ZiYan

To be called ”ZiYan” in Chinese, with characteristics of amaranth bloom, single petals, 18cm×10cm corolla , peachy buds , biggish and round petals with stiffness in quality and formal edge. The stamens are numerous with pompadour and short filaments. The full-grown and pea green pistils have red stigmas and remained floral disc. The medium size and long leaves, together with 15 lobules, grow upswept with fewer tomentas. Plant grows vigorously with the bloom leaves patulous upwards, half patulous shape, many blooms bright-colored, and many sprouts. It has early blooming date and to be suitable for the fresh cut.

Li Jiajue 2005, Chinese Tree Peony, Xibei, Xinan, Jiangnan Volume

'Zi Yan' Lotus form, amaranthine. Selected, cultivated and named by Chen D.Z.. [detailed description available on page 88]

McLewin & Chen (2006) Peony rockii and Gansu Mudan

Zi Yan breeder, date: Chen Dezhong between 1986 and 1992 engl. translation: Purple Ink Stone color & form classification categories , remarks: 6.2.04, Early flowering not online: 196

Cheng Fangyun: 'Chinese Flare Mudan' (Beijing 2005)

'ZiYan' description (in chinese) & picture available on page 134. +135.

peonycn.com (2006):

Flower 16cm*5cm, Purple ,sweet-scented osmanthus with purple spot.

Zi Yan. (Purple Pink Ink Stone). Chen Dezhong. Unregistered with the APS. Gansu-mudan. A large dark purple-red single to double flower. Rockii lineage is evident in its long leaves and small leaflets. Grows to about 4 feet high by 6+ feet wide in Wisconsin. Extremely hardy winter stems. Flowers are carried on long stems and nod in the breeze. Some years it blooms single with large black flares visible, other years it is a full double. Excellent plant for the northern climate. Gansu-mudan are Chinese rockii lineage hybrids. Recommended for cold winter climates.