The American Peony Society

The History of the Peonies and their Originations p. 158

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does not do well everywhere. Maybe if we knew more about its needs some of us would be more successful with it. Its hybrids are very few as it does not easily cross with many other species. Some of them are yellow and it is hoped that full double yellows will eventually result.

Purples and near approaches to blue are possibilities that may be realized sooner than we think.

For those who desire adventure in peonies, these hybrids offer the greatest opportunity. As garden subjects for all they are not surpassed by any flower that grows.

The following are the crosses that have been most commonly used:

1.    ALBIFLORA X OFFICINALIS. These are characterized by extraordinary robustness, the stems often measuring nearly an inch in diameter with height and foliage to correspond. The flowers are usually brilliant shades of crimson with bright yellow or striped crimson anthers.

2.    ALBIFLORA X OTTO FROEBEL. It seemed wise to list this cross and the one following separately from No. 1 as they both have quite a large number of varieties in commerce. These are generally shades of pink of gray and charming tones.

3.    ALBIFLORA X LOBATA. Probably the most brilliant and effective strain of hybrid peonies yet produced. The colors embrace the whole range of pinks and reds with every tone of flesh, cherry, salmon, coral, rose, scarlet and crimson.

4.    ALBIFLORA X DECORA. Very few of these have been named.

5.    ALBIFLORA X DECORA ALBA. The large flowers are usually white with a peach flush at the base of their silky petals. Tall.

6.    ALBIFLORA X MACROPHYLLA (TOMENTOSA). These are very early, blooming before OFFICINALIS and very large.

6a.   Second generation from No. 6.

7.    ALBIFLORA X TENUIFOLIA. Very early and usually fragrant.

8.    ALBIFLORA X WITTMANNIANA. These are the green members of the family.

9.    OFFICINALIS X DECORA ALBA. Very early pale pink, medium size. Dwarf.

10.   OFFICINALIS X LOBATA. Better habit than LOBATA and similar in color. They are fertile.

11.   Triple hybrids, ALBIFLORA X OFFICINALIS X MACROPHYLLA. Very promising for future good ones.

12.   OFFICINALIS, OTTO FROEBEL X TENUIFOLIA.

13.   PEREGRINA X WITTMANNIANA.

14.   OFFICINALIS, OTTO FROEBEL X MACROPHYLLA. The following crosses have also been made with good results. So far none of them have been named, but they are available under number.

15.   WOODWARDI X TENUIFOLIA. These are often the first peonies to bloom. They have handsome plants, finely cut foliage and abundant bright crimson single flowers, making handsome garden subjects.

16.   MLOKOSEWITSCHI X TENUIFOLIA. Extremely early. Light pink to cherry red singles.

17.   VEITCHI X MLOKOSEWITSCHI. Lovely little plants, very early blooming with small creamy white single flowers, elegant and attractive.

18.   ALBIFLORA X CORIACEA. A very rare cross. Beautiful clear lilac singles.

19.   VEITCHI X EMODI. Early Windflower.

20.   BEROWSOWSKI X EMODI. Late Windflower. The above two crosses are very much alike, blooming at the very beginning of the peony season for No. 19 and a week later for No. 20. The plants are graceful and unusual, rather tall and nodding. Foliage fern like and handsome. The flowers are small and resemble white anemones.

21.   MLOKOSEWITSCHI X ALBIFLORA. Only one plant of this cross has ever reach maturity. It bears fine yellow single flowers and was raised by Dr. White.

Bulletin #91 September, 1943