
nent yellow stamens. One of the most beautiful
of the single flowers. The plant has a slender
growth and a distinctive habit. Although more
tender than any other herbaceous variety, it is
one of the wild varieties worth growing in the
garden. Index Kewensis considers this a form
of P. anomala. Other authorities state that it is
closely allied to P. albiflora, with which (and
Veitchii) it shares the unusual characteristic of
bearing more than one flower on a stem. Of the
one to five flowers which grow on a stem rarely
more than two are in bloom at the same time.

227

11.

12.

13.
14.

15.

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Lutea (yellow)—see p. 103.

Variety:

Superba, large flowers.

Mlokosewitschii. Eastern part of the central

Caucasus.

Discovered by Mlokosewitsch and only recently

introduced. Single flowers of sulphur yellow.

Leaves have red veins and margins. Probably

closely related to Wittmaniana.

Moutan—see Suffruticosa below.

Obovata (obovate—referring to the petals). Si-

beria, Manchuria, China.

Introduced into England in 1900 by E. H. Wilson,
who sent seeds collected in the Province of Hupek,
central China. Flowers purplish red; seeds like
berries, dark blue.

Officinalis (of the apothecary shops)—see p. 99.

Varieties :

Albicans, old double white, which opens a pale
flesh and gradually changes to a pure white.

Anemoneflora, single and double crimson with
magenta tint.

Blanda (alluring), pale purple—unlike its name,

not desirable.

Carnescens, deep rose coloured, which grows paler
after opening. Sometimes called variegated
peony.

Lobata, a dwarf form.

Rubra, brilliant red—the common red peony.

Rosea, rose coloured.

Sabini, single red, yellow stamens and anthers.

228

16.

We

18.
i:

20.

2).

VARIOUS SPECIES OF THE PEONY

Paradoxa (paradoxical). Levant.
First cultivated in Holland. One of the smallest
peonies. Bright carmine pink flowers on very
short stems. Lower leaves finely divided.
Variety:
Fimbriata (fringed ), semi-double flowers of bright

crimson, inner ones narrow like a fringe

Peregrina (foreign). Southern Europe.
Flowers are deep red. Lower leaves finely divided.
Varieties :
Humilis (dwarf), mountains of Spain. Bright
red flowers, turning to magenta.
Microcarpa (small fruited), even smaller than
Humilis, to which it is closely allied.

Suffruticosa (woody) or Tree Peony. See p. 101.
Tenuifolia (slender leaved). See p. 96.

Varieties:
Rubra plena (double red).
Latifolia (broad leaved).

Veitchii (Veitch’s). Western China.
Recently introduced by E. H. Wilson. Flowers
purplish crimson; several blooms on one stem.

Wittmaniana (Wittman’s). Caucasus. See p. 98.

229

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APPENDIX

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APPENDIX A

REFERENCES TO ARTICLES ON THE PEONY AND TO
Booxs oN SuBJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE

PEONY

HE names of a few articles on the peony
dh and a few books on collateral subjects are
given below. This list is not intended to be com-
plete, but is merely a starting point for anyone
who wishes to pursue further the study of the
peony in all its branches.

THE PEONY

Monograph of the Genus Pzonia,
George Anderson,
Transactions Linnean Society, 1817.
Monograph of the Genus Ponia,
J. G. Baker,
Gardener’s Chronicle (1884), Vol. 21 N.S., pp.
132, 779, 180, 828, Vol. 22 N.5S., pp. 9, 10:
Monograph of Herbaceous Peonies,
H. Correvon,
The Garden (1894), Vol. 46, p. 104.
Index Kewensis and References Therein.
Four Bulletins Published by Cornell University
(Agricultural Experiment Station) ;
253

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

The Peony Check-List,
J. Eliot Coit, 1907.
No. 259 The Peony,
J. Eliot Coit, 1908.
No. 278 Classification of the Peony,
Leon D. Batchelor, 1910.
No. 306 Classification of the Peony,
Leon D. Batchelor, 1911.
Peonia—Article by K. C. Davis in Cyclopedia of Ameri-
can Horticulture, Vol. 3, p. 243. Macmillan
Company, 1916.
THE SOIL
Vegetable Mould and Earth Worms,
Charles Darwin,
D. Appleton & Co., 1900.
First Principles of Soil Fertility,
Alfred Vivian,
Orange Judd Co., 1913.
Soil Management,
F. H. King,
Orange Judd Co., 1914.
PLANT BREEDING
The Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vege-
table Kingdom,
Charles Darwin, 1876.
Plant Breeding,
Hugo de Vries,
Open Court Publishing Co., Chicago, 1907.
Breeding and The Mendelian Discovery,
A. D. Darbishire,
Cassell & Co., 1913.
234

APPENDIX A

Fundamentals of Plant Breeding,
John M. Coulter,
D. Appleton & Co., 1914.
Plant Breeding,
L. H. Bailey and A. W. Gilbert,
Maemillan Company, 1915.
THE PEONY IN CHINA AND JAPAN
Chinese Porcelain,
W. G. Gulland,
Chapman & Hall, 1902.
Oriental Ceramic Art,
Stephen W. Bushell,
D. Appleton & Co., 1899.
Chinese Art,
Stephen W. Bushell,
Victoria and Albert Museum, 1909.
Chinese Art Motive Interpretation,
W. R. Tredwell,
Putnam & Sons, 1915.
Chinese Pottery and Porcelain,
Robert L. Hobson,
Funk & Wagnalls, 1915.
Landscape Gardening in Japan,
Josiah Condon,
Kelly & Walsh, Ltd., 1893.
The Flowers and Gardens of Japan,
Ella du Cain,
A. and C. Black.
Ancient Tales and Folklore of Japan,
R. G. Smith,
A. and C. Black, 1908.
235

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

MISCELLANEOUS
Bacteria in Relation to Country Life,
J. G. Lipman,
Macmillan Company, 1909.
Plant Autographs and Their Revelations,
Jagadis Chunder Bose,
Smithsonian Institution Publications No. 2339,
1915.
Contains a most interesting acccount of re-
cent investigations in plant growth.

236

Whetzel —Diseases of the Peony (Mass. Hort. Soc., 1915)

PLATE 1

Fig. 1. Peony root long affected with root gall. The main roots are short and stubby. The small
feeding roots are covered with young galls. Fig. 2. Leaf showing mosaic disease mottlings. Fig. 3.
Leaves and stems badly affected with the anthracnose. Fig. 4. The leaf blotch lesions as they appear
on both upper and lower surface of the leaf, purple above, dull brown below.

~ i ae

* — — e 7 . a re.

Whetzel—Diseases of the Peony (Mass. Hort. Soc., 1915

PLATE 2
Fig. 1. Shoots wilting over from attack of Botrytis at the base. Fig. 2. Two Botrytisrotted buds
and one healthy one from the same plant. Fig. 3. Young bud blighted, the pathogen extending into and
attacking the stem. Fig. 4. Botrytis blighted leaves. Note the powdery spore masses on the leaf
showing the lower surface. Fig. 5. An old diseased stalk covered with minute sclerotia of the Botrytis.

APPENDIX B

DISEASES OF THE PEONY*

By Pror. H. H. WuHetzet, Iruaca, N. Y., THE
JOHN Lewis Russett Lecture DELIVERED
BrEFroRE THE Massacuusetts HortvicuL-
TURAL SOCIETY, Marcu 27, 1915.

ie is an old fable passed down from catalog
to catalog that ‘“‘ The peony is free from dis-
eases.” Yet one has only to observe carefully for
one season the peony plants in gardens, lawns,
and nurseries to lose his childish faith in the story.
Not less than seven distinct diseases of this beau-
tiful perennial are now commonly to be met with
in eastern United States. Doubtless there are
others not yet recognized or reported. I now have
these seven slated for further study and observa-
tion and expect to add others to my list this sea-
son. The less we know of the diseases of a plant
the fewer and less important they appear. The
reverse is equally true. Yet is is only through

*Reprinted from the TRANSACTIONS OF THE Mas-
SACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 1915, Part 1.

237

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY
greater familiarity and more knowledge of them
that we may hope to save our plants from their
ravages.

The first step in our study of the diseases of
the peony is to learn to recognise them, to distin-
guish them, the one from the others, to name them.
This wemay accomplishonly by learning the char-
acteristic symptoms of each. This will be my chief
object in the present paper. The next step is to
discover the cause of each different malady, to un-
cover the nature of the pathogen, be it fungus, bac-
terium, or what-not, that is chiefly responsible
for the diseased condition. In this direction but
little progress has as yet been made. This is
largely the problem of the plant doctors, and
I hope to be able to have shortly many more facts
on this phase of the subject than we now possess.

Of the control of these different diseases least
is naturally known, and only with fuller knowl-
edge of the pathogens and their life habits will
we be able to intelligently undertake experiments
on control. What I may have to offer on this
part of the subject must of necessity be only

suggestions.
238

APPENDIX B

DIsEASES OF THE Roor
The Root Gall.

The root gall disease appears to be rather
widely distributed in eastern United States and
is well known to the growers who make a specialty
of this plant. Specimens have come to my hands
from time to time during the last eight years. No
special investigations on this disease appear to
have been made, and aside from a short article in
the Florists’ Exchange of April 19, 1909, it ap-
pears to have been rarely written about. Whether
it was first imported from Europe or is of Ameri-
can origin is not known. Certain imported
French varieties are often very severely affected.
It is regarded by peony specialists as a trouble-
some and by some as a dangerous malady.

Symptoms. — The above-ground symptoms
are many weak, spindling shoots which remain
short and give no blooms. The shoots often
grow fewer and shorter from season to season,
the plants gradually dying out. In other cases
the plants appear to gradually recover, the shoots
growing stronger from year to year and finally
blooming. The latter appears to be the case

239

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

when the roots are frequently divided and reset.
The affected roots are short, stubby, and irregu-
larly knotted or swollen. The crown on which
the bud sets is often much swollen. ‘The fine
rootlets are often covered with galls. The lower
ends of the galled roots seem to rot away.
Cause.-—The nematode worm, Heterodera
radicicola, is probably responsible for some galls
on peony roots. Bessey * reports it as very injuri-
ous to the roots of the peony. This microscopic
worm affects the roots of no less than 480 differ-
ent species of plants. It is most common and
destructive in the South, but is frequent on green-
house plants in northern United States and on
the roots of certain perennials, like ginseng and
peony, easily survives the Winter outside.
Control.—Until a fuller investigation of the
disease has been made, suggestions as to control
cannot be very definite. In general it will prob-
ably be most profitable to dig up and destroy all
diseased plants. The experience of some growers
indicates that with rare or expensive varieties it
may be profitable to help the plant “ outgrow ”

1 Bessey, E. A. Root Knot and its Control. U.S.
Agr. Dept. Bur. Pl. Ind. Bul. 217: 18, 43.
240

APPENDIX B

the trouble by frequently dividing and trans-
planting the roots. Where nematodes are the
cause of the swellings, diseased roots should never
be planted on land along with the healthy or on
which it is expected to grow peonies continuously.
Land on which galled plants have been grown
should not be used again for peonies for three
or four years. The worms will usually die out,
especially here in the North, for want of a suit-
able host in which to survive.

Root Rots.

Rotting roots of normal size and shape have
several times been sent to me by growers. What
appears to have been a similar root rot has been
reported by the botanists of the Connecticut and
Massachusetts Experiment Stations. Some
growers have reported it as very destructive.

Symptoms.—The rotting away of the crown
and the larger roots seems to be a rather constant
symptom. The top of the plants either fails to
appear in the Spring or wilts and dies during the
Summer.

Cause.—The cause of root rot is apparently
unknown. Nothing more than a casual examina-

tion appears to have been made by those plant
16 241

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

pathologists who have reported on the disease.
It is very probable that we have under the name
of root rot several different diseases. ‘They are
very likely due to fungi or bacteria, though
Winter injury may sometimes be responsible.

Control.—Removal and destruction of dis-
eased roots and the planting of peonies on other
land are the only suggestions to be made with our
present knowledge of root rots.

DISEASES OF THE STEM, LEAVES, AND FLOWERS
The Mosaic Disease.
So far as I am aware this is the first record of

this very peculiar and interesting malady of the
peony leaf. I have observed this disease now for
several seasons in the peony plantation at Cornell
University. It has doubtless been observed by
others, and is probably of wide distribution. It
does not appear to be a serious malady.
Symptoms.—The symptoms are very strik-
ing. Usually only one or two stalks in a cluster
are affected. The leaves show rings of concen-
tric bands of alternating dark and light green
color. The spots are sometimes large, with broad
bands; in other cases small with narrow bands,

the spots densely crowded over the leaf. I have
249

APPENDIX B

observed no evidences of dwarfing or injury other
than the peculiar markings above described.

Cause.—So far as I am aware no investigation
of the cause of this disease has been undertaken.
It looks much like the well-known mosaic disease
of tobacco and other plants, the cause of which
has long been sought but never certainly dis-
covered. The mosaic disease of tobacco is known
to be very infectious. Whether this of the peony
is also capable of being transmitted from dis-
eased to healthy plants, I have not determined
as yet.

Control.—N othing with respect to control can
be suggested except destruction of diseased
plants, until we know more of the nature and
cause of the trouble.

The Anthracnose.

This is a name I am giving to a disease affect-
ing the stems and leaves of the peony. So far as
I can find this has never been recorded before,
at least in this country. It appears, from my
observations in the Cornell University peony
plantation, to be a rather dangerous malady and
deserving of the attention of peony growers and
plant pathologists.

243

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Symptoms.—The disease shows first in the
early summer as dark reddish bordered spots with
almost white centres. Later the centres become
a bit sunken and show minute black pimples
under the dead epidermis, presumably the begin-
nings of the fungous fruit bodies. During the
latter part of the summer the spotting of the
stems becomes very severe and the leaves are often
severely affected with what appears to be the
same disease.

Cause.—This anthracnose is quite certainly a
fungous disease, but up to the present I have not
been able to discover mature fruit bodies of a
fungus in the lesions and have not had the time to
undertake a careful investigation of the malady.

Control.—Probably sanitary measures, in-
volving removal and burning of diseased tops
early in the Autumn, would be effective in getting
rid of the pathogen which probably winters in
the diseased stems and leaves.

The Leaf Blotch.

This disease appears to be one of the best
and longest known diseases of peonies. It was
first described from Europe, where it is to be ob-
served in almost every peony planting to-day.

244

APPENDIX B

It is also very common in America. It does not
appear to be a serious disease, as it affects only
the leaves and does not appear until the latter
part of the season after the leaves have apparently
begun to mature for Autumn.

Symptoms.—The symptoms are distinct and
striking, large purple blotches on the upper sur-
face, often an inch or two or three inches in diame-
ter. The tissue does not become dead and dry
as in the case of the Botrytis blight spots to be
described later. The blotch on the underside of
the leaf is a peculiar dull brown, as though the
epidermis of the leaf had been scorched. In moist
weather the centre of the spot below becomes cov-
ered with an olive green felt, the stalks and spores
of the pathogen.

Cause.—The disease is doubtless due to a fun-
gus which goes by the name of Cladosporium
peonie.

Control—Where this disease gives trouble,
early removal and destruction of all diseased tops
will doubtless be found most satisfactory in pre-
venting its appearance another season. The fun-
gus most probably passes the Winter in the dis-
eased and fallen leaves, from which in the Spring

245

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

a new crop of spores find their way to the next
crop of leaves.
The Sclerotinia Stem Rot.

This disease is probably more common than is
suspected, but because its symptoms are so like
those of the Botrytis disease has probably seldom
been recognised. JI have had diseased specimens
from but one grower some years ago, but recent
inoculation experiments which I have made with
the pathogens show it capable of rapid destruction
of young peony shoots.

Symptoms.—A_ sudden wilting of young or
even nearly mature stalks, due to a rotting off at
the base near the ground, is the first evidence of
this disease. At this stage it cannot usually be
distinguished from the more common Botrytis
disease which affects the plants in the same way.
Later the dead stalks on being split open will
often show large black bodies, sclerotia, in the
pith. ‘These are never present in stalks killed
by Botrytis.

Cause.—The disease is caused by a fungus,
Sclerotinia libertiana, which is a most omnipres-
ent parasite amongst cultivated plants, especially
greenhouse and garden plants.’ It is not particu-

246

APPENDIX B

lar as to the host plants it attacks, so it is not sur-
prising that the peony, too, sometimes falls a
victim to it. Wet weather greatly favors its
destructiveness,

Control.—Prompt removal and destruction of
wilting stalks, cutting close to the crown and the
removal of the soil all about the crown is impor-
tant. The fungous threads spread from stalk to
stalk through the soil. Removed soil should be
replaced with fresh, clean soil, preferably sand.
Keep manure away from the crowns. The sclero-
tia carry the fungus through the Winter and
therefore the burning of all diseased stalks is
desirable.

The Botrytis Blight.

This is by far the most common and destruc-
tive disease of the peony so far as known at pres-
ent. This disease is frequently epidemic, espe-
cially during wet Springs. It occurs wherever
peonies are grown, apparently the world over.
It is well known in Europe, especially in Holland
and England. Much in the way of scattered
notes and records of its occurrence has appeared
in florists’ papers and experiment station reports

for the past twenty years. I published a short
247

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

article on the symptoms and destructiveness of
this disease in the Florists’ Hachange, September
14, 1912.

Symptoms.—The disease affects stems, buds,
and leaves, appearing on these organs in the
Spring and Summer in the order given. The first
appearance of the malady is almost always early
in the Spring as the stalks are coming up. Shoots
4, to 8 inches tall, their leaves not yet expanded,
will suddenly wilt and fall over. Examination
shows them to be rotted at the base at or below the
surface of the soil. The lesions begin usually at
the base of the first leaf sheath and spread down
to the crown and up often an inch or more above
ground. The rotted portion soon becomes cov-
ered with a felty brown coat of spores and spore
stalks of the fungus, thus distinguishing it from
the similar stem rot caused by Sclerotinia. While
it is generally the young stems that are affected,
I have seen stalks with blossoms opening, sud-
denly wilt and fall over from Botrytis stem rot
at the base.

The buds are the next to show injury from
this disease. Sometimes the very small young
buds are attacked, turn black and dry up. This
is often spoken of as bud blast. Larger buds are

248

APPENDIX B

later affected, turn brown and fail to open; the
stalk for several inches below the bud is usually
killed, turns brown and frequently shows alter-
nating stripes or bands of dark and light brown
color. When broken open, such buds present a
dark brown rotten mass. This is the “ bud rot ”
stage of the disease. In a wet season as high as
80 or 90 per cent. of the buds may thus be rotted
before they canopen. Opened flowers are also often
affected, becoming discolored and rotten. ‘The
rotted buds and flowers soon become covered with
the brown felt of the spore stalks and spores of
the pathogen.

The leaves are usually the last to show symp-
toms of this disease, in the form of large irregular
spots which spread rapidly usually from the apex
or sinuses of the leaves. The tissue is killed, be-
coming brown and dry, so that it crumples readily.
The underside of the spot is soon covered with
the spore stalks of the fungus. The blighting of
the leaves gives the plants a most untidy appear-
ance. The leaf blight form is very common on
peony plants everywhere during the latter part
of the Summer, becoming very bad during rainy
weather. In dry seasons the disease is but little
in evidence.

249

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

Cause.—The cause of this disease has long
been attributed to the fungus, Botrytis, found
constantly associated with the lesions on stem,
bud, and leaf. There are many described species
of Botrytis, some of which are very common on
greenhouse and garden crops. The Botrytis
forms found on peony have been referred usually
to Botrytis vulgaris or Botrytis cinerea, and Bo-
trytis peonie, the last described by a Hollander
as the cause of the disease in that country. My
own studies indicate that there are a least two
distinct species of Botrytis atacking and causing
identical symptoms in the peonies both in this
country and in Europe. The species while quite
distinct in structure are very similar in their life
habits and effects on the peony. One forms large
sclerotia (resting bodies), while the other forms
very minute ones. I have never seen the sclerotia
of the large form except in my cultures, but the
small ones are commonly formed in the diseased
stalks just beneath the epidermis and appear as
black pimples the size of a pin-head. Presumably
they serve to carry the fungus through the Winter
on the old stubble left by cutting away the tops.
There in the Spring they probably give rise to a

250

APPENDIX B

new crop of spores, in just the best position to
infect the new shoots when they come up. I have
not yet determined whether these pathogens ever
attack crowns and roots or not.

Control.—The control of this disease is very
difficult for several reasons. It is destructive only
in wet seasons. One of the pathogens, the small
sclerotial form, is very common and widely dis-
tributed. The other, the large sclerotial form,
having a number of different hosts, may readily
pass from one of them to the peony if it be near
by. Spores are produced in great quantities and
carried both by wind and insects. Ants seem to
carry the spores from the base of diseased stalks
to the buds of healthy plants. Here in the exuded
sugary solution, so abundant upon unopened
peony buds, the spores find both food and moist-
ure and germinate much more promptly and
vigorously than in water. The peony is very sus-
ceptible, there being apparently little difference
in susceptibility of the different varieties. Spray-
ing is in the first place undesirable, as it discolors
foliage and buds, and in the second place our ex-
periments indicate that the sugary exudate of the
buds effectively neutralizes the copper in Bor-

251

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

deaux so that the spores germinate and infect
sprayed buds just as readily as unsprayed. Sul-
phur in its various forms appears to be equally
ineffective in preventing the bud rot form of the
malady.

Eradication measures offer the most promise
of success in the control of the Botrytis blight.
To be effective, however, they must begin with the
careful removal of the old stubs in the Autumn
or very early in the Spring and be prosecuted per-
sistently throughout the season. To remove the
old stubble carefully, remove the soil from the
crown, so as not to injure the buds. Cut away
the old stalks close to the crown and burn. These
old stalks harbor the fungus. Replace the soil
removed with fresh, clean soil, preferably sand,
or at least top coat with sand. When the shoots
begin to appear, inspect them daily and remove
by cutting close to the crown any that show wilt-
ing. ‘These should be burned. By promptly re-
moving these wilting shoots, you prevent the crop
of spores that always appears if the dead shoots
are left and so greatly reduce the chance of infec-
tion of buds and leaves.

The daily inspection must now include the

252

APPENDIX B

young growing buds and any that begin to turn
brown or black and die must be removed and
destroyed. As the buds grow older and approach
the blooming time, the infection will usually be
first evident at the base of the bud on one side as
a brown lesion, which will gradually spread up,
involving the entire bud, turning it brown.
Spreading downward it gradually involves the
entire circumference of the stem. It will be very
important to detect these lesions in the early
stages and remove the diseased buds, for spores
are produced most abundantly on rotted buds and
are also in the most favorable position for distri-
bution by wind and insects to healthy buds.
Spotted leaves should also be promptly picked
off. However, if the early spring inspection and
eradication operations have been thorough and
there are no diseased peonies near by, the foliage
will probably suffer but little. In wet seasons
these inspections should be made daily. In dry
weather less often will suffice. For the nursery-
men or the grower of large numbers of peonies,
this method of control may not be profitable, but
for the small grower or in the private garden

where a relatively small number of clusters are
253

THE BOOK OF THE PEONY

planted, it will be found entirely practicable and
profitable. Even in a large area I believe the
eradication measures I have outlined are worthy
a thorough trial.

Conclusions —The ultimate end and object
of all plant disease investigations is control. It
must be evident from what has preceded that our
knowledge of the diseases of the peony is limited,
indeed, that most of it is yet to be discovered.
Naturally then our suggestions as to control can-
not be specific. They must be general and they
cannot betaken as positive recommendations, only
suggestions based on limited knowledge as to the
most likely lines along which success is to be ex-
pected. Spraying cannot of course get at the
root troubles and our past experience and the
ornamental character of the plant both discourage
this as a means of protecting the parts of the plant
above ground. Sanitary measures involving the
prompteradication of the diseased parts, as I have
already suggested for the most of the diseases de-
scribed, offer the most practicable and satisfac-
tory methods for the control of the various mala-
dies to which this beautiful ornamental is subject.

254

INDEX

A

Adolphe Rousseau peony, 54, 83,
84, 115

Adonis peony, 107

Advice, disinterested, 122

Agnes Mary Kelway peony, 84

Albert Crousse peony, 84

Alexandre Dumas peony, 50, 82, 84

Alfred de Musset peony, 84

Alice de Julvecourt peony, 84

Alsace-Lorraine peony, 58, 83, 84

American Peony Society, 64, 66, 80

Anthracnose, 243

Ants, 172

Arnoldus de Villanova, 41

Artificial shade, movable cover, 168
cone cover, 169

Asa Gray peony, 53, 83, 85

Augustin d’Hour peony, 85

Aurore peony, 54, 82, 85

Auguste Villaume peony, 85

Avalanche peony, 53, 82, 85, 115

Avante Garde peony, 85, 109

B

Baroness Schroeder peony, 47, 82,
86, 105

Barr, Peter, 47

Bartram, John, 56

Bartram, list of John, 203

Beaute de Villecante peony, 86

Bed for peonies, 142

Bibliography, 233-236

Blanche de Chateau Futu tree
peony, 111

Borders, 130, 136, 140, 141

Botan, 194

Botrytis blot, 47

Boule de Neige peony, 86

Bridesmaid peony, 86

Cc

Calot, M., 52

Caroline d’Italie tree peony, 112

Catalogues, 120

Chiswick, peonies at, 48

Claire Dubois peony, 86

Colour nomenclature, 123

Colours, 78

Compost, 147, 148

Couronne d’Or peony, 52, 83, 86

Cross-breeding, 182-184
Equipment, 184

Crousse, M., 53

Cultivating, 160, 161

Cussy, Comte de, 52

Cutting, 166-168

D

Date to begin planting, 151

De Candolle peony, 86, 137

Delachei peony, 86

Dessert, Auguste, peony, 27, 52, 62,
148

Dioscorides, 35

Disbudding, 162

Diseases of the peony, 239

Distance apart for planting, 142

Dorchester peony, 61, 87

Drainage, 138

Dr. Bretonneau peony, 50, 87

Duc de Wellington peony, 83, 87

Duchesse de Nemours peony, 52,
82, 87, 137, 166

Duchesse d’Orleans peony, 50, 87

E
Edulis superba peony, 46, 59, 87>
137

Eugenie Verdier peony, 52, 82, 87
Extending period of bloom, 105

255

INDEX

F
Felix Crousse peony, 53, 83, 87
Fertilisers, 163
Festiva Maxima peony, 55, 82, 94,
115, 125, 136
Flag of War peony, 88
Floral Treasure peony, 63, 88
Folk lore, 198
Fragrance, 80
Fragrans maxima plena tree peony,
219
Frances Shaylor peony, 62, 88
Frances Willard peony, 62, 88
Fungus of tree peony, 246

G

Genealogical register of tree peonies,
189

General de Boisdeffre peony, 83, 88

Geo. W. Tryon peony, 88

Germaine Bigot peony, 54, 82, 88

Gerard, John, 42

Gigantea peony, 88

Gismonda peony, 83, 89

Glasnevin, peonies at, 48

Gloire de Chas. Gombault peony,
89, 115

Globosa tree peony, 219

Glory of Shanghai tree peony, 219

Grandiflora Nivea Plena peony,
46, 50, 83, 89

Grandiflora peony, 61, 89

Grover Cleveland peony, 60, 83, 89

Guerin, Modeste, peony, 50

V5

Helene Leslie peony, 47, 89
Highland Park, 135
Hollis, George, 61

J
Jacques, M., 49
James Kelway peony, 82, 89
Jeanne d’Arc tree peony, 219
Jessie Shaylor peony, 62, 90

Ks

Karl Rosenfield peony, 63, 83, 90
Kelway, James, 47

Kelway’s Glorious peony, 47, 83,
90
Kew Gardens, 48, 136, 199, 200

L

Lady Alexandra Duff peony, 90

Lady Leonora Bramwell peony, 90

Lamartine (Calot) peony, 83, 91

Lamartine (Lemoine) peony, 55,
91

Lambertinz tree peony, 219

Landscape effects, 130, 135-138

La Fee peony, 90

La Fiancee peony, 55, 91

La France peony, 91

La Lorraine (hybrid) peony, 114

La Perle peony, 91

La Rosiere peony, 83, 91

La Tendresse peony, 82, 91

La Tulipe peony, 52, 91

Leaf blotch, 244

Le Cygne peony, 55, 83, 92

Legends, 198

Le Printemps peony, 92, 109

Lemoine, Victor, 54

Lemon, M., 49

L’Esperance (hybrid) peony, 114

Livingstone peony, 53, 82, 92, 115

Location, 139, 140

Loddige, 46

Louise Mouchelet tree peony, 219

M

Madame Auguste Dessert peony,
92
Madame
peony, 92
Madame Bucquet peony, 83, 92
Madame Calot peony, 83, 93
Madame Crousse peony, 52, 82, 93
Madame de Galhau peony, 53, 83,
93
Madame de Vatry peony, 50, 83, 93
Madame de Verneville peony, 53,
83, 93
Madame D. Treyeran peony, 54,93
Madame Ducel peony, 53, 93, 115
Madame Emile Galle peony, 53, 93

Barillet © Deschamps

256

INDEX

Madame Emile Lemoine peony,
55, 94

Madame Geissler peony, 94

Madame Jules Dessert peony, 83,
94

Madame Laffay tree peony, 219

Madame Lemoine peony, 94

Madame Lemonier peony, 52, 82,
95, 115, 166

Madame Mechin peony, 83, 95

Madame Stuart-Low tree peony,
112

Madamoiselle Rousseau peony, 53,
95

Mai Fleuri peony, 95, 109

Main list of peonies, 84-102

Manure, 143, 145, 146, 147, 148,
161, 163

Marcelle Dessert peony, 54, 95

Marechal MacMahon peony, 95

Marguerite Gerard peony, 53, 95

Marie Crousse peony, 82, 95

Marie Jacquin peony, 53, 81, 82,
96, 115

Marie Lemoine peony, 82, 96, 115

Martha Bulloch peony, 62, 83, 96

Mary Woodbury Shaylor peony,

62, 83, 96

Massing peonies, 135, 137

Mathilde de Roseneck peony, 83,

96, 167

Mechin, Etienne, 54

Messagere peony, 96, 109

Miller, Philip, 45

Milton Hill peony, 61, 82, 97

Mireille peony, 82, 97

Miss Salway peony, 47, 97

Modele de Perfection peony, 53,
82, 97

Modeste Guerin peony, 50, 97

Monsieur Dupont peony, 52, 82, 97

Monsieur Jules Elie peony, 53, 82,
97, 115

Monsieur Martin Cahuzac peony,
54, 83, 98, 115

Mosaic disease, 242

Mrs. Gwyn Lewis peony,"98

Mrs. McKinley peony, 60, 98

Mulching, 148, 158-160, 161

Multicolore peony, 98
Mythology of peony, 32

N

Names—familiar, 42
Necham, 40
Nematode worm, 240

O

Octavie Demay peony, 98
Order of bloom, 106
Ordering, 131

P

P. Albiflora, 18, 29, 56, 114, 162,
164, 220, 224
Candida, 224
Festiva, 224
Festiva Maxima, 55, 88, 82,
115, 125, 136
Fragrans, 45, 224
Humei, 19, 45, 59, 294
Pottsii, 46, 59, 224
Reevesii, 46, 59, 225
Rubescens, 225
Vestalis, 225
Whitleyi, 19, 45, 225. See
also names of other varie-
ties in Chap. II
. Anomala, 30, 45, 120, 225, 227
Insignis, 225
Intermedia, 225
. Arietina, 29, 220, 225
. Brownii, 30, 220, 225
Cambessedesii, 220, 226
. Corallina, 30, 35, 45, 47, 49, 220,
226
Broteri, 226
Russii, 226
Russii Major, 109
Triternata, 226
P. Coriacea, 220, 226
. Corsica, 220
. Decora, 30, 120, 226
Alba, 227
Elatior, 227
Pallasii, 227
P. Delavayi, 227
Angustiloba, 227

ac]

hg od

Pyro

257

INDEX

. Emodi, 220, 227
. Intermedia, 225
. Latifolia, 229
rubra plena, 229
. Lusitanica, 45, 226
Lutea, 31, 106, 113, 220, 228
Lutea plenissima, 46
Mlokosewitschii, 220, 228
- Moutan
Best varieties, 111, 219
Cultivation, 210
Description, 19, 30, 187, 220
Fertilising, 212
Forcing, 213
In America, 202
In China, 188
In England, 111, 199
In Japan, 194
Location and soil, 209
Planting, 210
Propagation, 214-217
P. Moutan
Banksii, 200, 203
Papaveracea, 200
Rawsei, 203
rosea, 200
P. Obovata, 220, 228
P. Officinalis, 19, 21, 28, 35, 37, 40,
45, 47, 56, 57, 58, 109, 137,
138, 220, 228
alba plena, 110
Albicans, 19, 228
Anemoneflora, 19, 228
Blanda, 228
Carnescens, 228
La Negresse, 110
lobata, 110, 228
Rosea, 228
Rosea Plena, 110
Rubra, 228
Sabini, 19, 228
P. Paradoxa, 220, 229
Fimbriata, 229
P. Peregrina, 29, 30, 45, 57, 220,
225, 229
Humilis, 229
Microcarpa, 229
P. Sinensis, 29, 106
P. Suffruticosa, see P. Moutan

a-ha la-la-la- Baba]

P. Tenuifolia, 30, 45, 56, 107, 220,
229
P. Veitchii, 220, 229
P. Wittmaniana, 30, 51, 108, 220,
229
P. Wittmaniana rosea, 47, 109
Parkinson, John, 21, 22, 43
Peonies planted with other flowers,
137
Peony as food, 40, 46, 225
Peony in Medicine, 31, 32, 34, 40,
42, 43, 44
Peony lantern, 188
Peter Barr peony (see Insignis),
225
Philippe Rivoire peony, 98
Philomele peony, 98
Pierre Dessert peony, 83, 99
Pierre Duchartre peony, 99, 115
Planting
Autumn, 152
depth, 155, 156
labels, 157
on paper, 153
record of, 157, 158
Spring, 152
time for, 151, 153, 154
Pliny, 33, 34
Potts, John, 46
President Taft peony, 99
Prices, 125, 128
Primevere peony, 55, 83, 99
Prince, Wm., 57
Prince’s catalogue, 203, 204
Princess May peony, 99
Principal Species, tabulation of, 28
Propagation, 164, 175-184
division, 175
from seed, 179
hand-pollination, 181-184

Q

Questions to be asked before pur-
chasing, 122, 124

R
Raphael peony, 53, 83, 99

Reine Elizabeth tree peony, 111
Reine Hortense peony, 82, 99

258

INDEX

Richardson, John, 60
Robert Fortune tree peony, 219
Root gall, 239

rot, 241
Rosa Bonheur peony, 99
Rose-bugs, 170-172
Rose d’Amour peony, 99
Rubens peony, 83, 99
Rubra Superba peony, 100, 115
Rubra Triumphans peony, 100

Ss

Salm Dyck, Prince de, 51
Salter, 46
Samarang tree peony, 219
Sarah Bernhardt peony, 55, 83, 100
Sclerotinia stem rot, 246
Shakespeare, 96
Short lists of peonies, 82, 83
Simonne Chevalier peony, 82, 100
Size and season, 79
Soil, best for peonies, 140
how to prepare, 141
Solange peony, 83, 100
Solfatare peony, 52, 83, 100
Souvenir de Ducher peony, 219
Souvenir de l’Exposition Univer-
selle peony, 82, 101
Souvenir de Madame Knorr peony,
219
Stanley peony, 101
Stephania peony, 60, 82, 101
Supports, 164-166
Suzanne Dessert peony, 55, 82, 101

au

Terry, H. A., 59
The Bride peony, 101

Therese peony, 83, 101

Thurlow, T. C., 62

Time for peony to become estab-
lished, 119

Top soil and manure, 141, 142, 143

Tourangelle peony, 82, 101

Transplanting, 152

Tree peony, see P. Moutan

Trench for peonies, 142-146

Triomphe de l’Exposition de Lille
peony, 101

Triumphans Gaudavensis peony,
101

Types, details of, 75-77

U

Umbellata Rosea peony, 102, 115,
137

Vv

Venus peony, 82, 102

Victoire de la Marne peony, 28
Victor Hugo peony, 102

Ville de Saint Denis peony, 219

Ww

Walter Faxon peony, 61, 83, 102
Water Lily peony, 102
Watering, 144, 161, 162
Weeding, 161

Whetzel, H. H., 237

Wisley, peonies at, 48
Wittmaniana hybrids, 47, 109

¥

Yunnan Mountains, 113

259

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