Carsten Burkhardt's Web Project Paeonia - The Peony Library

PEONIES

The Manual of the American Peony Society

EDITED BY JAMES BOYD

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

[SEE EDITOR'S NOTE ON PAGE 71 ]

ABBE. (Lewis, 1921.) 8.8 (2 votes).*

Japanese type. Deep rose-pink, with ruffled center; edges tinged with yellow. Medium height. Free bloomer.

Information taken from the introducer's description.

ADDIELANCHEA. (Brand, 1907.) 8.8.

Double type; large; late midseason. Pure white flowers, regularly incurved and suffused with yellow from a few petals which bear rudimentary anthers; moderately fragrant. Plant of medium height, florif-erous, but stems are not strong.

Said to do exceptionally well on the Pacific Coast. The flower is of good substance and excellent flat form.

ADOLPHE ROUSSEAU. a-d61f-roo-sso'. (Dessert & Mechin, 1890.) 8.5.

Double type; very large; early midseason. Dark, lustrous red shaded maroon, showing yellow stamens and light red stigmas in center; odor somewhat disagreeable. Tall; floriferous; stems very strong. Foliage dark, tinged red.

Young and weak plants produce single flowers and the side blooms on established plants are almost always single. At its best, a very large, handsome flower, but it requires a strong plant and a favorable season to develop it. Good for garden decoration.

AKALU. (Dessert.) 8.1.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Smooth, spoon-shaped guard-petals of very clear, dark rose-pink; center composed of long stami-nodes with yellow filaments and long narrow blades of rose-red tipped and edged with buff; carpels pale green with waxy white tips; rank odor. Medium tall; vigorous growth.

ALBATRE. al-batr'. (Crousse, 1885.) 8.7.

Generally considered identical with Avalanche, which see.

ALBERT CROUSSE. al-bair-crooss' (Crousse, 1893.) 8.6.

Double type; large; late. Light rose-pink with a creamy tone, richly tinted with flesh-pink in a deep, rose-like center when fully open; mildly fragrant. Tall; a profuse bloomer; strong stems and good foliage.

The flowers are ball-like and compact, with smooth, incurved guards and a rounded center of rather narrow, notched petals. The color is very fresh and similar to, but lighter than that of Marie Crousse. Professor Saunders considers salmon-pink a closer approximation of the color. Mr. Thurlow calls it "one of the very best late peonies we have."

ALEX. D. VOREES. (Vories, 1924.) 8.4 (4 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. Flowers very large, with oval petals of dull American Beauty red, shaded lighter at the tips. Very tall, vigorous plant with long stems.

A large and showy variety that lacks refinement.

*Tentative rating by Jury, see page 71

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ALICE HARDING. (Lemoine, 1922.) 9.5 (11 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. Broad, evenly rounded guard-petals of delicate flesh-pink, flushed darker on the reverse, surround a cupped center of long, irregular petals of creamy white; stamens concealed in the collar; center-band petals minutely marked with crimson. Medium height; fairly floriferous. Stems and foliage good.

A flower of refined form and texture, with delicate coloring and sweet fragrance. On June 8, 1922, this variety received the special prize, offered by Mrs. Edward Harding, and awarded by the Société Nationale d'Horticulture de France, for the best French seedling peony. It is said that Lemoine considers this his best introduction. It is certainly a very beautiful flower.

ALMA. (Shaylor, 1916.) 8.5.

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Light pink, darker on the edges and in the middle of the petals, paling to white at base; center of incurved, narrow, canary-yellow petaloids and greenish yellow carpels; fragrance poor. Medium height; fairly floriferous; strong stems and good foliage.

An attractive but somewhat irregular flower which is often spoiled by extra pink petals or "feathers" in the center.

ALSACE-LORRAINE, al-sass-lor-rain'. (Lemoine, 1906.) 8.8.

Double type; large; late midseason. Petals rounded and cupped at the tips, not pointed, of waxy texture, symmetrically arranged in circular form, pure white, tinted with cream and buff in the center; strong, bitter fragrance. Medium height; floriferous; stems willowy. Foliage scant and clean.

A peony of fine form and unusual color, excellent growth and blooming qualities.

"A free bloomer on healthy plants."—Little,

"I should call it medium size rather than large."—Thurlow.

"Not as good a grower as many others but a beautiful flower. Inclined to sprawl. Odor unpleasant."—Boyd.

ALTAR CANDLES. (Pleas, 1908.) 8.0.

Japanese type; small; midseason. Cupped, flesh-pink guards surrounding a center of narrow, wax-white petaloids, tipped with red, and greenish carpels with ruddy tips; not fragrant. Medium height; blooms freely; stems and foliage good.

Pretty flowers borne in clusters of charming color effect, but they lack size and distinction.

"Think this is rated much too high."—Fewkes.

AMANDA YALE. (Brand, 1907.) 8.2.

Double type; large; midseason. Pale flesh-white, darker on the guards, which are cupped at first and irregularly reflexed later; collar of shredded petals and stamens, later developing an irregular crown of long, crimson-striped petals surrounded by a belt of shorter ones

plate XII. Mikado

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

heavily edged with crimson; moderately fragrant. Medium height; very floriferous; stems usually strong. Foliage good.

A variety which seems to be gaining in favor, although its flowers are exceedingly unkempt with all petals except the guards deeply notched and irregularly placed.

AMA-NO-SODE. (Japan.) 9.2.

Japanese type; very large; midseason. The flower has not more than two rows of long, wide-spread petals of rose-pink forming a saucer-like cup about an immense center of long, yellow staminodes with flattened, crinkled tips stained with rose; carpels green with yellowish tips and white kernels at the base; fragrance poor. Medium height; vigorous growth; very floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Has the appearance of an immense crimped and ruffled wild rose. The center has a pinkish buff or "chamois" effect.

"One of the most attractive peonies we have of the Japanese type."—Boyd.

A. M. SLOCUM. (Franklin, 1920.) 9.0.

Double type; large; late. A variable flower, opening pale rose-pink and showing a ring of prominent stamens; center light, almost white, and spreads open in a hollow cup-like fashion, disclosing stamens and carpels in the extreme center; moderate, bitter odor. Dwarf; floriferous; wiry stems. Foliage narrow, light green.

At its best, it is charming, giving a softly graduated harmony of pale pink tones of great beauty. Young plants produce very ragged flowers.

A. P. SAUNDERS. (Thurlow, 1919.) 8.6.

Double type; large; late. Very pale flesh-pink shading to white in the center; guards large, cleft at the tips, and occasionally marked with crimson; smoother and smaller petals graduate toward a well-formed chrysanthemum-like center; moderately fragrant.

A peony of almost perfect form but so new that its habit of growth and other characteristics are not generally well known.

Habit of plant is strong; stems of medium height; good foliage. Flowers freely, no clusters. In undeveloped plants there is a tendency for the central petals to remain closed, forming a ball in the center."—Thurlow.

"The flower opens slowly with perfectly formed outer petals surrounding a slowly loosening ball of petals in the center which eventually opens to perfect rose form."—Little.

ARGENTINE. ar-zha»-teen'. (Lemoine, 1924.) 8.6 (3 votes).*

Double type; late midseason. A large, globular flower, with symmetrically arranged petals of good substance; color purest white, with a creamy tint toward the center; fragrant.

This new variety shows much promise. The above information was taken from the introducer's description.

ARLEQUIN. ar-le-k»V. (Dessert, 1921.) 8.1.

Anemone type; large; midseason. Pale, rose-pink guard-petals, veined with darker pink; center composed of very long, narrow peta-

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loids fringed at tips, yellow at the base, paling lighter and tinted pink at the edges; carpels pale, waxy green with pink tips; faintly fragrant. Medium tall; strong growth; free-blooming. Foliage medium with reddish green veins.

An extremely variable variety, both in color and form. Frequently produces blooms of almost true Japanese type, and often the center is feathered with broad petals of the same color as the guards. Curious, but scarcely beautiful or reliable.

"Rating much too high."—Fewkes.

"Not very desirable."—Saunders.

"A mediocre variety with us."—Thurlow.

"Established plants produce fully transformed flowers of uniform violet-rose coloring that are very beautiful."—Little.

ASA GRAY. (Crousse, 1886.) 8.1.

Double type; medium size; midseason. A flat-topped flower which early develops a prominent crown, covering its irregular collar; pale pink, thickly powdered with minute rosy dots, showing an occasional crimson edge on the center petals; fragrant. Medium height; blooms moderately; good stems and foliage.

A curious, "double-decked" flower of interesting but scarcely beautiful color. The plant is not always reliable in growth and blooms.

ASSMANNSHAUSEN. ass'-mans-how'-zen. (Goos& Koenemann, 1912.) 8.0. Double type; late. Light pink flowers, fading white. Strong stems.

It has been found difficult to obtain a detailed description of this variety-It seems extremely scarce. One American grower states that it has considerable landscape value because of its habit of flowering profusely on the laterals after the main bloom is over. A Dutch grower says it is pure white, and very late.

ATTRACTION. (Hollis, 1906.) 8.2.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Guards long and broadly cupped, opening very vivid red, becoming crimson with a purple tinge; stami-nodes violet-crimson, edged buff at tips, shading to creamy pink at base; carpels feathered, pale greenish at base; kernels white; moderate rather pleasing fragrance. Average height; floriferous; stiff stems. Foliage sparse, recurved and narrow, with dark ruddy veins.

A very showy variety when first opening, but the purple tinge is objectionable in its late stages. Not a great deal different in appearance from other Japs of similar color.

AUGUSTE DESSERT. 6-gust-des-sair'. (Dessert, 1920.) 8.7.

Double type; large; midseason. Big, round petals symmetrically graduated toward a loose center which shows a few stamens; intensely pink, no blue and no yellow—each petal edged with a narrow silvery border; fragrance not notable. Plant of moderate height and seems fairly prolific.

A striking new sort of unusually vivid color and wheel-like form. The characteristics of established plants have yet to be determined.

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

"I should not call this flower pink at all. It is a very unusual shade of light red, a very solid color but not without some blue in it." Saunders.

"My notes say that real petal color is violet-rose IJ4 (2) but total effect lilac-rose 154 (2) (French color chart). This would bear out Professor Saunders that there is blue in the color. Further 'color rather in splashes on white ground' making total effect pink but real color is much brighter, more of a cherry-red. Fragrance unpleasant. Habit strong; tall stems; single buds only medium in quantity. Fair as a cut bloom but much better in the garden as its bold color makes an accent."—Thurlow.

AUREOLIN. (Shaylor, 1917.) 8.9.

Anemone type; large; late midseason. Light rose-pink guards, paler at the edges; center large, composed of narrow, bright canary-yellow petaloids, with yellow carpels slightly tinted green; very fragrant. Medium height; strong growth; blooming medium to free. Foliage medium.

The center is perhaps the yellowest of any peony in commerce. Frequently, light pink petals appear in the center which destroys the symmetry of the flower.

AURORE. o-ror'. (Dessert, 1904.) 8.0.

Double type; rather small; midseason. Undulated guards of creamy pink illumined by a striking collar of yellow stamens over which develops a ragged, irregular crown of narrow petals mixed with long stamens; faintly fragrant. Medium height; extremely floriferous; strong stems. Compact, bunched foliage; odor strong and disagreeable.

Not of first-class form, but a cheerful, apple-blossom color overspread with yellow, and the plant is desirable for garden decoration.

AVALANCHE. a-va-la»sh'. (Crousse, 1886.) 8.7.

Double type; large; late midseason. Blush-white of waxy texture with a faint pink center and very narrow crimson edges to a few petals; a compact, generally incurved flower with the tips of the outer petals recurved from its ball-like center; fragrance strong but not sweet. Medium height; a fair bloomer, with adequate stems and good foliage.

A well-regarded white variety for either cutting or garden decoration. It is generally considered identical with Alb&tre.

AVIATEUR REYMOND. a-vya-ter'-ray-mon'. (Dessert, 1915;.) 8.0.

Double type; very large; midseason. Dull, light crimson blooms of globular form, with a strong lavender sheen particularly noticeable at the edges of the petals, and prominent yellow stamens; not much fragrance. Tall, strong-growing, floriferous plant, with stiff, erect stems and dull reddish green foliage.

A very showy crimson variety, particularly in sunshine. Flower looser and not so bright as Karl Rosenfield, and not particularly good color.

BALL O'COTTON. (Franklin, 1920.) 8.8.

Double type; large; late'midseason. Petals incurved, overlapping at first, forming a large, compact white ball; later, the enormous outer

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petals unfold, the evenly graduated inner petals form a rose-like center of crisp texture; a wire edge of crimson appears on a few petals and there is a faint lemon tint in the center when fully open; fragrance mild and sweet. Medium height; moderately floriferous; stems strong. Foliage good.

Similar to, but not as large as Le Cygne or quite so pure in color. Excellent habit for garden use.

BARONESS SCHROEDER. (Kelway, 1889.) 9.0.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Pale flesh-white, tinted cream; outer petals frequently shaded with faint pink; fragrant. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Excellent foliage.

This variety develops a large, funnel-shaped crown when fully open, and while classed as a white peony it is sometimes very pale pink. The habit of the plant and the lasting quality of the blooms make it good for both garden decoration and cut-flowers. Opens better in water than in the field.

BAYADERE, bi-ya-dair'. (Lemoine, 1910.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. Very large, overlapping white petals of translucent texture suffused with yellow from buried stamens, faint pink marks on outer petals and an occasional red edge; strong lemon fragrance. Tall; sparse bloomer; strong stems. Excellent foliage.

A flower of especially pleasing form, good substance, and carriage, but it has not proved very productive. Open center showing golden stamens; odor unpleasant to many. Not a strong grower and much inclined to disease.

"It seems impossible to find stock where the roots are not badly infested."— Brand.

"A good deal like Alsace-Lorraine." Saunders.

BEAUMARCHAIS. bo-mar-shay'. (Lemoine, 1922.) 8.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; large; late. Pink-flesh-mauve with overlapping petals. Tall.

Information taken from the introducer's description. Commended by Mr. Bonnewitz.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. (Brand, 1907.) 8.1.

Double type; medium size; midseason. Dark crimson, outer petals large and the center composed of smaller overlapping petals mixed with many stamens; faintly fragrant. Very tall; vigorous and free-flowering; blooms held high above the compact foliage on wiry stems.

A good red peony with undeniable value for landscape effect. Not very imposing as a cut-flower because of its small size.

BERTRADE. bair-trad'. (Lemoine, 1909.) 8.6.

Double type; very large; late midseason. A rounded, incurved white bloom, shaded yellow at base of petals, with many stamens mixed in collar, and the center petals occasionally have .a reddish tinge at edges; unpleasant odor. Of moderate height and floriferousness; stems stiff. Foliage good.

Needs to become established before it displays its true character. The

plate XIII. Alsace-Lorraine

plate XIV. Ama-no-sode

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

flower is very regular and handsome, developing a symmetrical crown when fully open.

BETTY BLOSSOM. (Thurlow, 1925.) 8.9 (9 votes).*

Double type; large; late midseason. A globular flower with white guard petals, faintly tinted yellow and sometimes flecked on the back, and a high crown center of clear white; the distinct collar of narrow petals, heavily edged with gold, and a tuft of narrow stami-nodes of clear yellow at the extreme center produce a distinct and charming yellow-and-white effect.

This is from the introducer's description.

BIEBRICH. bee'-brirA. (Goos & Koenemann, 1912.) 8.7.

Double type; large, midseason to late. The flat blooms open soft pink, fading white tinted flesh; good rose fragrance. Tall; free-blooming; strong stems; sturdy habit. Foliage good.

A promising variety especially desirable for its pleasing rose fragrance.

"Petals have good substance, not coarse. Fragrance not marked but pleasant. Stems about 36 inches tall and inclined to bend without being weak. Foliage light green and rather broad. Strong grower with me. No inclination toward disease. This with Lorch and Gretchen seems to be the best of the Goos & Koenemann varieties. It is valuable in Virginia as it makes a good companion to Sarah Bernhardt and is a sure bloomer which is what we need in 'the lates' in this section. It well deserves a place in any good collection."—Peyton.

BLACK PRINCE. (Thurlow, 1915.) 8.5.

Single type; large; midseason. Long, cupped petals, irregularly arranged, deep crimson with a dull, satin sheen; center small, stamens reddish at base, tipped yellow; carpels green with prominent white base and tips; fragrance not pleasing. Medium height; floriferous; stiff stems. Excellent foliage.

Generally considered an excellent single peony, and the erect habit of the plant is well adapted to garden decoration.

"The lateral buds give a continuation of bloom for two weeks or more and petals hold their color until they fall."—Thurlow.

BLANCHE KING. (Brand, 1922.)

Double type; very large; late midseason. Globular with large, overlapping, incurved petals; glistening dark pink with a silvery sheen. Medium tall plant, with upright habit and strong stems. Rich, dark green foliage.

Award of Merit at the London (Ontario) International Peony Show, 1922. Not rated, but included by vote of the Directors.

BOULE DE NEIGE. bool-de'-nayzh'. (Calot, 1867.) 8.0.

Double type; large; early midseason. Cupped outer petals surrounding a fluffy center of mixed narrow petals and stamens. White with a yellow suffusion and very prominent crimson flecks on the guards and

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on a ring of short thick petals near the center; fragrance raw and pungent. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Heavy dark foliage.

Blooms immediately after Festiva Maxima and somewhat resembles it. It is closer to Monsieur Dupont in appearance although its red markings are much more conspicuous.

BRAND'S MAGNIFICENT. (Brand, 1918.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late midseason. Crimson with a decidedly purple cast; not fragrant. Medium height; very prolific; strong stems. Good foliage.

An unusually symmetrical flower for its color but, like most reds, it is not always full or well shaped. It is several shades darker than Karl Rosenfield or Mary Brand and much bluer than either.

"Much overrated. A poor grower with me and a vile color."—Boyd.

BRIDESMAID. (Kelway.) 8.3.

The same as Marie Jacquin, which see.

CANDEUR. caw-der'. (Dessert, 1920.) 8.4.

Double type; large; late midseason. Outer petals large, cupped, light rose-pink flushed darker outside, surrounding a collar of shredded petals and stamens and an incurved center bearing red streaks on occasional petals; faintly fragrant. Tall; vigorous; moderately floriferous. Bright green foliage.

Color rather flat and opaque, becoming more delicate as the flower develops. Excellent texture of rather fragile appearance.

"Petals tipped or edged lighter, giving a silvery effect which is rather pleasing."— Thurlow.

CATHEDRAL. (Origin unknown.) 8.1.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Vivid dark rose-pink guard petals, with narrow, lighter edges; compact center of long, pale pink petaloids with pointed tips and yellow at the base; reddish stigmas; slightly fragrant. Height 30 inches; growth medium; free-blooming. Foliage dark green.

This variety is also catalogued as Hana-no-sato. While generally admitted to be of Japanese Type, there are no vestiges of anthers on the central petals which are rather "petaloids" than "staminodes." This would make it Anemone Type strictly speaking, but many other Japs have similar character so it is extremely difficult to be absolutely consistent in this matter.

"In fully developed flowers the petaloids are very rarely white or seem so when seen against the vivid dark rose-pink guard petals. While not a high-grade Jap it is a very striking one in the garden."—Fewkes.

CELESTIA LEWIS. (Lewis, 1921.) 8.2 (4 votes).*

Double type. Clear pink with white petals intermixed. Compact form, developing a crown later; fragrant. Tall; free bloomer.

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

CHARLES NEIDEL. (Wettengel, 1916.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. A shaggy, rose-pink flower of waxy texture, weak in the collar, very much brightened by many yellow stamens; center a little lighter pink, opens in excellent rose form, disclosing a cluster of stamens. Medium to tall; strong growth; free-blooming. Medium foliage.

"It seems too much like a great many others."—Thurlow.

"A large flower of loose, flat, semi-double form. The broad, cupped guard petals inclose a center of irregular petals with stamens intermingled. Color light violet-rosef shading lighter at the ends of the petals."—Little.

CHARLOT. shar-lo'. (Doriat, 1924.) 8.4 (2 votes).*

Double type. Flowers silvery lilac, with carmine base and broad silvery borders. Strong stems.

CHERRY HILL. (Thurlow, 1915.) 8.6.

Double type; medium size; very early. Maroon, with a glistening sheen, brightened by yellow stamens and scarlet-tipped carpels. Very tall; floriferous; stems strong and erect but diverging. Foliage good.

An early, decorative sort for the garden, but the blooms lack fullness and size except on well-established plants in favorable seasons. The excellent color is well retained and the flowers keep well.

"It would seem that 'maroon' is somewhat misleading for the color of this flower. It is a very rich dark crimson, without sufficient purple to make the color maroon."†—Fewkes.

"One of the earliest and a very good color."—Boyd.

CHESTINE GOWDY. (Brand, 1913.) 8.4.

Double type; large; late. Guards and crown light rose, the latter surrounded by a belt of red-edged petals; collar creamy white; excellent fragrance. Tall; strong grower; floriferous; strong sterns. Good foliage. Quite distinct.

In early stages a dumpy, conical shape; later the crown expands horizontally making a cylindrical or "plug-hat" flower. The color fades also, becoming white in collar and extreme center. Plant is excellent for garden decoration.

"A very distinct and interesting flower."—Boyd.

"Rose-type bloom when first opening, but soon expanding into a very high crown so that flower is oftentimes higher than it is broad."—Thurlow.

CLAIRE DUBOIS. clair-du-bwa'. (Crousse, 1886.) 8.7.

Double type; very large; late. Bright rose-pink, with much blue —almost a mauve-pink—paling toward the tips of the petals whose serrated edges give the flower a crisp appearance; odor not pleasant. Moderately tall; fairly floriferous; stiff stems. Dark foliage.

Has much the silvery appearance of M. Jules Elie, but the color is livelier and its texture less opaque. At its best it is a heavy-built flower, closely incurved

†See the definition of color terms in the article on Color Standards by G. A. Stevens.

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and compact, of fine globular form. Its keeping and shipping qualities are worthy of note.

"The old description said 'violet-rose' which comes nearer the color."— Saunders.

CLAIRETTE. clair-eV. (Dessert, 1905.) 8.1.

Single type; large; midseason. Pale pink buds, opening to regularly formed white flowers of silky texture with a tuft of yellow stamens in the center; no appreciable fragrance. Tall; profuse in bloom; strong stems. Good foliage.

Blooms in clusters and its stiff stems give it some value for decorative use in the garden.

"Too tall and straggling for an ideal garden single."—Saunders.

CLEMENCEAU. cte-man-so'. (Dessert, 1920.) 8.5.

Double type; large; late midseason. Inner surface of petals rich glowing rose-pink; compact, globular form, a little thin at the collar, developing a very flat crown packed full of small petals arranged in rose form; slight tea-rose fragrance. Very tall; strong growth; free-blooming. Well furnished with dark green foliage.

A bold, handsome bloom of striking color; extra good for landscape effects. Usually opens better than most late varieties.

CORNELIA SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1917.) 9.1.

Double type; large; late. High-built blooms with immense guards of pale rose, a collar of flesh-white, and a slightly darker shade in the compact, rose-like center; fragrance very faint. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Dark, glossy foliage.

An exceedingly impressive flower of globular appearance, and while it is decidedly pink on opening, it becomes almost white with a greenish tint at the base of the petals. Generally considered a reliable late sort which opens its buds well.

"I consider this the best I have seen of Shaylor's later introductions."— Thurlow.

"Very large, beautiful flower but no fragrance."—Boyd.

CORONATION. (Kelway, 1902.) 8.5.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Shallowly cupped guards and prominent collar covered in the later stages by an irregular, circular crown of many ragged petals graduated to the center; pale rose-pink; outer crown petals very pale, flecked with crimson on edges, but the center is much darker; delicate fragrance,' somewhat like lilacs. Medium height; floriferous; stems adequate. Foliage good.

A very distinctly shaped and beautiful flower.

COURONNE D'OR. coo-run-dor'. (Calot, 1873.) 8.1.

Double type; large; late. Full, evenly rounded, white flowers illumined near the center by a ring of yellow stamens, center petals

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

tipped with crimson; odor strong, like water-lilies. Medium height; very floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A dependable, late white sort of good habit for both cutting and garden decoration. Some find its odor disagreeable.

DAPHNE. (Earnshaw, 1922.) 9.5 (1 vote).*

Double type; large; late midseason. Pure white. Strong stems.

Flowers said to reach 9 inches in diameter. Highly commended by Mrs. Crawford.

DARKNESS. (Brand, 1913.) 8.2.

Single type; medium size; midseason. The evenly rounded guard petals are dark maroon-red, shading darker at the base, and are arranged in a single row around the center of bright gold stamens; pleasantly fragrant. Medium tall, upright plant, with stiff but graceful stems.

Mr. Little wrote the above description.

"Very profuse bloomer. Flowers hold unusually long as a cut-flower and it is fine for this purpose."—Brand.

"Rated too high. It burns badly in the sun."—Fewkes.

DAVID HARUM. (Brand, 1920.) 8.4.

Double type; very large; midseason. Clear, light crimson, smooth texture; scentless. Tall; floriferous; stong stems. Broad light green foliage.

When opening, displays globular form with broad, round guard petals developing to a rather irregular rose-type bloom. Good color, not especially different from many other reds. Excellent as a cut-flower.

"A peculiar shade of dull rosy crimson, distinct in color and form from any other red variety."—Little.

"Much like F61ix Crousse and Victor Hugo."—Sass.

DEEDIE MAY. (Vories, 1927.) 8.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; large; early. Rather flat, white flowers with crimson thread-line on edges of center petals. Occasionally partially streaked with crimson. Strong stems.

DENISE. de-neez'. (Lemoine, 1924.) 9.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; large. Imbricated flowers of soft flesh-white, with center flecked crimson; fragrant. Stout, upright stems.

Highly commended by Mr. Little.

DEPARTING SUN. (Origin unknown.) 8.5.

Japanese type; very large; midseason. Dark rose-pink or light crimson, touched with lilac at the tips and edges, lighter at the base of the petals; compact center of crowded petaloids dark rose on one side and lighter on the other, curling and twisting so that both colors commingle; tips yellow; carpels pale greenish yellow-white at the base and pink at the tips; faint fragrance. Height 2>£ to 3 feet; growth strong; free-blooming. Foliage good dark green.

Very distinct and handsome. There is a Single of the same name.

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"Probably a Japanese importation renamed. As a Jap it should carry a rating of 9.0."—Fewkes.

DESIRE. (Brand, 1923.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. Soft rose-pink, slightly tinted with lilac; frequently develops a spreading crown surmounting a narrow collar of waxy yellow; no stamens but some small petals bear aborted anthers; rich rose fragrance. Height 2 feet; medium growth; moderately floriferous. Foliage medium, light green, thrifty.

This variety is occasionally extraordinarily good, but flowers on young plants are apt to be rough and irregular.

"Not desirable."—Fewkes.

"Erratic—sometimes very good and sometimes very ordinary."—Little.

DR. H. BARNSBY. (Dessert, 1913.) 8.1.

Double type; medium; late. An evenly colored, globular flower of dark old-rose or light purplish crimson; fairly fragrant. Upright, floriferous plant, with very strong stems and good foliage.

A late red peony of value for garden decoration, but the color is most objectionable to those who dislike magenta tones.

DR. H. VAN DER TAK. (Nieuwenhuyzen, 1916.)

Double type; large; early midseason. Glistening crimson toward the center with lighter sheen on the incurved tips of the petals; fragrance not pleasing. Stems good.

This variety is comparatively scarce and is offered by few growers. Included in this list by vote of the Directors although it is not yet rated.

Awarded Certificate of Merit by the Holland Bulb Society, June 16, 1918, and awarded Silver Cup at the International Flower Show at Antwerp, May 2, 1920.

DORIS. (Shaylor, 1920.) 9.1 (6 votes).*

Double type; midseason. Cup-shaped blooms of fresh pink with deeper pink touches on flowers of well-developed plants. Medium tall; strong grower; free bloomer.

DUCHESSE DE NEMOURS, du-shess-de'-ne'-moor'. (Calot, 1856.) 8.1.

Double type; large; early. Cupped, white guards and a moderately full center of light canary-yellow, deepening to pale green at the base of the petals; notably fragrant. Medium tall; very floriferous; stems erect and strong. Excellent foliage.

The general impression is a rounded, flatfish globe-like flower. Dependable and well regarded for its profuse production of medium-sized blooms and its excellent garden habit.

"The flowers are best in their early stage; later on they are apt to spread open too much, exposing the carpels." Saunders.

"A distinctive characteristic of this flower is its green carpels and stigmas."— Fevkes.

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

EDMOND ABOUT. gd-me«-a-boo'. (Crousse, 1885.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late midseason. Light shell-pink, with rose tints in the center, which is often flecked with crimson; fragrant. Plant medium height, with stiff, upright stems.

Flowers in clusters, producing well-shaped blooms, flat in form, with many compact petals. Not a popular sort, seldom seen, and rarely listed in catalogues.

"A desirable variety if healthy stock is obtainable."—Little.

EDMOND LEBON. '. (Calot, 1864.) 8.3.

Double type; large; midseason. Dark pink of a luminous tone, becoming silvery at the center with age; not notably fragrant. Dwarf; floriferous; stout stems. Good foliage.

Too light to be red and too dark to be pink, having little or no tint of blue. The center is rounded and somewhat of the globular type. Not popular, seldom seen, and rarely catalogued.

EDULIS SUPERBA. gd-u'-lis su-per'ba. (Lemon, 1924.) 7.6.

Double type; medium size; very early. Guard and center petals bright old-rose pink, with a collar of distinctly lighter narrow petals; very fragrant. Usually develops a crown as the flower ages. Tall; extremely floriferous; with excellent foliage and rather bending stems.

A very old, tried and true variety, largely planted for its very early bloom. Also a popular and desirable commercial variety widely grown for cut-flowers. Included by vote of Directors in spite of its rating.

"Does exceedingly well in heavy clay soils and should rate much higher."— Boyd.

EDWARD W. BECKER. (Franklin, 1920.) 8.5.

Semi-double type; large; midseason. A loose flower of rather flat form that opens delicate light pink, shading to white; outer petals broad and well rounded, surrounding a scant center of irregular petals with stamens throughout the collar and in the center; slightly fragrant. Medium tall; vigorous; free bloomer; medium strong, graceful stems. Foliage medium green.

EDWIN C. SHAW. (Thurlow, 1919.) 9.1.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Light old-rose, with flesh-pink tones in center and collar, with occasional narrow red edges on outer petals; delicious fragrance. Medium height; fairly floriferous; stems usually adequate. Good foliage.

A well-shaped flower of cupped form with symmetrically graduated petals of translucent texture. Established plants have stiff stems and broad foliage. Good both for cutting and garden effects.

"One of the most intoxicatingly sweet peonies we have."—Mrs. Edward Harding.

"Large flowers; delicious fragrance; stout stems. Very lovely."—Boyd.

"Think in ten years this will be recognized as one of the ten greatest peonies." —Little.

MANUAL OF THE AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY

EGLANTINE, gg-lan-teen. (Dessert, 1913.) 8.1.

Single type; large; midseason. Long, oval light flesh-pink petals, paling to white, with a cluster of small yellow stamens and green carpels with vivid pink tips and base; flushed darker pink on the reverse of the petals; fragrance poor. Medium tall, erect plant, with well-set foliage.

A desirable landscape variety. The distinctive feature of this variety is the

Pink flush at the center of the petals after the edges have paled to silvery white. t is never white except at the last stage before the petals fall.

E.J. SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1918.) 8.7.

Double type; large; late midseason. Dark rose-pink, the petals tipped with lilac; globular form, the outer petals incurved over a hollow center of many stamens and petaloids with yellow edges; good, rose-like fragrance. Medium height; strong, upright growth; moderately floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Undoubtedly a good variety, but similar to a great many others. Its color is a shade or two lighter than Lamartine (Lemoine).

"One of the most distinct peonies. A ring of narrow petaloids, tipped yellow, gives a trifle ragged but very pleasing effect. This variety and Frances Shaylor are alike except in color."—Thurlow.

ELISA. (Dessert-Doriat, 1922.) 8.5 (6 votes).*

Cup-shaped flower of perfect form but small; carmine-hydrangea pink,f shaded silvery salmon. Stem good; medium height.

Information taken from introducer's description.

ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. (Brand, 1907.) 9.2.

Double type; very large; very late. Creamy blush on opening, becoming white with a pale yellow glow in its depths and prominent red marks in center and on outer petals; very fragrant. Plant very tall; spreading habit; floriferous, strong but crooked stems. Glossy foliage.

Because of its lateness it does not always open well and its stems are poor. At its best the flowers are very large and of excellent form. The red marks are frequently lacking.

"Good exhibition bloom, but a poor garden plant."—Saunders. "Very unsatisfactory with me as a plant. Poor grower and weak stems but a beautiful flower."—Boyd.

ELLA CHRISTIANSEN. (Brand, 1925.) 9.0 (7 votes).*

Double type; very large; midseason. A loose flower of medium pink on long, fairly strong stems; fragrant. Floriferous; vigorous; tall.

This variety holds its color unusually well in the sun.

fAn example of queer color nomenclature. Carmine is a form of crimson and quite purplish, whereas Ridgway's hydrangea-pink is yellowish pink. Silvery salmon could be translated silvery golden pink! I take it, the describer meant that the flower is flesh-pink with salmon shading.—Stevens.

plate XV. Avalanche

plate XVI. Baroness Schroeder

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

ELWOOD PLEAS. (Pleas, 1900.) 8.7.

Double type; large; late. Flowers flat, with many crinkled petals symmetrically arranged, pale rose-pink changing to light flesh-pink in center; not notably fragrant. Medium height; fairly floriferous; stiff stems. Good, close-set foliage.

An evenly colored flower about the same shade as The're'se, sometimes streaked with rose on outer petals. Not always reliable in growth and blooming but considered very fine in favorable seasons.

"Does not do well in heavy clay soil in Pennsylvania."—Boyd.

"Very reliable with us in Minnesota."—Christman.

"Erratic with me in Indiana."—Little.

"Erratic with me in Massachusetts."—Fewkes.

EMILE HOSTE. (Origin doubtful.) 8.1.

Rated much too high and suppressed by unanimous vote of the Directors of the American Peony Society, January, 1928.

ENCHANTERESSE. an-shan-tiZss'. (Lemoine, 1903.) 8.9.

Double type; very large; very late. White, with lemon tints in collar and crimson wire edges to a few center petals, outside petals tinged with green; faintly fragrant. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Technically double type, but globular. Color delicate and translucent. Blooms so late that it frequently fails to open well; a show flower.

"When well done, one of the very finest whites."—Brand.

"Very late and rather poor grower; opens best in water."—Boyd.

ENCHANTMENT. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.0.

Double type; large; midseason. Dull old-rose with shell-pink glow at the center, becoming more luminous and softer tinted with age; edges of the petals slightly silvered; rounded at first but opens very flat, showing many stamens and a broad wheel-like crown; moderately fragrant. Medium height; vigorous growth; moderately floriferous, but the stems are weak.

A variety which is too irregular in its performance to be really good. When well done the bloom is handsome, but most flowers are quite ordinary.

"Not as good as Sarah Bernhardt or Marchioness of Lansdowne."—Fewkes.

ETTA. (Terry, 1904.) 8.0.

Double type; large; late. Old-rose-pink with flesh-pink center, outer petals pale at base and marked with green; rose fragrance. Medium height; floriferous; weak stems. Average foliage.

Symmetrical, brightly colored flowers with dentated, fully developed petals throughout, making a bloom of impressive size and substance. Its poor stems are a defect in the garden but it is a good cut-flower.

"One of Terry's best."—Boyd.

EUGENE BIGOT, g-zhayn'-bee-go'. (Dessert, 1894.) 8.3.

Double type; large; late. Crimson with violet tinge, brightened by

MANUAL OF THE AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY

slightly silvery tips and numerous yellow stamens; fragrance pleasant, but weak. Medium height; floriferous; stems stiff. Foliage good.

Good at times but frequently ragged, and a half-developed globular shape. Generally classed among the good reds.

EUGENE VERDIER. e-zhayn-vair-dyay'. (Calot, 1864.) 8.3.

Double type; large; late. A high-built, compact flower usually developing a decided crown; guards vivid rose-pink on outside, paler within, collar sharply defined by its light color and its narrow petals and petaloids, some of which are creamy yellow; center light rose but when fully open has a yellow suffusion from numerous petaloids similar to those in collar, occasional petals tipped crimson; mildly fragrant. Dwarf, robust plants; floriferous; stems very strong. Foliage light green and coarse.

Described in considerable detail to distinguish it from L'Indispensable, with which it is frequently confused. A very bold and impressive flower whose general color effect is light shell-pink tinted with cream.

"Typical 'crown type' if there is such a thing."—Little.

EUGENIE VERDIER. g-zha-nee-vair-dyay'. (Calot, 1864.) 8.6.

Double type; very large; early midseason. Rose-pink, paling at tips of petals, and outer edge of flower occasionally flecked with crimson near center; fragrance not notable. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A very well-finished bloom of excellent form and texture, lasting well when cut. Some authorities consider La Verne a synonym.

"A fine variety not yet appreciated."—Saunders.

"La Verne and Pink Baroness Schroeder are quite distinct from this."— Fewkes.

"One of the showiest and most beautiful of 'baby' pinks."—Peterson (of Chicago).

EUNICE SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1919.) 8.9.

Double type; midseason. Outer petals cupped and wavy, pale rosy flesh-color deeply flushed with rose toward base; center pale creamy flesh, tipped with a few crimson lines; yellow stamens mixed with the petals in the collar, and a distinct tuft of stamens lights up the center handsomely; tea-rose fragrance. Medium tall; strong growth; free-blooming. Plenty of foliage with light green veins.

A very handsome flower when fully open. Generally creamy flesh-pink with glowing depths and heavy, leathery texture.

EUPHEMIA. (Terry, 1920) 8.1.

Much overrated and suppressed by vote of the Directors.

EVANGELINE. (Lemoine, 1910.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late. Dark but bright rose-pink with occasional old-rose shades, crimson edges on center petals; delicious rose-like

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

fragrance. Moderate height and vigor; fairly floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Large, very compact flowers with petals arranged in concentric whorls or tufts, an unusually handsome form. Occasionally the color is coarse and blotchy but it is very good at times.

"It is questionable whether it deserves its rating."—Brand.

"The petals are tipped lighter, which gives a lighter total effect."—Thurlow.

"Rather small flower of good color."—Boyd.

EVENING GLOW. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.3.

Semi-double type; large; early. Light shell-pink, paling to white and pale old-rose; fragrance not notable. Tall; floriferous; erect stems. Average foliage.

Not well known and listed in very few catalogues. It is a question whether it deserves its rating.

"Evening Glow is confused in commerce. This is the description of the true variety, but a great share of the growers' stocks are of a tall, strong-growing peony of deep mauve-pink. The present rating is undoubtedly based mostly on the false variety."—Little.

EXQUISITE. (Origin unknown.) 8.9.

Single type; large; midseason. White; tall; good foliage.

"This is a true single with an abundance of pollen. It resembles Le Jour very much when first open, but the petals eventually droop and the flower loses its fine saucer shape."—Fewkes.

This is similar to Le Jour except that it has greenish carpels and yellowish stigmas instead of red as in Le Jour.—Little.

EXQUISITE. (Kelway, 1912.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. Bright rose-pink, paling toward tips of the long, shaggy petals of the very loose, flat flowers; fragrance poor. Medium height; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Young plants produce inferior, irregular flowers, but the form improves as the plant becomes established. At its best, the flower develops a large hollow crown with a starry shredded center.

"Free-blooming; strong and graceful stems. Good foliage. Large, loose flower that only shows well on established plants. Beautiful when well-grown." —Little.

"Exquisite seems to me nearer Eugenie Verdier than any other variety, but I know it only in shows." Saunders.

"Rather weak stems."—Thurlow.

"Much like Judge Berry and Eugenie Verdier. Almost impossible to distinguish them apart on the show-table."—Boyd.

FANNY LEE. (Vories, 1924.) 8.2 (3 votes).*

Medium to large; midseason. A very distinct shade of American Beauty red. Plant and stem good.

From introducer's description.

MANUAL OF THE AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY

FANTASY. (Auten, 1925.) 8.2 (3 votes).*

Anemone type, but gives a Japanese effect. Outer petals deep pink, center yellow; slight fragrance.

From introducer's description.

FELIX CROUSSE. fay-leex-crooss'. (Crousse, 1881.) 8.4.

Double type; large; late midseason. Brilliant crimson of even tone and silky luster; poor fragrance. Medium height; very floriferous; stems weak. Foliage good.

Has weak stems which need support. Its very clear crimson color makes no pretensions to scarlet. One of the best red varieties.

"For a red, it is hard to beat in color."—Boyd.

"Compact, globular bloom of good form; outer or guard petals are wider than central petals, and as bloom develops these petals flex outward and central petals still keep their convex form."—Thurlow.

FESTIVA. (Donkelaer, 1838.) 8.0.

Much overrated and suppressed by vote of the Directors.

FESTIVA MAXIMA, fes-ti'-va max'-i-ma. (Miellez, 1851.) 9.3.

Double type; very large; early. White, with prominent crimson flakes on a few central petals; fairly fragrant. Tall; very floriferous; stems usually strong. Foliage large, dark green.

Excellent for both garden decoration and cutting. The flowers are globular, with wide petals of heavy substance, loosely arranged, and last well when cut. An old, thoroughly tested variety whose merit is proved by its very great popularity.

"Does not last well when cut. Chicago market says it is a poor cut-flower."— Brand.

"Splashed, streaked, and edged with crimson. Usually flatfish rather than globular." Saunders.

"Stems good but not rigid by any means—rather spreading."—Little.

FINE LADY. (Kelway, 1909.) 8.0

Single type. Cup-shaped; blush-white.

This is the only information available; taken from the introducer's description.

Most of the stock in this country under this name is a pink single similar to Clio and probably not true.—Little.

FLAMBOYANT. (Origin unknown.) 8.5.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Guard petals cupped, becoming lax with age, dark rose-red or light crimson; center rather short, composed of yellow staminodes tinged whitish on the outer surface; carpels pale yellow-green, ruddy at the base and crimson at the top; rank odor. Tall; strong growth; floriferous. Foliage dark green and somewhat crinkled.

This variety is catalogued frequently as Kame-no-kegpromo or Karagoma. It is an excellent sort, a little later than the well-liked King of England.

"I thjnk it a mistake to talk about 'rank odor' of Japs and Singles. Peonies

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

having pollen-bearing stamens or partially transformed staminodes are not sweet-scented. They do not stink or have a disagreeable smell."—Little.

FLASHLIGHT. (Hollis, 1906.) 8.2.

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Cupped guard-petals dark rosy red, with a prominent tuft of pinkish staminodes tipped bright yellow, giving a slightly terra-cotta effect to the center of the bloom; little or no fragrance. Medium height; medium growth; free-blooming. Medium heavy foliage.

"With us a rather spreading habit of growth which detracts from its effectiveness."—Thurlow.

FLORENCE MACBETH. (Sass, 1924.) 9.2.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Pale shell-pink, deepening toward the center; broad, flat bloom with shell-like outer petals and a center of waxy texture mixed with shreds of petals illumined by a golden glow in the depths of the flower; slightly fragrant. Moderately tall; strong growing; fairly floriferous; strong stems and good foliage.

A new and scarce variety which will probably develop much better as the plants attain full age and vigor.

FLOWERET OF EDEN. (Neeley, 1924.) 8.9.

Double type; large; early midseason. Light rose-pink, shading to flesh-pink at the center, which becomes almost white with age, developing a high crown which hides the collar of yellow stamens so conspicuous in the early stages; a showy cluster of yellow stamens appears in the center of the flower. Medium height; excellent growth; floriferous; stems unusually strong but occasionally bend under the weight of bloom.

FRAICHEUR. fray-sher'. (Lemoine, 1914.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late midseason. Pale flesh-white, with a salmon undertone, outer petals flushed pink; mild fragrance. Medium height; upright habit. Light green foliage.

Bold, incurved flowers of heavy substance. Good specimens approach Le Cygne in excellence of form. Of slow growth and not widely distributed.

"Highly susceptible to nematode infection. Healthy stock very scarce."— Little.

FRANCES SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1916.) 8.6.

Double type; very large; midseason. White, tinted yellow in collar, occasionally flushed with pink on opening and bearing a few petals flaked with green and edged with red; slight, pleasant fragrance. Dwarf; free flowering; good stems and foliage.

Handsome, incurved, globular form on opening. The bright yellow glow comes from anthers borne on the sides of many petals. A very distinct gold and white flower of notable beauty.

"Sometimes very beautiful on the show table, especially under electric light." —Boyd.

MANUAL OF THE AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY

FRANCES WILLARD. (Brand, 1907.) 9.1.

Double type; large; late midseason. Opens pale pink, changing to white with yellow suffusion in collar; develops a hollow, symmetrical center and bears a few faint red lines; mildly fragrant. Tall; very floriferous; strong stems. Heavy dark foliage.

Blooms retain their excellent form, and the habit of the plant gives it value for garden decoration. Does well everywhere and is very popular. Resembles Baroness Schroeder except for crimson touches.

"One of the best whites." Saunders.

FRANCOIS ROUSSEAU. fiwj-swS-roo-sso'. (Dessert, 1909.) 8.2.

Double type; large; early. Rich crimson, with a dark silky sheen, lighter toward the base of the petals and brightened by the reflection from buried stamens; rose-bud center disclosing light yellow stamens when fully opened; fragrant. Medium tall; vigorous; upright growth; free-blooming. Medium dark green foliage.

A peony of variable quality. Frequently it has very few petals and is marked by a conspicuous ring of yellow stamens. Under favorable conditions the flower is almost a full, compact rose type. Color bright and lasts for a long time.

"A fine variety not fully appreciated. As early as Adolphe Rousseau. A free and reliable bloomer with flowers that last long and do not burn."—Little.

FRANKIE CURTIS. (Vories, 1924.) 9.3.

Double type; very large; midseason. Delicate flesh when first open, changing to pure white; guards broad and evenly rounded, surrounding a high, globular, chrysanthemum-like center of incurved petals. Medium tall; strong and vigorous in growth; free-flowering; very stout, stiff stems. Foliage heavy, dark green.

"A taller, white Standard Bearer of pleasing upright habit."—Little.

FUYAJO. (Origin unknown.) 9.2.

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Dark purplish crimson guard petals of smooth texture and heart-shaped outline; center a cluster of dark old-rose petaloids heavily tipped with pale buff or cream; carpels green, tipped pink and white; slightly fragrant. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Foliage ruffled and tinged with red.

Two varieties pass under this name. The false Fuyajjo is a darker, richer crimson, with a spreading tuft of petaloids slightly lighter in tint, tipped with a sprinkle of yellow and white. Flowers are medium size and distinctly cupped.

"To me 'old-rose' does not describe the color of the petaloids. Outside seems to me is nearer the color of the guards with yellow and creamy white edging. 'Old-rose' would give one the impression of a crimson flower with a pinkf center."—Fewkes.

GALATHEE. ga-la-tay'. (Lemoine, 1900.) 8.1.

Double type; large; very late. Flesh-white with pink center; very fragrant. Tall; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Extremely late, very double blooms of high quality but they develop very slowly and sometimes fail to open well.

fThe description says "dark old-rose" which is far from pink.—editor.

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

GENERAL GORGAS. (Van Leeuwen, 1924-) 8.5 (1 vote).*

Semi-double type; large; midseason. Loose white flowers, distinctly shaded to rose-pink at the center with stamens intermingled throughout the collar; guard petals are well differentiated and are flushed and streaked with red; the center-band petals are conspicuously marked crimson; fragrance pleasing. Commended by Mr. Little.

GENE STRATTON PORTER. (Rosefield, 1925.) 8.8 (4 votes).*

Double type. Cup-shaped white flowers with incurving petals growing shorter toward the center. Upright habit. Information taken from the introducer's description.

GEORGIANA SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1908.) 8.9.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Light rose-pink, paler on backs of petals, vivid crimson marks on a ring of short petals around center; fragrance sweet but not strong. Medium height; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Unusually broad petals of heavy texture and uneven length but well placed. Generally considered exceptionally good for both garden decoration and cutting. "Considered by Mr. Shaylor one of his best originations."—Christman. "Worthy of higher rating."—Fewkes. "A wonderful show variety."—Brand.

"I should call it dwarf to medium rather than medium height."—Thurlow. "A great exhibition flower."—Boyd.

GERMAINE BIGOT, zhair-main-bee-go'. (Dessert, 1902.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. Light rose-pink, loosely formed, showing stamens which blacken quickly; it develops a crown slowly and irregularly showing flesh-pink tints and prominent crimson edges; odor like chrysanthemums. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Very good foliage.

A dependable peony for general utility. The flowers are irregular but their worst fault is the discoloration of the stamens.

"It would be more correct to say this variety is semi-double or semi-rose."— Feiekes.

"Odor not pleasant."—Boyd.

GIGANTEA. 8.2.

Double type; very large; early midseason. Clear rose-pink, fading to light old-rose with silver-tipped petals; mild, pleasing fragrance. Tall; floriferous; sprawling stems. Good foliage.

Its chief merit is its size, which is sometimes enormous. Likely to be a coarse, rough flower of flattish form, and it seems to be of best quality on young plants. Stems too weak to support blooms. Original name was Lamartine, (Calot, 1860) but is called Gigantea to distinguish it from another Lamartine introduced by Lemoine.

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GINETTE. zhee-neV. (Dessert, 1915.) 8.6.

Double type; large; late midseason. Pale pink with faint old-rose shading and crimson marks; mildly fragrant. Dwarf; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A deep cupped flower showing stamens. Petals very long and often shaggy in flowers from young plants. Excellent for garden use because of its dwarf, compact habit.

"Medium height rather than dwarf."—Thurlow.

"Flowers of beautiful tint. Free bloomer."—Boyd.

GISMONDA. zhees-mon-da. (Crousse, 1895.) 8.2.

Double type; large; very late. Pale creamy pink, with rose-pink center; strong rose-like fragrance. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A very symmetrical flower with a short creamy collar dividing the larger outer petals from the well-shaped somewhat darker center. Generally considered one of the handsomest late pink varieties.

GOLD MINE. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.2.

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Dark rose-pink of irregular, cupped form; center of narrow whitish petaloids stained light pink and tipped with yellow; carpels ruddy green with pink tips and yellow base; poor fragrance. Medium growth; fairly floriferous; stiff stems. Average foliage.

"A strong grower and free bloomer."—Thurlow.

GOLDEN DAWN. (Gumm, 1923.) 8.6 (9 votes).*

Anemone type; medium size; midseason. High yellowish center with broad, round guard petals of ivory-white; when freshly opened has a golden glow; fragrant. Erect habit.

In the opinion of many experts, this flower should not have been named and introduced. It seems to be identical with Primevere. On the show table it is impossible to distinguish it from either Primevere or Laura Dessert.

GRACE LEWIS. (Lewis, 1924.) 8.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; midseason. Deep blush, lighter toward center, fragrant. Tall; free bloomer.

Information taken from introducer's description.

GRACE LOOMIS. (Saunders, 1920.) 9.2.

Double type; large; late. White, with faint lemon tints in the depths of the petals; mildly fragrant. Medium height; floriferous, strong stems. Good foliage.

Excellent form and generally considered an improvement on Mireille. (Crousse, 1894.) Awarded First Class Certificate at National Peony Show, Detroit, Mich., June 17,1919, and Certificate of Merit at National Peony Show, Philadelphia, June 18, 19, and 20, 1921.

"One of the best whites we have."—Boyd.

"A charming white."—Christman.

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

101

GRACE OTT. (Gumm, 1923.) 8.8 (4 votes).*

Double type; midseason. A compact, brilliant dark crimson flower with occasional bright stamens showing. Tall; erect; free bloomer.

Seems to be well thought of by several prominent growers.

GRANDIFLORA. (Richardson, 1883.) 8.8.

Double type; very large; very late. Bright pink, shaded old-rose and white, with some yellow at base of petals; fragrant. Tall; florif-erous; weak stems. Heavy foliage.

Immense, flat flowers of attractive color. Useful for extending the season because it is one of the last varieties to bloom.

"I should call it bright rose-pink. It does not give the impression of having old-rose or white in it, or any yellow to speak of." Saunders.

"I agree with Dr. Saunders. It has considerable blue.f The petals have a tendency to roll up, giving a pointed effect like a pond-lily. It is a very distinct and beautiful flower."—Thurlow.

GRANDIFLORA NIVEA PLENA. (Lemon, 1824.) 8.1.

Double type; very large; very early. Guards large, faintly pink, becoming white; ball-like center of small pale yellow petals fading white, with prominent red marks; sweetly fragrant. Tall; very floriferous; weak stems. Heavy dark foliage.

Variously described as rose, bomb, and crown type, and at certain stages it may be considered any one. It finishes with a distinct tuft in the center. One of the very earliest white varieties and valued for cut-flowers on that account.

"Very large cream-white. Stems a little weak. Often the first to bloom."— Boyd.

GROVER CLEVELAND. (Terry, 1904.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late midseason. Bright crimson; mildly fragrant. Medium height; fairly floriferous; stiff stems. Excellent foliage.

Valued because of its late blooming and its large, compact flowers, but it is not generally reliable and often fails to do well. Same as Tecumseh.

"The variety we have under this name is a most desirable red and a good bloomer. There is another variety masquerading under this name."—Christman.

GYPSY. (Hollis, 1904.) 8.0.

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Guards dark wine-red, evenly rounded and cupped; center of almost fully transformed petal-oids, light at the base, shading to the same color as the guards on the face, and creamy white on the reverse, lightly bordered buff at the tips; carpels rosy green, tipped red. Medium tall; upright; slender but stiff stems.

"A redder Torpilleur that does not 'feather' in the center."—Little.

"Odor unpleasant. Growth strong and healthy. Free-blooming. Foliage

Old-rose-pink is rery carefully defined as bluish pink in the article on color referred to before. Professor Saunders therefore says it has no blue, and Mr. Thurlow says it has. They don't agree at all.—Stevens.

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well-furnished, medium green. Poor for cut bloom. Landscape value good. Variety as a whole good."—Cornell Bulletin No. 306.

H. A. HAGEN. (Richardson, 1904.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late. Dark rose-pink throughout; a very compact, globular flower, with overlapping petals, evenly graduated from the outside to a small, perfect, rose center; the tips of the petals reflex in the middle of the flower, giving a peculiar shadowy effect, and the outer petals relax with age but keep their incurved cup form; excellent fragrance. Medium height; fairly vigorous and floriferous; stout stems. Short, broad foliage.

An excellent dark pink peony, particularly deserving because of its fine form and pure, even color. Described by some as uniform violet-rose.

"Somewhat similar to E. G. Hill but much superior."—Thurloie.

"Rating too low. This is really a very superior variety and should carry a rating of 9.0."—Fewkes.

HANSINA BRAND. (Brand, 1925.) 9.1 (5 votes).*

Double type. Blooms are deep and flat, dark flesh-pink shading darker at base of petals, with a salmon glow., Strong and upright.

Information taken from introducer's description. Received an Award of Merit at London (Ontario) International Peony Show, 1922.

HARRIET OLNEY. (Brand, 1920.) 8.7 (j votes).*

Single type; very large; midseason. Soft rose color with center of yellow stamens. Stems of medium length, straight, holding flower erect.

Distinct color. A fine landscape variety.

HARRY L. RICHARDSON. (Rosenfield, 1925.) 8.5 (4 votes).* Double type; very late. Bright red or crimson; fragrant. Information taken from introducer's description.

HAZEL KINNEY. (Brand, 1925.) 9.0 (6 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. Light flesh-pink, with broad petals symmetrically arranged. Medium height. Light green foliage.

HELEN. (Thurlow, 1922.) 9.0 (n votes).*

Single type; early. Double row of broad, round, dark shell-pink petals with a mass of golden stamens in center. Stems tall and erect. Dark green foliage.

Usually one of the first of the Chinese peonies to bloom.

HENRI POTIN. a»-ree-po-t«y. (Doriat, 1924.) 8.0 (5 votes).*

Japanese type. Deep pink tinted carmine, with a big tuft of filamentous petals gradually turning white and vivid yellow at the tips. Information taken from introducer's description.

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103

HENRY AVERY. (Brand, 1907.) 8.8.

Double type; large; late. Guards and well-defined crown bright, light pink, with a collar of shorter creamy petals tinted yellow at base; mildly fragrant. Medium height, floriferous; good stems and foliage.

A handsome variety of variable tints but always showing a sharply differentiated collar. Cluster-flowering and excellent for garden decoration.

"A beautiful flower when cut but probably not good for the cut-flower trade because of its mixed color." Saunders.

HENRY M. VORIES. (Vories, 1924.) 8.9 (4 votes).*

Double type; late. Flat, light pink blooms, darker toward the center, held erect on a plant of good habit.

Information taken from introducer's description.

HUMORESQUE. (Auten, 1925.) 8.5 (1 vote).*

Double type; medium size. Rather flat bloom, higher in center; light pink with unusual markings of red.

Information taken from introducer's description. Received Honorable Mention, American Peony Society, Des Moines, 1924.

INNOCENCE. (Hollis, 1904.) 8.3.

Japanese type; medium size; late midseason. Light old-rose guards, center canary-yellow fading to creamy white; fragrance poor. Tall; free-flowering; good stems and foliage.

Good for garden decoration because of its strong stems and the well-contrasted colors of its flowers, although it is not very distinct and not widely known.

INSPECTEUR LAVERGNE. /n-spek-ter'-la-vairn'. (Doriat, 1924.) 8.5 (7 votes).*

Double type; early. Globular crimson flower with frilled petals in the center. Long, straight stems.

ISANI GIDUI. (Origin unknown.) 9.3.

Japanese type; very large; midseason. Two rows of very broad, rounded, smooth guard petals of pure white; center a rounded mass of thin staminodes of rich buff-yellow; carpels green, tipped pale yellow; fragrance not good. Moderately tall; vigorous; floriferous, with slightly bending stems and crinkled foliage.

Considered the most beautiful white Japanese peony. The flowers are extremely large and almost perfectly shaped. According to information received from Japan by Mr. Franklin B. Mead, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., the correct name of this peony is Isami Tishi, which means Smiling Lion. The present name is so well established, unfortunately, that it seems undesirable to attempt to correct it.

"A careful study of this variety and Tora-no-maki revealed no difference whatever."—Fewkes.

"Two rows of guard petals (?)"—Little.

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ISOLINE. ee-zo-leen'. (Lemoine, 1916.) 8.3.

Anemone; large; midseason. Guards cup-like, cream-white fading lighter; center tuft canary-yellow paling almost white, and marked with prominent crimson spots; rank odor.

Possibly it is of technically a double-type flower but it is of distinct anemone or flatfish globular form. The blooms seem to be frequently imperfect, opening sideways. No description available of its characteristics as a plant. Not very popular and offered by few growers.

JAMES BOYD. (Thurlow, 1919.) 8.9.

Double type; large; late. Flesh-pink, tinted cream and buff in center, becoming blush-white with age; delicious fragrance. Medium tall; upright habit; stiff stems. Heavy, dark green foliage.

Center opens full and flat as the long outer petals relax, giving the bloom a unique inverted conical shape.

JAMES KELWAY. (Kelway, 1900.) 8.7.

Double type; very large; early midseason. Pale pink, becoming almost white with age but retaining a slight flush on outer petals and in center, and displaying a slight yellow tint from intermixed stamens; fragrance not notable. Tall; floriferous; stems not always strong. Foliage good.

A very attractive, loose, fluffy flower of great size, often high and conical with a large, flat crown. Some believe it does best in heavy clay soil, producing stifFer stems and flowers of heavier substance. Does exceedingly well at Kalamazoo, Mich., for Dr. Upjohn.

"Not reliable but does exceedingly well in some soils. Odor not pleasant."— Boyd.

JAMES R. MANN. (Thurlow, 1920.) 8.7.

Double type; large; midseason. Dark rose-pink, often streaked with crimson in center and on outside of guards; fragrance not notable. Medium height; fairly floriferous; strong stems. Large foliage.

Very attractive, rose-like form but a little loose and fluffy. Not widely distributed and a collective judgment of the behavior of established plants is not available.

"Somewhat variable, but established plants are very free-flowering and the flowers are borne well above the foliage, making it conspicuous in the garden."— Thurlow.

JANES OLESON. (Oleson, 1926.) 9.0. (1 vote)* Double type; very late. Red. No other description available.

JAPANESE FAIRY. (Secor, 1924.) 9.0 (1 vote).*

Single type; midseason. Pink with yellow center.

The introducer calls it Japanese type, but very little information is available about it.

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JEANNE GAUDICHAU. zhann-go-dee-sho'. (Millet, 1902.) 8.3.

Double type; large; late. Pale pink, changing to white with a faint blush tint and crimson edges in the center; not notably fragrant. Medium height; fairly free-flowering; stiff stems. Good foliage.

A very pretty lacy flower, but the buds are ugly and some of them never open properly.

"Very late. Quite attractive."—Boyd.

JEANNOT. zhan-no'. (Dessert, 1918.) 9.2.

Double type; large; late. Pale rose-pink, deepening to old-rose in center, with a distinct overcast of pale violet; faintly fragrant. Medium height; free-flowering; wiry stems. Good foliage.

„Technically rose-form but globular in shape, of smooth, waxy substance, with a greenish tint at the base of most petals. Excellent for garden decoration.

"Remarkably fine show bloom."—Fewkes.

"Exquisite and delicate in color."—Mrs. Edward Harding.

"A flower of much distinction and great beauty."—Boyd.

JESSIE SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1916.) 8.6.

Double type; large; midseason. Blush-white, cupped guards, darker on outside, surrounding an irregular collar of short petals edged red and mixed with stamens, finishing with a wide-expanded center full of short overlapping petals and a few stamens which give the flower a slight yellow suffusion; fairly fragrant. Medium height; fairly floriferous; adequate stems. Good foliage.

A large, shallow flower of particularly delicate color which often develops deep cream tones, which Mr. Shaylor described as "tea color."

JOCELYN. . (Lemoine, 1923.) 8.5 (3 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. Cup-shaped. The broad, waved, outer petals are bright rose-pink and are symmetrically arranged about a cupped center of lighter petals shaded light old-rose; mildly fragrant. Golden stamens in the collar.

A flower of good form with strong yet refined coloring. No description of its habit and foliage available at present.

JOHN M. GOOD. (Welsh, 1921.) 9.3.

Double type; large; late midseason. Outer petals very large, graduating smaller and smaller toward a flat, open center which does not show stamens or carpels; outer petals very pale pink at first, shading to ivory-white or pure white in the center, illumined by a yellowish tint in the depths of the flower; richly fragrant. Tall; vigorous; moderately floriferous; stiff stems. Light green foliage.

A very scarce variety, seldom seen at its best. The bloom of young and inferior plants have many petaloids with yellowish edges and frequently show greenish white carpels with deep pink tips and a light pink base. It requires some time to become established.

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JOHN M. LEWIS. (Lewis, 1921.) 8.0 (7 votes).*

Double type; large; late midseason. Large guards of clear, rose-pink about a compact, well-developed, globular center of lighter flesh-pink, with an occasional wire-edge of crimson; mildly fragrant.

Handsome, bold flowers, but the variety is not sufficiently disseminated for the habit of the plants to be accurately known.

JOHN RICHARDSON. (Richardson, 1904.) 8.2.

Double type; very large; late. Flesh-pink, darker in center and paling at the tips of the petals; moderately fragrant. Tall; moderately florif-erous; strong, spreading stems. Good foliage.

Compact, flat flowers of considerable substance, well liked by some but not very popular or distinct. Described by Professor Saunders as pale lilac-rose, which would be rose-pink or old-rose pink according to the present color nomenclature, depending upon the strength of the lilac tone.

JUBILEE. (Pleas, 1908.) 8.9.

Double type; very large; midseason. Long, narrow petals, symmetrically arranged about a star-like center, white with a greenish tinge, and occasional pinkish flush on outer petals; not notably fragrant. Tall; free-flowering; long, weak stems. Good, light green, rather coarse foliage.

An enormous, lacy, rather flat, fluffy flower of great beauty, but its stems are so weak it must always be staked to keep the immense blooms off the ground.

JUDGE BERRY. (Brand, 1907.) 8.6.

Double type; very large; early. Even, light rose-pink of a delicate shade, with flesh tones in center, brightened by vivid yellow stamens in middle of flower and in the collar; slight fragrance. Medium height; floriferous; fair stems. Good foliage.

Attractive, large, flat flowers of excellent color and texture, valuable because of its great size and very early flowering.

"A strong grower much like Eugenie Verdier and Exquisite."—Boyd.

JULIA. (Auten, 1926.) 8.5 (1 vote).*

Double type; pink. No other details are available.

JUNE DAY. (Franklin, 1920.) 9.0.

Double type; large; midseason. Light old-rose-pink, with white outer petals graduating to a fine symmetrical rose-bud center, showing an occasional fine narrow crimson line in the middle of the flower and a few stamens in the collar; fragrance sweet but not strong. Medium height; vigorous; free-flowering; good stems. Broad, heavy foliage.

A very handsome bloom, acquiring a delicate translucent color of the utmost clearness and purity as it ages.

KARL ROSENFIELD. (Rosenfield, 1908.) 8.8.

Double type; large; midseason. Very bright crimson with very little blue in it, outer petals large and waved, central petals incurved and

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107

notched; not fragrant. Tall; free-flowering; strong stems. Good foliage.

Of good clear color, excellent form, and reliable blooming habit. Considered by many to be the best red variety. Good for both cutting and garden decoration.

KATHARINE HAVEMEYER. (Thurlow, 1921.) 9.0.

Double type; large; midseason. Light rose-pink with a tinge of old-rose; as it develops the outer petals droop sharply and the inner ones incurve about a perfect rose-bud center; mild rose fragrance. Average height; floriferous; excellent stems. Good foliage.

A good sort for general planting as the flowers have high quality and are sturdy enough to last well in the garden. Awarded Certificate of Honorable Mention at London (Ontario), June 16, 1922.

"A flower of refined form and texture, in a class with President Wilson and Edwin C.Shaw. Midseason to late. Tall. Fragrance usually strong."—Thurlow.

KELWAYS GLORIOUS. (Kelway, 1909.) 9.8.

Double type; very large; midseason. White with a creamy suffusion in depths, crimson streaks on outside of guard petals, and occasionally a few faint crimson edges in center; strong, rose-like fragrance. Medium height; free-flowering; strong stems. Good dark green foliage with green veins.

Immense, shaggy, rather flat flowers with a deep, funnel-like center and enormous wide-spreading petals. Requires time to do its best, but is generally considered one of the finest varieties. Several experts corroborate the statement that this variety frequently has crimson markings.

"Very rarely Kelway's Glorious will have red markings on the center petals, a circumstance which is liable to appear in any double flower whose stigmas would have been red if the flower had been a single one. The red marking or red edge to some of the center petals of peony flowers is caused by imperfect transformation of the stigmas into petals, a vestige of the latter remaining and producing the color which appears on the edge of some of the center petals."— Fewkes.

"Outer circles of petals very wide, growing smaller toward center; center petals small and crowded." Saunders.

KELWAY'S QUEEN. (Kelway, 1909.) 8.8.

Double type; large; late midseason. Bright rose-pink, with flesh tones in collar and extreme center and a few red flakes; strong rose fragrance. Medium height; fairly floriferous; strong stems. Large, bright green foliage.

A globular flower with serrated center petals, and at one time much confused because of a mixture of varieties sent to this country under this name. Compact, decorative plant which does not produce many stems but each stem usually flowers.

"There is a spurious violet-rose variety offered under this name which is very poor. The true variety is very scarce."—Boyd.

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KING OF ENGLAND. (Kelway, 1902.) 8.6.

Japanese type; very large; early midseason. Guards symmetrically cupped, of a dark red shade between crimson and maroon, with a dull gloss; center of incurved, buff staminodes streaked with dark rose-pink; carpels green, covered with silky hairs and tipped buff; not very fragrant. Tall; floriferous; slender, wiry stems. Small foliage.

A handsome, vividly colored flower, excellent for garden decoration.

"There is a question whether there are two varieties of this name. Peterson described these as the red-stemmed variety and the green-stemmed one. The latter is the better—the stems are heavier and straighter and the flowers larger." —Thurlow.

KINO-KIMO. (Origin unknown.) 8.2.

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Dark, brilliant rose-pink guard-petals irregularly disposed in a wavy cup; center a large cluster of vivid orange-pink staminodes, pinkish toward the base with yellow at the tips; carpels pinkish yellow, with a pink base and bright rose-red tips. Medium height; upright growth; free-blooming. Gooid foliage.

A very bright, cheerful, and luminous color.

KUKENI JISHI. (Origin unknown.) 9.5 (1 vote).*

Japanese type; large; early midseason. The delicate flesh-pink guard petals are large, smooth, and evenly rounded, of unusual substance, and have a satin sheen and pale rose shading on outside. The center is a full tuft of yellow staminodes with narrow tips roughly edged with richer yellow. The carpels are green with prominent white kernels at the base, and pale yellow tips. Fairly fragrant. Strong grower. The flowers are held stifHy erect. Characteristic ruffled foliage.

One of the handsomest Japs observed and one of the most distinct. Mr. Little says that this new variety will undoubtedly stand at the head of the list of the pink Japs, and rank with Tamate-boku. He considers it one of the most beautiful.

LADY ALEXANDRA DUFF. (Kelway, 1902.) 9.1.

Double type; large; midseason. Blooms are borne in clusters, with smaller, saucer-shaped side flowers; pale blush-pink, almost white, with yellow stamens mixed with a few irregular petals in the center; fair fragrance. Medium height; very floriferous; stems strong. Foliage abundant.

In some seasons it is decidedly pink, especially on the back of the blooms near the calyx. As usually seen, the flowers are charming and informal and the plant is very graceful.

"Terminal flowers on established plants are well filled out. A first-class exhibition bloom, and one of the most beautiful of all peonies."—Saunders.

"A first-class exhibition bloom. The laterals, if not disbudded, will produce semi-double flowers."—Thurlow.

"Often one of our greatest show peonies."—Brand.

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109

LADY BERESFORD. (Kelway, 1895.) 8.2.

Anemone type; large; midseason. Guards bright rose-pink, surrounding a fine collar of large, creamy white petaloids, edged deep crimson; sweetly fragrant.

Very little known. Offered by few growers.

LADY EMILY. (Pleas, 1907.) 8.6.

Double type; large; midseason. Clear, light rose-pink, illumined by yellow stamens interspersed with the loosely arranged petals; faintly fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

An attractive, deep, fringed and shaggy flower notable for its very clear color and admirable substance; blooms in clusters.

LADY KATE. (Vories, 1924.) 8.7 (7 votes).*

Double type; rather flat; late. Solid light pink. Tall; stems strong. Another new sort and only meager descriptions available.

LA FEE. la-fay'. (Lemoine, 1906.) 9.2.

Double type; very large; early midseason. Light old-rose-pink, with a narrow collar of creamy pink of delicate transparent texture; strong rose-like fragrance. Tall; free-flowering; wiry stems. Excellent foliage.

A compact, globular flower at first, with incurved, overlapping petals like Le Cygne, developing a plumy crown later. It would be better if the stems were stronger.

"Rather slow in becoming established."—Thurlow.

LA FIANCEE. 12-fya»-say'. (Dessert, 1902.) 8.4. Considered the same as The Bride, which see.

LA FONTAINE. la-fo»-tenn'. (Lemoine, 1904.) 8.4.

Double type; large; late midseason. Large guard petals and an incurved globular center; light old-rose-pink, with a pale violet tone, approaching lavender; a few center petals edged with crimson; notably fragrant. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Good, distinct, light green foliage.

A flower of delicate texture and distinct color, very different from Dessert's La Fontaine which is a red variety. Good for both garden decoration and cutting.

"Very large flowers develop a high crown. Delicate fragrance. Shy bloomer." —Boyd.

LA FRAICHEUR. IS-fray-sher'. (Dessert, 1905.) 8.1.

Single type; large. A single row of long, undulated petals of light rose-pink, a little lighter at the base, surround a center of bright yellow stamens; carpels pale waxy green, with lighter tips; faintly fragrant. Tall; upright; free-flowering; well supplied with foliage.

A very attractive flower which is often very large. Color very pure and delicate.

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LA FRANCE. (Lemoine, 1901.) 9.0.

Double type; very large; very late. Clear, light pink, richer in center and flecked darker toward tips, with crimson splashes on outer petals; fragrant. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Enormous, perfectly formed flowers of true rose type, with very broad and very deep petals of crisp, fresh, and distinct crepe-like texture. A remarkable show flower and equally good for garden decoration.

LAKE O'SILVER. (Franklin, 1920.) 8.1 (5 votes).*

Double type. Light pink, silver tipped; golden anthers prominent throughout flower, central petals dark pink.

Apparently very scarce. No more detailed description available.

LA LORRAINE. la-Ior-rain'. (Lemoine, 1901.) 8.6.

Double type; large; midseason. Cream-white, tinted pink, darkest in center, with a yellow glow from a few buried stamens; rather poor fragrance. Tall; free-flowering; stout stems. Good foliage.

Rather flat when fully open and most attractive. Generally considered an unreliable bloomer, although established, healthy plants are very satisfactory.

"In common with many Lemoine peonies, much of the stock of this variety distributed in this country was infested with root-galls (nematodes), and, consequently flowered poorly Stock which has outgrown this pest is strong and floriferous, bearing immense flowers of fine color and form. I believe many votes in the symposium were made from observation of diseased stock, resulting in the too low rating."—Fewkes.

LAMARTINE. (Lemoine, 1908.) 8.4.

Double type; large; late. Ball-like blooms, with recurved, overlapping petals of dark old-rose-pink of a distinctly violet shade, each petal bordered with slaty lavender or pale grayish white; fragrant. Medium height; very floriferous; adequate stems. Good foliage.

A dark, rather opaque pink variety of distinctly bold form and habit. Well liked and reliable. Must not be confused with Lamartine (Calot, 1860) which is now generally called Gigantea.

"One of the few good dark pinks."—Boyd.

LAMARTINE. (Calot, 1860.) 8.3.

The original name of Gigantea, which see. The use of Gigantea is recommended to avoid confusion with Lamartine (Lemoine, 1908).

LA PERLE. la-pairl'. (Crousse, 1886.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. Globular shape, with light old-rose-pink guards and collar, and a slightly darker center prominently flaked with red, the whole flower of a distinctly lavender tone; spicy fragrance. Medium height; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Much confused with a false white variety which has a high, broad crown. The true La Perle is pale lavender-pink, darker than Venus, and is considered an excellent sort.

"Very dainty and beautiful."—Boyd.

"The old color description, 'lilac-white,' is much better, or lavender-pink

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as given in the second paragraph. One of the very few beautiful varieties in this color. Highly fragrant, but not spicy."—Saunders.

LA ROSIERE. la-ro-zyair'. (Crousse, 1888.) 8.3.

Semi-double type; medium size; midseason. Several rows of long, pointed, white petals symmetrically arranged about a central cluster of golden yellow stamens; not notably fragrant. Medium height; very free-flowering; stems wiry. Foliage small.

Blooms in huge clusters, each flower like a many-pointed star. One of the most distinct, and trustworthy varieties, especially good for garden decoration. Very striking.

"One of the loveliest peonies for the garden."—Saunders.

"Should not be disbudded."—Mrs. Harding.

LA TENDRESSE. la-taw-drgss'. (Crousse, 1896.) 8.1.

Double type; large; midseason. Almost white, with a slight lavender tone and a definitely creamy center, edged and flaked crimson, outer petals often striped red; fairly fragrant. Tall; very free-flowering; stiff stems. Good foliage.

Handsome, lacy flowers which are borne in clusters. Frequently the buds open sideways or do not open at all, so that it cannot be classed as a dependable variety.

"Handsome flower but petals are thin and do not stand up well."—Fewkes.

"Pleasant, delicate fragrance."—Boyd.

LA TULIPE. la-tu-leep'. (Calot, 1872.) 7.5.

Double type; large; early midseason. Outer petals very large and smooth; clear light flesh-pink, with creamy center frequently streaked with crimson like the tulip, Pride of Inglescombe. Tall, vigorous growth, with strong stems and good foliage.

Frequently the stripes are very prominent on the bud or partially open flower, but in some seasons they may be lacking. Rather scant petalage, but is too high-built to be called semi-double type. It has extraordinary finish and beauty in the guard petals, and is a very attractive flower. So well-known and liked, it is included in this list by vote of the Directors in spite of its low rating.

LAURA DESSERT, des-sair'. (Dessert, 1913.) 8.8.

Anemone type; medium size; early midseason. Guards pale pink in bud, opening cream or pale lemon, becoming white; center a flat, compact tuft of narrow petaloids widest at tips, deep cream in depths, paling outward, giving a light lemon-yellow effect; carpels yellow with light tips and yellowish base; moderately fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

"Similar to Primevere, but better."—Fewkes.

"I prefer Primevere, although Laura Dessert has a sturdier, more upright habit."—Saunders.

"Much better yellow than Primevere."—Christman.

"When the flower first opens it makes you think of lemon water-ice. The best yellow to date (1927)."—Boyd.

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I was totally unable to make any definite distinction, which was constant, between Primevere, Laura Dessert, and Golden Dawn. Two exceedingly critical peony judges were utterly confused when presented with good flowers of all three and asked to say which was which.—Stevens.

LAURA VORIES. (Vories, 1924.) 8.4 (3 votes).*

Double type; large; late midseason. Large, undulated guard petals surrounding a low, globular center of fine rose-bud form, which opens to disclose stamens in the depths; white with blush-pink center, threadlike crimson edge on some of the central petals, and a golden white suffusion in the collar; mildly fragrant. Good habit; splendid stems.

LAVERNE CHRISTMAN. (Brand, 1925.) 8.9 (5 votes).*

Double type; very large. Deep pink of varied shadings. Tall habit; vigorous growth. Resembles a good TheVese. Award of Merit at St. Paul, Minn., Show, 1923.

Scarce, and a more detailed description lacking.

LE CYGNE. le-seen'. (Lemoine, 1907.) 9.9.

Double type; very large; early. White, tinged ivory, becoming pure white without markings as it develops; moderately fragrant. Medium height; fairly floriferous; stems usually stiff but occasionally lax at the base. Foliage large, dark green.

Its broad, overlapped, incurving petals and compact form make this one of the most perfect peonies, but the flowers are not always profusely borne, and they are not uniformly perfect. When good, it is the acme of quality, but there are some seasons when it is not up to standard.

"With me a regular and abundant bloomer." Saunders.

"Seems to do much better in the East than the West. Likes a heavy clay soil. When well grown and well shown, no other peony can compare with it. With me it is wonderfully fine and very reliable."—Boyd.

LE JOUR, le-zhoor'. (Shaylor, 1915.) 8.6.

Single type; very large; early midseason. White, with two rows of very long, wide, overlapping petals; center, a broad ring of golden yellow stamens about a group of reddish carpels tipped darker and having a pink line at the base; not notably fragrant. Tall; very floriferous; strong, erect stems. Good foliage.

Perhaps the finest of all single white varieties although Exquisite is rated 3 points higher. Especially notable for its great size and the very distinct color contrast in its center.

L'ETINCELANTE. lay-tin-se-lant'. (Dessert, 1905.) 8.4.

Single type; very large; midseason. Cupped flowers of very bright pink, each petal having a lighter, almost silvery border; stamens bright golden yellow; not notably fragrant. Tall; floriferous; stiff stems. Excellent foliage.

An excellent single pink peony of large size and pure color; well regarded, not expensive, and very popular.

plate XVII. Le Cygne

plate XVIII. La France

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113

LEWIS' AMERICAN BEAUTY. (Lewis, 1921.) 8.7 (3 votes).*

Double type; late midseason. Blood-red flower with high center.

Tall, strong stems.

Scarce, and descriptions meager.

LIBELLULE. lee-bel-yuP (Dessert, 1922.) 8.2 (3 votes).*

Double type; flesh-colored flower, marked crimson; pleasant fragrance. Tall; stems stiff. Color good; form fair.

Scarce and no first-hand description available. The above is a transcription of the originator's description.

LILLIAN GDMM. (Gumm, 1921.) 8.8 (15 votes).*

Double type; very large; late midseason. Outer petals very large and ruffled, set edgeways to accommodate the great number of crowded center petals arranged in whorls; deep even rose-pink, suffused by chamois from the base of the petals; very fine fragrance. Tall; vigorous; strong, stiff stems. Excellent foliage.

See color illustration.

"This is one of the very largest peonies and gave me a greater thrill than any other of all the new varieties observed."—Stevens.

"Almost identical with Viscountess Folkestone as disseminated by Farr." —Thurlow.

"A large, globular flower of medium pink color; remarkable show flower."— Little.

"A beautiful shade of pink, and should rate about 9.0."—Boyd.

LIVINGSTONE. (Crousse, 1879.) 8.1.

Double type; large; late. Old-rose-pink, flaked on a lighter base; a few petals marked with crimson, and an occasional light midrib on outer petals; fragrance strong and sweet. Medium height; very'free-flowering; strong stems. Good foliage.

A well-tested sort which is good and popular.

"Delicate, spicy odor."—Engle.

LONGFELLOW. (Brand, 1907.) 9.0.

Double type; large; midseason. Bright crimson, intensified by golden yellow stamens near center; not notably fragrant. Rather dwarf; fairly floriferous; strong stems. Excellent foliage.

One of the most popular red peonies because of its distinct, fadeless color and general dependability, both for cutting and garden decoration. It would be better if it bloomed more freely and if the flowers were always symmetrical.

"Delicate but pleasing fragrance. Early midseason."—Boyd.

LORA DEXHEDMER. (Brand, 1913.) 8.4.

Double type; large; midseason. Bright crimson, showing a light midrib on outer petals; center incurved, concealing a few stamens;

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fragrance not notable. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Unusually good form for a red peony, and the color is clear and lively. Well liked by many and seems to be on the way to wide popularity.

"One of the best of the bright dark reds." Saunders.

"A wonderfully bright color."—Boyd.

LORCH. LorrA. (Goos & Koenemann.) 8.7.

Double type; large; midseason. Outer petals large, pure snow-white, incurving over a center of pale lemon and cream; a few pale crimson lines on the edges of petals near center; fine rose scent.

A scarce sort of which it is difficult to secure truly well-developed flowers. When well done it is an exceedingly symmetrical, high-built bloom with the petals regularly overlapped and incurved. See remarks under Biebrich.

LOVELINESS. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.8.

Double type; large; very late. Pale flesh-pink, darkest about midway to the center, which is flesh-white with a few red markings; mildly fragrant. Medium tall; floriferous; strong stems. Attractive foliage.

Valued not only because of the high quality of its bloom and excellent habit, but also because of its late blooming season.

"Never very satisfactory with me." Saunders.

LUCY DUNN. (Wettengel, 1924.) 8.6 (1 vote).*

Pink, apparently double type, but no complete description is available.

LUCY SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1920.) 9.0 (3 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. A high-built flower with pure white outer petals which are waved and slightly irregular. Many stamens in the collar and center give it a pale yellow or cream suffusion; fragrance not very good.

Seems to be quite scarce and descriptions are meager. The flowers observed were not of best quality and evidently develop much more substance and symmetry.

LUETTA PFEIFFER. (Brand, 1916.) 8.7.

Double type; very large; early. Very pale pink, becoming nearly white, with an occasional crimson fleck on center petals and numerous golden yellow stamens; notably fragrant. Tall; very floriferous; strong stems. Excellent foliage.

A very large flower of rather few petals which are remarkable for great length and spread. Rapidly becoming a popular variety.

"Flower seems very coarse to me."—Fewkes.

MABEL L. FRANKLIN. (Franklin, 1920.) 9.0.

Double type; very large; midseason. Guards and center brilliant rose-pink; collar flesh-pink or pale salmon; flowers regularly built but loo§e.

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and graceful; strong lemon fragrance. Average height. Strong grower; floriferous; stems bend. Foliage large, light green.

A very handsome bloom which is sometimes weak in the collar, but the color is very clear and shows up well, especially in half shade. Petals are generally lighter at the edges, giving a brilliant, silvered appearance to the blooms.

For varieties beginning with Madame, Mademoiselle, and Monsieur, see Mme., Mile., Mons.

MADELEINE GAUTH1ER. ma-de-lain-go-tyay'. (Dessert, 1908.) 8.5.

Single type; large; early midseason. Light flesh-pink petals of waxy texture surrounding a center of yellow stamens and yellow-green carpels with red base and tips; fragrance poor. Medium tall; floriferous; strong, upright stems. Medium foliage.

"A delicately beautiful flower charmingly carried on a plant of equal perfection. One of the best light pink singles."—Little.

MADELON. ma-de-lon'. (Dessert, 1922.) 8.7 (6 votes).*

Double type; large; late. A flower of heavy substance, with large, incurved outer petals, surrounding a compact, globular center; light shell-pink with an old-rose tint in the center and fades lighter quickly; some center petals edged maroon; clean, fresh fragrance. Strong stems.

The originator describes it as silvery pink flushed carmine. The above description was made from direct observation. Some growers consider it too small, and object to its heavy stems and scant foliage.

MAFEKING. (Kelway.) 8.2.

Single type; very large; midseason. Smooth, cupped guards of dark ruby-red; center composed of many yellow stamens with ruddy filaments; carpels nearly white, with a white base at tips; mild mint-like fragrance. Tall; fairly strong; free-blooming. Dark green foliage.

MARCELLE DESSERT, mar-sel-des-sair'. (Dessert, 1899.) 8.2.

Double type; large; midseason. Guards long and reflexed; center mounded high and incurved; very pale pink with minute dots, and slightly paler in the collar; center flecked with crimson and opens in late stage showing greenish yellow carpels with red tips; fragrance not remarkable. Tall; very floriferous; strong stems and foliage.

"Beautiful dark foliage. Poor grower. Much inclined to rot."—Boyd.

MARCHIONESS OF LANSDOWNE. (Kelway, 1899.) 8.6.

Double type; large; midseason. Brilliant rose-pink, with a slight salmon suffusion; opens full and flat, with symmetrical center some-

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times flecked with crimson; fragrance poor. Medium height; free-blooming; fairly strong stems. Foliage heavy.

"A flat flower with broad, rounded and imbricatedt petals. Commercial stocks of this variety are badly mixed and true stock is scarce."—Little. "A very fine large bloom."—Fewkis.

MARGARET ATWOOD. (Origin uncertain.) 8.7.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Pure white, cup-like flowers, with an occasional pink flush on the outside; center a ball of golden stami-nodes; carpels green with a white base and creamy tips; not notably fragrant. Medium tall; strong growth; free-blooming. Foliage medium, broad and smooth.

Somewhat similar to Isani Gidui, but not nearly so large, and the habit of the plant is very different.

"I understand that Mr. Farr selected this variety from an importation of Toro-no-maki and named it Margaret Atwood. As I have seen it, the flowers are as large or larger than Isani Gidui."—Fewkes.

MARGARET VIERHELLER. (Wettengel, 1920.) 9.1 (2 votes).*

Double type; large. A uniform shade of salmon-pink. Tall; strong

stems.

Not well known. The above meager description is the only one available.

MARGUERITE DESSERT, mar-ghe-reet-des-sair'. (Dessert, 1913.) 8.5.

Single type; very large; midseason. White, thickly powdered with pale rose-pink dots; small cluster of golden yellow stamens in center; carpels tipped red; fragrance faint but pleasing. Tall; very floriferous; strong stems and foliage.

A popular sort for garden decoration because of its good habit and florif-erousness.

MARGUERITE GAUDICHAU. mar-ghe-reet-go-dee-sho'. (Millet, 1903.) 8.1.

Double type; very large; late. A medium shade of light rose-pink, almost white at edges of petals, incurved center disclosing a few golden yellow stamens; fragrance sweet but weak. Tall; free blooming; medium-strong stems and well-set foliage.

Variously described as white tinted pink, and light shell-pink shaded salmon, which indicates that the color varies considerably. Petals are toothed and jagged in the center, giving an irregular, carnation-like appearance.

MARGUERITE GERARD, mar-ghe-reet-zhay-rar'. (Crousse, 1892.) 8.4.

Double type; very large; midseason. Immense, heart-shaped guard petals and a broad, serrated crown of pale flesh-pink, darkening to rose-

fl find much confusion in the use of the word "imbricated." It means "overlapping," like tiles on a roof. The petals of a good Le Cygne are imbricated. In some catalogues, this word is erroneously used in the sense of shaggy or laciniated. To avoid misunderstanding, it has not been used in the standard descriptions, "overlapping" being used instead.—Stevens.

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pink, develops in the center; collar is composed of a few short petals mixed with many yellow stamens; fragrance strong and not unlike wild-cherry blossoms. Medium height; free-flowering; stems lax at the base. Good foliage.

Its chief faults are the early discoloration of the stamens in the collar and its spreading habit; nevertheless, its large size and profuse blooming habit have made it very popular.

"Odor not the best."—Engle.

"Very tall in my garden."—Boyd,

MARIE. (Calot, 1868.) 8.1.

Double type; large; very late. Very pale old-rose-pink, changing quickly to white, brightened by a ring of yellow stamens and stami-nodes in the collar; fragrance fair. Very tall; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

It is not a very distinct variety and is not widely distributed. Its chief merit seems to be its very late flowering.

"This variety has always appealed to me as very handsome and quite distinct."—Fewkes.

MARIE CROUSSE. ma-ree-crooss'. (Crousse, 1892.) 8.9.

Double type; very large; midseason. Guards very large, with usually smooth outline; central petals broad, narrowing toward the collar, forming an immense globular bloom; pale pink, shaded rose in the center, overspread with a glowing suffusion; moderately fragrant. Medium height; free-flowering; stems stiff. Foliage of average quality.

A fine peony of noteworthy color and form. There is a suggestion of creami-ness about the color, but the petals are too translucent to call it creamy pink and the tint is not strong enough to be called salmon.

"I should call this rose-pink shaded salmon." Saunders.

"One of the most beautiful blooms on the show-table."—Boyd.

MARIE DEROUX. ma-ree-de-roo'. (Crousse, 1881.) 8.0.

Double type; large; late. Flesh-pink, paling to white at edges of petals.

A very little known variety, offered in only one or two catalogues, and probably rated too high.

MARIE JACQUIN. ma-ree-zha.&V. (Verdier.) 8.3.

Semi-double type; large; midseason. Pale pink, becoming white with creamy tones; big cluster of yellow stamens in the center; very strong, pungent perfume. Medium height; very floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Considered identical with Bridesmaid (Kelway) and Water Lily (Barr). A very distinct, cupped flower of variable fullness, nearly single on young plants

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but almost fully double when established and under good cultivation. Normally blooms in clusters which give it great decorative value outdoors, but requires disbudding if specimens are wanted for cutting or show. A very popular and well-liked variety. See color illustration.

"To me this is one of the most beautiful peonies."—Little.

"I do not think a variety should be classified as semi-double in type when it gives double blooms on well-established plants." Saunders.

MARIE LEMOINE. ma-ree-lS-mwan' (Calot, 1869.), 8.5.

Double type; very large; late. Compact and flat at first; lemon-white with a trace of crimson on edges of a few petals and whole flower strongly suffused with yellow from hidden stamens and staminodes; develops to a large, globular form, pure white, with a few yellow petaloids in the collar; richly fragrant. Dwarf; moderately floriferous; stout stems and foliage.

Very highly regarded as one of the handsomest peonies. A few stamens are usually present and many half-developed petals in the depths of the flower. "Subject to diseased roots."—Christman. "Much subject to disease."—Boyd.

MARJORffi ALLISON. (Shaylor, 1918.) 8.3.

Single type; large; white. Flowers in clusters; guard petals long, evenly rounded, and slightly cupped about the center of bright yellow stamens. Medium tall; willowy, upright stems. Foliage medium.

"A good white single, similar to The Bride but later and more upright."— Little.

MARTHA A. TWYMAN. (Wettengel, 1920.) 8.: (5 votes).*

Pink, apparently double type, but there is no good description available.

MARTHA BULLOCH. (Brand, 1907.) 9.1.

Double type; very large; late. Bright old-rose-pink, with highlights of lighter rose and pink; faint, rose-like fragrance. Tall; floriferous; strong sterns. Light green, narrow foliage.

Valuable for exhibition purposes chiefly, but also of sufficiently sturdy habit to have decorative value in the garden.

"Finer in quality than most varieties of equal size." Saunders.

"A very remarkable plant and flower, but I think the texture is coarse. It lacks the peculiar charm which makes Therese so captivating."—Fewkes.

MARTHA V. LANE. (Wettengel, 1924.) 8.2 (1 vote).*

White, apparently double type, but no description available.

MARTHA WASHINGTON. (Hollis, 1909.) 8.8.

Evidently rated much too high, and no stock available. Suppressed by vote of the Directors.

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119

MARVEL. (Secor, 1924.) 90 (3 votes).*

Double type; large; late. Light rose-pink. Fragrant. Tall. No other details available.

MARY BRAND. (Brand, 1907.) 8.7.

Rose type; large; midseason. Dark, clear crimson, with a very brilliant sheen, with a few yellow stamens buried in the collar; notably fragrant for a red variety. Medium height; very free-flowering; strong stems. Good foliage.

A very good red variety similar to Karl Rosenfield, bat not so bright as either that variety or Longfellow. Has an excellent incurved ball form, with overlapping, crinkled, and fringed petals. Good for both exhibition and garden decoration.

"No fragrance and not a strong grower in the Atlantic States."—Boyd.

MARY B. VORIES. (Vories, 1924.) 8.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; very large; late. Pure white, with creamy depths, the petals regularly overlapping to build a perfect, round center, which bears a few crimson splashes. Faint, sweet fragrance.

A scarce variety. The flowers observed had excellent substance and were most attractive. Habit of plant unknown.

MARY C. WEDGE. (Secor, 1924.) 8.1 (4 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. Red; fragrant. Strong stems. No other details available.

MARY L. HOLLIS. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.0.

Semi-double form; large; midseason. Bright vivid pink, with scarcely any taint of lavender; outer petals very long and smooth; the cupped center is rough and irregular, blotched with white, showing many stamens and scarlet flecks occasionally appear. Moderately fragrant. Medium height.

A very clear, soft color, and an attractive informal flower of good size.

"Slight, unpleasant odor."—Boyd.

MARY P. KING. (Franklin, 1920.) 8.7.

Double type; large; midseason. Rich, even flesh-pink, opening to a broad lily-like center, with a faint yellow suffusion in the depths and a slightly darker pink tint; some petals edged with crimson; mildly fragrant. Medium height and vigor; moderately free-flowering; stiff stems. Excellent foliage.

A variable flower, sometimes extremely ragged in the collar, giving the appearance of a semi-double flower. It is unusually clear in color, having very little of the lavender tint so common in pink peonies.

"A semi-double flower of loose, globular form, clear bright pink, shading lighter at the tips, giving something of the Walter Faxon tints as it grows on the plant."—Little.

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MARY WOODBURY SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1916.) 9.0.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Guards cupped and rounded, surrounding a collar of shredded petals and stamens and a deep symmetrical center of long, narrow petals with a few rose-like stamens; pale flesh-white, illumined by golden reflections from the stamens and marked with strong crimson blotches on a few short petals in the collar; fragrant but not sweet. Dwarf; very floriferous; stems stiff. Foliage broad and abundant.

Occasionally pinker than described. Its fault is the ragged collar in which the stamens blacken early. This defect is concealed in the later development of the flower.

"Flowers on the original seedling plant stood about 3 feet high and were very beautiful. The foliage of the plant was very remarkable, the divisions of the leaves the broadest ever observed by me in any variety. It has been badly stunted by excessive propagation and probably will require several years of good cultivation to bring it back to its original perfection."—Fewkes.

MATILDA LEWIS. (Saunders, 1921.) 9.0.

Double type; large; midseason. Loosely formed blooms of dark maroon. Medium tall; upright, vigorous growth; stiff stems. Foliage dark green.

Like all reds of this shade, the flowers have a tendency to turn black in very bright sunlight. Very nearly the same color as M. Martin Cahuzac, foliage and stems also very similar, but the flower is better filled out, comes about a week later, and the plant is generally a better grower. Should not be confused with Mrs. John M. Lewis (Lewis) of somewhat similar color.

MAUD L. RICHARDSON. (Hollis, 1904.) 8.5.

Double type; large to very large; very late. Light rose-pink with a flesh-pink undertone which is most pronounced at base of petals; fragrance strong and pleasing. Tall; floriferous; excellent stems and foliage.

An occasional stamen may be found, but the symmetrical although rather loose form of the flower is of the usual double type, with a very full center of narrow, almost white petals.

"Valuable for its lateness."—Saunders.

"One of the sweetest peonies in my garden."—Boyd.

MAY OLESON. (Oleson, 1924.) 8.5 (2 votes).*

Single type; apple-blossom-pink, but no other description available.

MELODY. (Auten, 1925.) 8.0 (2 votes).*

Anemone type. Outer petals pale pink, center petals short, pale yellow; pleasant fragrance. Extremely vigorous.

Information taken from introducer's description.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. (Pleas, 1906.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late midseason. Guards and crown delicate blush-white, the latter marked with a few crimson edges; collar pale

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121

canary-yellow; moderately fragrant. Rather tall; floriferous; stems weak. Foliage large.

Technically double type, but of distinctly crown appearance. An attractive flower when cut but of little value in the garden because of its sprawling habit.

"No good."—Fewkes.

"Evidently rated much too high."—Boyd.

MIGNON. mee-nyon'. (Lemoine, 1908.) 8.7.

Double type; large; midseason. Light flesh-pink, becoming flesh-white on opening, showing a rose-like center with golden yellow stamens; rich rose-like fragrance. Medium height; only fairly floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A flower of the utmost elegance in form and color, but has a bad reputation for blooming. Some authorities claim that its shyness is due to disease and that healthy plants are free and persistent bloomers.

"It seems to be almost impossible to get stock of this variety free from nematodes."—Fewkes.

"Very shy bloomer. Much inclined to disease. Almost worthless on that account."—Boyd.

MIKADO. (Japan, 1893.) 8.6.

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Waved, cupped petals of dark, dull crimson; center broad and flat, composed of thick staminodes stained dark rose-red, edged throughout their length and tipped with pale buff-yellow; carpels pale green, with white kernels at base and stringy, buff-yellow tips; raw, disagreeable odor. Tall; very floriferous; erect stems. Abundant, close-set foliage.

A very decorative garden variety which was introduced to this country by the Japanese exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Generally considered one of the best red peonies of its type. See color illustration.

MILTON HILL. (Richardson, 1891.) 9.0.

Double type; large; late. Very light shell-pink of a luminous quality, with a few red blotches on central petals; fresh but faint fragrance. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Excellent foliage.

A particularly symmetrical flower for its size, with unusual qualities of substance and texture. Especially valuable for show purposes and is also effective in the garden.

"Rather uncertain with me, but at its best one of the most beautiful of all peonies."—Saunders.

"I like the French expression of 'accidental carmine,' which may be applied to this flower. Some flowers have no splashes."—Thurlow.

MINNIE SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1919.) 8.9 (1 vote).*

Semi-double type; large; midseason. Several rows of fluffy, crepe-like petals of clear, light pink, serrated at tips toward the center; stamens very prominent; anthers golden yellow, with paler filaments; carpels green, pink at base, with striking crimson stigmas.

A flat flower of clean, saucer-like form, rather recalling the shape of La Rosiere but not so double. Habit of plant not known.

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MLLE. JEANNE RIVIERE, ma-de-mwa-zel-zhann-ree-vyair'. (Riviere, 1908.) 8.2.

Double type; medium size; midseason. Guards pale blush-white of translucent texture; center low, rounded, and compact, of many narrow incurved petals which are wider in extreme center, pale pink near the guards shading through cream and canary to pure lemon-yellow; mildly fragrant. Tall; very floriferous; strong, erect stems. Good foliage.

The mixture of pale pink and lemon-yellow in the center is distinctive and most attractive. The variety seems to be steadily gaining in popularity and is reported to be excellent for cut-flower work and especially so for garden decoration.

MLLE. LEONIE CALOT. ma-de-mwa-zel-lay-o-nee-ca-lo'. (Calot, 1861.) 8.1. Double type; small to medium size; late midseason. Light flesh-pink, darkening somewhat in the center, fully double, ruffled and crinkled; fresh, sweet fragrance. Medium height; very floriferous; drooping stems. Good foliage.

Considered the same as M. Charles Lgv&jue. An excellent cut-flower, but not very decorative in garden because of its weak stems. Especially noteworthy for its strong, delicious fragrance. Sometimes has tight buds that do not open.

"A very lovely flower, not especially fragrant."—Saunders.

MLLE. ROUSSEAU, ma-de-mwa-zel-roo-so'. (Calot, 1886.) 8.1.

Double type; large; midseason. Wide guards and crown petals opening to a hollow center which does not show stamens; collar irregular and narrow; pale creamy pink, suffused with minute pink dots most numerous on outer petals; crown conspicuously marked with crimson which sometimes extends down the center of petals; faintly fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; sturdy stems. Ruddy foliage.

A big, cylindrical flower of loose, fluffy structure and little elegance of form. Valued chiefly for decorative purposes in the garden.

"Odor disagreeable."—Brand.

MME. AUGUSTE DESSERT, ma-dam-o-gust-des-sair'. (Dessert, 1899.) 8.6. Double type; large; early midseason. Cupped blooms of old-rose-pink, developing a hollow center full of golden yellow stamens and dark rose-pink carpels, with crimson flakes on a few petals; fragrance like elderberries. Medium height; very floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Rather irregular flowers of ordinary color and little distinction, but the plant is of good habit and is excellent for garden decoration.

"The description does not do justice to this fine variety."—Saunders.

"Odor not pleasant."—Boyd.

"Very unpleasant odor."—Henry Cooper.

MME. BENOIT RIVIERE. mS-dSm-be-nwa-ree-vyair'. (Riviere, 1911.) 8.0. Much overrated. Suppressed by vote of the Directors.

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123

MME.CALOT. mS-dSm-ca-lo'. (Miellez, 1856.) 8.1.

Double type; large; early. Globular at first, very light old-rose-pink with creamy tints in the collar, and the somewhat darker center strongly marked with crimson flakes; very fragrant. Tall; extremely floriferous; strong stems. Excellent foliage.

A cut-flower variety of considerable popularity because of its earliness, unfailing productiveness, and the general high quality of its blooms.

"Blooms are not of high quality until third year or later; perhaps more noticeable in this variety than most others."—Fewkes.

MME. DE VATRY. ma-dam-dg-va-tree'. (Guenn, 1863.) 7.7.

Double type; large; midseason. Guards and central petals are very light pink; the central petals are surrounded by several rows of cream-white petals; develops high crown as flower ages; fragrant. Medium height; free-blooming; moderately strong habit.

The late Henry S. Cooper said that this and Philomele should be in every garden. Its greatest beauty is before it is fully developed. A very good cut-flower variety. Included in this list by vote of the Directors in spite of its rating.

MME. DE VERNEVILLE. mS-dam-de-vair-nay-veel'. (Crousse, 1885.) 7.9.

Double type; medium size; early. Smooth white guard petals surrounding an incurved, blush-white center which quickly develops a crown and frequently there are distinct crimson marks on the tips of several petals; occasionally the color is tinted lemon, and usually the whole flower becomes white with age, except for the crimson spots in the center; sweet rose-like fragrance. Medium height; none too strong; very free-flowering and dependable. Foliage light green.

One of the older standard whites, at its best in the cooler climates where it greatly increases in size and perfection of form. A very good cut-flower. Included in this list by vote of the Directors, in spite of its rating.

MME. D. TREYERAN. ma-dam-day-tray-yay-ran'. (Dessert, 1899.) 8.2.

Double type; large; midseason. Flesh-pink, thickly overlaid by minute flakes of dark rose-pink, darkening toward center, a few petals marked with crimson; sweet, pleasing fragrance. Dwarf; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Well-built, compact flowers. Considered a good garden sort.

MME.DUCEL. mS-dam-du-sel'. (Mechin, 1880.) 7.9.

Double type; medium size; midseason. Broad, flaring guards and a compact, incurved center of pale old-rose with a lustrous silvery sheen; not very fragrant. Dwarf; floriferous; stiff stems. Good foliage.

Almost identical with M. Jules Elie in color and shape, but smaller and never feathers in the center. Included in this list by vote of the Directors, in spite of its rating.

MME.EDOUARD DORIAT. ma-d5m-a-dwar-d6-ry2'. (Dessert-Doriat, 1924.)

8.6 (5 votes).*

Double type; large. White, loosely globular flower, with rounded petals, lightly tipped crimson; outer petals relax on opening around

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cupped center, with golden stamens visible between the petals; poor fragrance. Long, stiff stems.

Scarce, and descriptions meager. The flowers observed were large, loose, and perhaps past their best stage of development.

MME. EMILE DUPRAZ. ma-dam-a-meel-du-praz'. (Riviere, 1911.) 8.4.

Double type; large; midseason. Old-rose-pink, with a few red-edged petals in a circle about the center; cup-shaped at first, opening flat, and the outer petals reflexing; good rose fragrance.

"Stocks of this variety are badly mixed and several indifferent crimson varieties are being sent out for the true thing."—Fewkes.

"This variety is so badly confused in commerce that it is doubtful if anyone can vouch for the true variety."—Little.

MME. EMILE GALLE. ma-dSm-a-meel-gal-lay'. (Crousse, 1881.) 8.5.

Double type; large; late. Very light rose-pink which is more strongly defined in the center, and without crimson markings, of translucent texture and firm substance; fair rose fragrance. Medium height; free-flowering; good stems and foliage.

A favorite variety because of its delicate color and texture.

MME. EMILE LEMOINE. ma-dam-a-meel-le-mwan'. (Lemoine, 1899.) 8.9.

Double type; large; midseason. Opens with crimson streaks on outer petals and a faint flush of tiny pink dots, fading to creamy white, with crimson flakes on center petals; mildly fragrant. Tall; free-blooming; strong stems and foliage.

Before fading it develops an immense, crown-like center of many compact petals, mixed with stamens. Highly regarded by fanciers.

"One of the truly great peonies. Would rate in high 9 if all the stock were healthy."—Little.

"A great show flower."—Brand.

"I see fine blooms at shows, but have never had any first-rate ones on my own plants."—Saunders.

"Much inclined to disease but have had some bloom that was truly magnificent."—Boyd.

MME. ESCARY. ma-dam-es-ca-ree'. (Lemoine, 1922.) 8.7 (1 vote).*

Double type; large; midseason. Very large, perfect outer petals of heavy substance, cupped, smoothly overlapping, and graduated to a fine rose-bud center; no stamens; pure white in effect, but has faint traces of pink and a slightly greenish yellow cast on outer petals and in the depths at the center.

A scarce sort. The flowers observed were very fine, but no description of the plant's habit is available.

MME. FOREL. ma-dSm-fo-rel'. (Crousse, 1887.) 7.7.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Even, clear pinkish lavender throughout; all petals large and smooth; center compact; slightly

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fragrant. Medium height; moderate bloomer; weak stems. Average foliage.

Generally unsatisfactory. The buds frequently blast, and when they do open the stems are too weak to support the enormous flowers. The color is rather flat and opaque, much nearer lavender than pink. Included in this list by vote of Directors.

"Preferable to Mme. Geissler."—Engle.

MME. GAUDICHAU. ma-dam-gd-dee-sho' (Millet, 1902.) 8.2.

Double type; medium size; late midseason. Very dark crimson with a brilliant blackish sheen; fragrance slight and unpleasant. Tall; not especially floriferous; strong stems. Foliage dark and quite handsome.

A globular flower, almost as dark as M. Martin Cahuzac.

"A most noticeable peony because of its very dark red stems and reddish foliage. Buds inclined to blight. Darker than M. Martin Cahuzac."—Thurlow.

"Perfectly healthy plants are very shy in flowering. Not worth growing."— Fewkes.

"Very loose, irregular flower, far from the equal of M. Martin Cahuzac. A good color, but not as good as William F. Turner. Its chief characteristic is the distinct red of the plant. Foliage opens liver-red and remains so until almost blooming-time, then turns red again very early, and is almost black-red when frosts come. Think it disappointing in most gardens."—Little.

"Beautiful dark foliage. Small flower. Not a strong grower."—Boyd.

MME. GEISSLER. ma-dam-ghls-lair'. (Crousse, 1880.) 7.9.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Light old-rose-pink, brighter in the center and tipped on the reverse with silver. Stems weak at base. Average foliage.

An enormous flower, compactly built of many crinkled petals, with a perfect rose-bud center. Frequently the collar petals are arranged in a ring of whorls. Rather a coarse flower and a little dull in color. Flower-stems need support. Included in this list by vote of Directors.

"Subject to disease."—Farr,

MME. JULES CALOT. ma-dam-zhul-ca-lo. (Calot, 1868.) 8.3.

Double type; large; midseason. Pinkish white, paling to white in center, with a sprinkling of tiny old-rose splashes, tufted in center, and showing a good deal of yellow at base of petals; not very fragrant. Dwarf; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

An old sort, popular with a few, but not widely known or distributed. It seems to be superseded by other varieties of similar color and better form.

"Very large, flat flowers of coarse substance that develop well on show table but lack fine texture. Very dwarf."—Little.

MME. JULES DESSERT, ma-dam-zhul-des-sair'. (Dessert, 1909.) 9.4.

Double type; very large; late midseason. Long, smooth petals of flesh-white, graduated symmetrically about a hollow, funnel-like center, with a few stamens in its depths, which reflect a yellow glow through

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its translucent texture; mildly fragrant. Tall; splendid habit; very floriferous; stems occasionally floppy. Good foliage.

A very popular and highly regarded sort. Occasionally the guard petals are greenish near the base and sometimes are distinctly marked with green. The center is usually a trifle pinker than the rest of the flower, and always bears a few inconspicuous crimson marks.

"Strong stems and perfect habit of growth."—Little.

"I should rank this among the best dozen."—Saunders.

"Thoroughly reliable and one of the very best. A beautiful flower and fine plant."—Boyd.

MME. JULES ELIE. ma-dam-zhul-za-lee'. (Calot, 1873.) ⁸-⁶-

Double type; medium size; midseason. Guards light old-rose with

cream-white collar and a pinkish crown marked with crimson; mildly

fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage. "Do not believe this variety is now in commerce. Have bought it several

times and always received Monsieur Jules Elie. Think it should be omitted."—

Little.

"Many confused this with M. Jules Elie when voting, hence the rating 8.6,

which should not be considered."—Boyd.

MME. LEMOINIER. ma-dam-lS-mwa-nyay'. (Calot, 1865.) 8.0.

Double type; large; midseason. Pale old-rose-pink, with a decided lavender tinge, paling to almost white in the collar; center large and wide-spreading, conspicuously flecked with crimson; fair fragrance. Tall; moderately floriferous; erect stems and foliage.

An old sort which is not widely cultivated but popular with some growers who consider it especially distinct and different from any other variety.

"Offered by very few growers. Tried it for years and discarded it as not worth garden space."—Boyd.

MME. MANCHET. ma-dam-ma»-shay'. (Dessert, 1913.) 8.5.

Double type; large; very late. Pale old-rose-pink, with distinctly purple shading at the base of the petals; incurved globular form; not notably fragrant. Tall; floriferous; stiff stems. Good foliage.

A comparatively new sort of distinct color and excellent habit. Not widely distributed but seems to be attaining a fair degree of popularity.

"I think that it will never be a popular shade."—Thurlow.

MODELEDE PERFECTION. mo-del-de-pair-fec-syo»'. (Crousse,i875-) 7.8.

Double type; large; late. Light old-rose tipped with silver, becoming darker toward a high, widespreading center; not notably fragrant. Dwarf; free-blooming; good stems and foliage.

A peony of distinct form and refinement. Old and well-known.

"Always a remarkable flower in the showroom when in good form."—Brand.

"No fragrance."—Boyd.

MODELLA. (Betscher, 1920.) 8.8 (4 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. Uniform light pink guards, wide and evenly rounded, distinctly differentiated from the short, irregular.

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creamy collar that surrounds the broad petals which graduate to a cupped or rose-bud center; delicate, sweet fragrance. Medium tall; upright; strong stems. Good healthy foliage.

The flowers observed were pure, light pink, of crisp texture, enlivened by the creamy suffusion in the collar.

MODESTE GUERIN. mo-dest-gay-r/V. (Guerin, 1845.) 7.8.

Double type; large; early. Guards very large and cupped, reflexing as the flower ages; dark rose-pink with a slightly violet tint, much brighter in the center; rose fragrance. Medium height; strong growth; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

An excellent very early sort, but in no way comparable to the later-blooming varieties in form and finish. Included in this list by vote of the Directors.

"Sometimes called 'American Beauty Peony' on account of its resemblance in color to the American Beauty rose."—Boyd.

MOWS. CHARLES LEVEQtJE. me-sye-sharl-le-veV. (Calot, 1861.) 8.0. The same as Mile. Leonie Calot, which see.

MONS.DDPONT. mS-syS-du-po»'. (Calot, 1872.) 8.3.

Double type; large; late midseason. White with a yellow glow from buried stamens, and very conspicuous crimson blotches on central petals; strong fragrance. Tall; very free-blooming; stiff stems. Excellent foliage.

A very distinct sort, of cupped form with a collar composed of tufts of petals arranged in little whorls. The crimson spots are exceptionally vivid and give it considerable resemblance to Boule de Neige, which blooms earlier.

"Odor is none of the best."—Engle.

MONS. JULES ELIE. mg-sye-zhul-za-lee'. (Crousse, 1888.) 9.2.

Double type; very large; early. Light rose-pink of the dull, opaque quality seen in pink chrysanthemums; broad, smooth guard petals; center incurved and silvered with light grayish pink; moderately fragrant. Tall; very free-flowering; stems lax and loose. Foliage light green.

One of the most popular of all peonies. Its stems are bad for garden use, but it is most effective when cut.

"Always finishes crown type."—Little.

"As the flower expands, these central petals also expand, but still retain the same general shape."—Thurlow.

MONS. MARTIN CAHUZAC. me-sye-mar-t/n-ca-u-zac' (Dessert, 1899.) 8.8.

Double type; large; early midseason. Maroon-crimson, with a silky, black luster; not fragrant. Medium height; free-flowering; erect, stiff stems.

Often said to be the darkest peony. It is frequently loosely formed, with straggly petals mixed with many stamens. When good it is a very full, high-globular flower of much distinction,

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MONT BLANC, mon-blan'. (Lemoine, 1899.) 8.4.

Double type; very large; early midseason. Opens white with creamy center, developing almost to a globular form and proceeding to become a large, flattish, cylindrical flower with a faintly pink center and a few very fine red lines on some of the central petals; fragrance noticeable but not strong. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems but they bend under weight of flowers. Ruddy foliage.

A very full, handsome flower of many phases of form.

MOSES HULL. (Brand, 1907.) 8.2.

Double type; large; midseason. Guards and well-developed crown bright old-rose-pink with darker shadings; collar wide and thick, composed of narrow, pale flesh-pink and creamy white petals; slightly rose-scented. Medium height; floriferous; stiff stems. Good foliage.

A striking and conspicuous variety with squarish blooms which some people find attractive, but it is neither widely distributed nor popular.

MR. L. VAN LEEUWEN. (Nieuwenhuyzen, 1916.)

Double type; very large; late midseason. Outer petals very large, cupped at first but relaxing later, center petals graduate to a fine, rose-bud center, pure light crimson; sweet fragrance. Robust, vigorous grower and abundant bloomer.

This variety is comparatively scarce and is offered by few growers. Said to be the largest red peony. The flowers observed were very large but were somewhat dishevelled in the center when fully open because of the petals relaxing instead of remaining firmly cupped. The color is much like the rose, Red Radiance.

Awarded several Certificates of Merit in Holland. Although not rated, this variety is included in this list by vote of the Directors.

MRS. A. G. RUGGLES. (Brand, 1913.) 8.3.

Double type; large; late. Light pink, paling lighter; fragrant. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Blooms in clusters and must be disbudded to get good blooms. Stated by the originator to be very similar to Th£rese when seen at its best.

"Medium size. Very pretty."—Boyd.

MRS. A. M. BRAND. (Brand, 1925.) 9.6.

Double type; very large; late. Clear white flower of flat form; guards broad and slightly differentiated; center of broad, graduated petals of remarkable substance; fragrant. Medium tall; upright growth; strong stems. Heavy, rich green foliage.

Awarded American Peony Society Gold Medal at St. Paul-Minneapolis Exhibition, 1923.

"Foliage and stems light green."—Brand.

MRS. C. S. MINOT. (Minot, 1914.) 9.2.

Double type; very large; late. Guard petals large, undulating, flesh-pink with coppery tints on outer surface; center incurved, flesh-white

plate XIX. Mons. Martin Cahuzac

plate XX. Mme. Emile Galle

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129

in collar darkening to cream-pink in center, illumined by a few golden yellow stamens, and sometimes marked by several prominent crimson blotches; not notably fragrant. Dwarf; floriferous; stiff stems. Good foliage.

A variety of unusual color, especially when viewed from the back. It is almost full rose type and has a definite bomb form on first opening.

"On established plants, usually no crimson markings. Rather medium than dwarf in height."—Thurlow.

MRS. EDWARD HARDING. (Shaylor, 1918.) 9.3.

Double type; large; midseason. White, illumined by many golden stamens hidden under the petals and by a bright tuft of them in the center when fully open; not notably fragrant. Medium height; free-flowering; stiff stems. Excellent foliage.

A very handsome flower of perfect form and delicate, lacy quality. It is reported to be disappointing to some, but established plants are claimed to be excellent. The stock has been scarce and very closely divided since its introduction.

Awarded special prize of #100 at the National Show at Cleveland, Ohio, June 5-6, 1918.

"Much like Enchanteresse, but a better grower."—Boyd.

MRS. E. J. SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1920.) 8.4 (5 votes).*

Double type; late midseason. Rather loosely built but full flower of delicate pink; petals broad and well rounded.

Little information available about this variety. Do not confuse it with E. J. Shaylor or Mrs. Shaylor Force.

MRS. EUGENE SECOR. (Secor, 1924.) 9.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; large; late. White; fragrant; tall.

The above meager description from the introducer is the only information available.

MRS. F. A. GOODRICH. (Brand, 1925.) 9.0 (4 votes).*

Double type; large. Dark deep bright pink, with long, narrow petals of good substance.

Still scarce, and not much is known of its habit.

MRS. FRANK BEACH. (Brand, 1925.) 9.0 (8 votes).*

Double type; large; late. A creamy white flower which somewhat resembles Jubilee, but has strong stem. Plant is rather dwarf.

Information taken from the introducer's description.

This peony received Award of Merit at the International Show in London, Ont., 1922.

MRS. GEORGE BUNYARD. (Kelway, 1898.) 8.3.

Double type; large; midseason. Bright rose-pink, darker in its well-formed symmetrical center; pleasant fragrance. Tall; floriferous; strong stems and foliage.

A bold, handsome flower of regular form with a rose-bud center, opening rather flat. Well liked by those who know it, but it is not widely distributed.

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MRS. HARRIET GENTRY. (Brand, 1925.) 9.1 (4 votes).*

Double type; late. Pure white, with a greenish tinge at base of

petals. Strong grower; free bloomer. Award of Merit, American Peony

Society Show at St. Paul in 1925. Scarce and little known.

MRS. JOHN M. KLEITSCH. (Brand, 1925.) 9.0 (5 votes).*

Double type. Flower light violet-rose, with cupped center. Medium tall; strong growth.

Scarce and little known. Violet-rose probably indicates the same color indicated in the standard descriptions by old-rose.

MRS. JOHN M. LEWIS. (Lewis, 1920.) 8.2.

Double type; medium size; midseason. Dark crimson with blackish sheen, very symmetrical form expanding to big, globular flowers; faintly sweet scented. Medium tall; robust habit; fairly floriferous; twisted upright stems. Foliage broad, leathery, and dark.

When good it is excellent, but frequently it is weak in the collar and irregular. The color is very clean, lacking the objectionable blue tint, although there are lavender streaks on the midrib at the back of each petal.

"Same color as Cherry Hill."—Boyd.

MRS. JOHN SMYTHE FOGG. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.4.

Double type; large; midseason. Develops a high crown with incurved petals; guards pale rose-pink; collar lighter. Growth strong; free bloomer; stems long. Good medium green foliage, rather coarse.

This variety is rarely offered and is apparently rated much too high. Resembles Agnes Mary Kelway.

MRS. M. P. CLOUGH. (Shaylor, 1915.) 8.8.

Double type; very large; midseason. Pale rose-pink guard-petals, large, cupped, smooth, relaxing with age; collar full and wide, with many well-shaped narrow petals of creamy white; develops a starlike and flat crown, with many petals graduated to a wheel-like center, a little paler than the guard petals, shading to creamy white; fragrance poor. Medium height; strong growth; free-blooming. Foliage good but not heavy.

A rather coarse variety of excellent substance, forming a tall, cylindrical flower.

"Pleasant fragrance."—Thurlow.

MRS. ROMAINE B. WARE. (Brand, 1925.) 9.1 (6 votes).*

Double type; medium large. Light flesh-pink, shading lighter; slight

rose fragrance. Fairly tall; vigorous; slender but strong stems. Scarce, and little information available.

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131

MRS. SHAYLOR FORCE. (Shaylor, 1919.) 9.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; very large; midseason. Long, symmetrically arranged petals of creamy white with a faint glow of pale lemon in the depths; almost always has a wire edge of crimson on some center petals, though it may be lacking; pleasant, bitter odor.

A very scarce sort, but the flowers observed were magnificent, much of the Pasteur, Jubilee, and La Rosiere form. It is fully double, but occasionally shows narrow petaloids in the extreme center with a tiny orange or scarlet fleck in the extreme heart of the flower. No stamens were discoverable in any of the flowers examined. The sepals were generally strongly edged with red.

MYRTLE GENTRY. (Brand, 1925.) 9.1 (12 votes).*

Double type; late midseason. Rosy white, suffused with tints of flesh and salmon; pleasing fragrance. Strong stems. Good habit. Award of Merit at St. Paul-Minneapolis Show, 1923.

Closely resembles Tourangelle.

"A beautiful and refined flower of fine form and charming color. One of the very finest peonies."—Little.

NANCY DOLMAN. (Vories, 1924.) 9.1.

Double type; very large; late. Pale rose-pink of conical form, with fluted, fluffy petals, becoming pinkish white in center; rather rank odor. Tall; robust; floriferous; stems very stiff. Foliage good.

A very handsome late sort, but the buds frequently water-log on one side, and it needs severe disbudding to produce perfect blooms.

NELLIE. (Kelway.) 8.6.

Single type; medium to large; midseason. Two rows of undulated petals, rose-pink at first, fading almost white; small tuft of yellow stamens in center; carpels ruddy green; dark rose tips and pink kernels at base; bitter odor. Dwarf; floriferous; stems stiff; blooms in clusters. Foliage narrow and wavy.

Pretty in the landscape for its varying shades of pink, almost the same shade as La Fraicheur, but the carpels are different. La Fraicheur is larger, more floriferous, and taller.

NINA SECOR. (Secor, 1922.) 9.0.

Double type; medium to large; midseason. Pure white, with yellow glow in depths; petals very smooth and firm, built into a rounded, semi-globular form with a tulip-like center; fine crimson edge on a few central petals, and the guard petals are splashed with maroon; moderate, bitter fragrance. Average height; floriferous; crooked stems, bearing flowers in clusters. Foliage narrow, incurved, dark green.

A flower of glorious form in all stages, but needs careful disbudding to bring it to exhibition size, and the stems need support.

NIPPON BEAUTY. (Auten; 1927.)

Japanese type. Dark red, practically free from any objectionable

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shading, staminodes flushed and edged yellow, tips sharply incurved, giving a special finish to the flower.

Winner of the Brand Peony Farms Special Prize of Jioo for a new Japanese variety of merit, Peoria, Ills., 1927. Although not rated, included in this list by vote of the Directors.

NOKOMIS. (Franklin, 1920.) 8.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; medium size. Light pink, central petals overlapping but showing golden stamens mixed with dark vermilion-red; fragrant.

The above is taken from the introducer's description and although the color description of the stamens is very confusing, there are no other details available.

NYMPH/EA. (Thurlow, 1919.) 8.8.

Double type; large; midseason. Creamy white, flushed pale rose-pink on first opening; symmetrical, cupped form with a small tuft in the center and many stamens which diffuse a golden yellow light throughout the flower; mildly fragrant. Medium height; profuse bloomer; stiff stems. Good foliage.

Very pretty flowers of the water-lily type which are produced freely and dependably, giving the variety considerable value for garden decoration.

"The form of the flower is more semi-double than rose."—Fewkes.

OCTAVIE DEMAY. Sc-ta-vee-de-may'. (Calot, 1867.) 8.5.

Double type; large; early. Guards very light old-rose-pink and the somewhat darker crown, which develops early, is splashed with a few crimson markings; collar distinct, composed of narrow, almost white petals; not especially fragrant. Dwarf; very floriferous; stiff stems. Abundant foliage.

Very dependable and attractive, recalling a very highly refined cactus dahlia. Very popular.

ODALISQUE. 5-da-leesk'. (Lemoine, 1923.) 8.8 (2 votes).*

Double type; large; late midseason. Large, waved outer petals, faintly tinted pink, surround a compact, cupped center of pure, cream-white; rose-scented. Medium height; vigorous.

The flowers observed had no crimson markings and were most symmetrical, few or no defective petals, all well-developed and smoothly arranged.

OHIRAMA. (Origin unknown.) 8.2.

Japanese type; very large. Guards bright rose-pink, with a brighter suffusion at the base; center composed of yellow staminodes tinged pink near the tips; carpels green with pink stigmas; sweetly fragrant. Height 2 feet; growth fairly strong; free-blooming. Foliage medium.

OPAL. (Pleas, 1908.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. Pale rose-pink becoming almost white when fully open; petals very long, pointed, and arranged in a

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133

deep, funnel-like form; not notably fragrant. Medium height; florif-erous; stems not strong. Foliage good.

A flower of great beauty of form and delicacy of color and texture. A peony called The Jewel is identical.

"Rating much too high."—Fewkes.

"Rated much too high. Does not do well in my heavy clay soil."—Boyd.

OPAL IRIS. (Pleas.) 8.0 (Sym. 1925).

Semi-double type; large; midseason. Loose, light pink flower with salmon shading fading to white with age. Long, fairly strong stem. Average foliage.

Offered by few growers. Surpassed by so many, there is little demand for it. Apparently rated much too high.

"Light flesh-pink to pink. Longer stems than Opal, and possibly not quite as double as Opal. Essentially a landscape peony. Has somewhat the effect of Kelway's Exquisite and Wettengel's Charles Neidel, though I do not believe it is as good as either of them. Stems graceful and strong enough to hold the blooms in good weather, but it is not a perfect landscape variety."—Bonnewitz.

"A loosely formed flower of salmon-pink shading to white. Personally, I do not have a very good opinion of it and feel that a rating of 7.5 is all it deserves."—Wassenberg.

"This is undoubtedly Virginie renamed or a reproduction of it by nature." —Mrs. Wm. Crawford.

PALLAS. (Terry.) 8.2.

Semi-double type; large; early midseason. Very long petals of delicate flesh-pink, paling to white in the center. Rather dwarf; very floriferous; strong stems. Medium foliage.

Offered by few growers. Not at all popular.

"In well-established plants, this is a desirable landscape variety. Healthy stock scarce."—Little.

PARADISE. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.7.

Double type; very large; early midseason. Outer petals light flesh-pink, paling to nearly white in the center; only slightly scented. Medium height; free-flowering.

Similar to Milton Hill, with a very perfect star-like center when fully open. Not well known or widely distributed.

"Never able to obtain healthy stock."—Little.

"Should be rated not higher than 8.2."—Christman.

PASTEUR. pas-ter'. (Crousse, 1896.) 8.4.

Double type; large; late midseason. Pale pink on large outer petals; the long, curled, central petals almost white with a green center deep in the flower; faintly fragrant. Tall; free-flowering; stout stems. Good foliage.

A remarkably handsome flower resembling a smaller Jubilee, but distinguished by its pale pink flush, its crisper, fluffier form, and its stronger stem.

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PERLE BLANCHE. pairl-bk»sh'. (Dessert, 1913.) 8.4.

Single type; large; early midseason. Broad, rounded, white petals enclosing a large mass of golden yellow stamens; not especially fragrant. Tall; free-flowering; erect stems. Good foliage.

One of the best of the many white singles. Particularly valuable for garden decoration because of its stiff stems.

PERRETTE. pair-ret'. (Dessert, 1921.) 8.3.

Double type; large; late midseason. Outer petals large and cupped, reflexing as the flower opens; faint pink paling to pure white in the center, with prominent crimson flecks midway; the whole flower has a slight creamy pink suffusion in the depths of the petals; delicately fragrant. Medium height; fairly floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

"Has never produced anything good, and I think it is overrated."—Thurlow.

"A rather mediocre variety."—Saunders.

PETAGRA. (Franklin, 1920.) 8.5. (1 vote).*

Double type; very large. Light red with crown petals in center surrounded by golden anthers; fragrant. Strong grower.

Information taken from introducer's description.

PETER OLESON. (Oleson, 1924.) 9.0 (1 vote).*

Single type. Red. No other information available.

PETER PAN. (Hollis, 1907.) 8.6.

Double type; large; late. Irregularly cupped flowers of bright old-rose, opening flat, showing a fluffy center of yellow stamens mixed with long, shaggy petals, a few of which are edged red; moderate rose fragrance. Average height; floriferous; stiff, wiry stems. Foliage small and glossy.

A ragged flower of the Suzette type, with a duller color and less finish. The open flower is informal and graceful, but the early stages are disappointing.

PHILIPPE RTVOIRE. fee-leep-ree-vwar'. (Riviere, 1911.) 9.2.

Double type; small; early. Very dark crimson with a blackish sheen, fully double with a symmetrically incurved center; richly rose-scented. Medium height; floriferous; wiry stems. Good foliage.

Its great fault is lack of size. It is especially decorative in the garden. See color illustration.

"Philippe Rivoire, as I know it, is a purple-red with no blackish sheen, not richly rose-scented though it has a slight fragrance."—Saundrrs,

"The only really sweet-scented red peony that I know of."—Boyd.

PHILOMELE. fee-lo-mel'. (Calot, 1861.) 7.7.

Anemone type; medium size; early. Guards dark old-rose, collar of narrow buff petals. Develops a wide-spreading crown same color as

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135

guards; fragrant. Average height; very floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

An excellent garden subject and much used for cutting because of the small-ness of the flower and its striking tricolor effect.

"Often prominently marked crimson."—Little.

"A very distinct and interesting variety. Should rate at least 8.0."—Boyd.

PHOEBE CARY. (Brand, 1907.) 8.8.

Double type; large; very late. Pale old-rose-pink, darkening toward center; moderately rose-scented. Tall; floriferous; stems strong but lax at base. Good light green foliage.

Globular form at first, developing a hollow center of regularly arranged petals. A good flower of uncommon color and no serious faults. See color illustration.

"Broad, rounded, and well-imbricated petals make this a flower of unusual refinement and character."—Little.

"Very tall; very fine. Strong and free. Mr. Brand and I have seen this variety 5 feet high in my garden."—Boyd.

PHYLLIS KELWAY. (Kelway, 1908.) 9.0.

Semi-double type; very large; midseason. Rose-pink, paling to white in center, thin texture; hollow, cupped form, at first showing many stamens, later developing a flat crown which covers the imperfect collar; faintly fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; stiff stems. Abundant foliage.

A frail, loose, shaggy flower of much charm; at best attractively informal, but needs good cultivation to produce flowers which are not ragged and unkempt.

"Should not rate over 8.5."—Boyd.

PIERRE DUCHARTRE. pyair-du-shartr'. (Crousse, 1895.) 8.2

Double type; large; late. Old-rose-pink of opaque quality, with a silvery sheen; rose-scented. Medium height; floriferous; stems lax at base. Good foliage.

An excellent ball-form with regularly overlapped petals of firm, heavy substance. Color similar in some ways to Therese, but lacks the translucent texture of that variety.

PITTI SINN. (Vories, 1924.) 8.6 (3 votes).*

Double type; medium large; late. Pink guard-petals on which rests a row of yellowish petaloids extending around bloom; in the center a pink tuft gives the flower height. Strong plant.

POMPILIA. (Earnshaw, 1920.) 8.5. (1 vote).*

Double type; medium size. Ivory-white, showing stamens. Abundant bloomer.

Information taken from introducer's description.

POTTSI ALBA. (Buyck, 1840.) 8.3.

Much overrated. Suppressed by vote of the Directors.

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PRESIDENT TAFT. (Blaauw, 1909.) 8.7.

Considered the same as Reine Hortense, which see.

PRESIDENT WILSON. (Thurlow, 1918.) 9.3.

Double type; very large; late. Bright rose-pink, paling with age, and a trifle darker in the deep, cupped center; rich spicy fragrance. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A very large flower of the Th6rese type but brighter in color and with petals held more horizontally. Sometimes the collar is a little weak, giving it a two-story effect, but established, well-treated plants give superb flowers. Awarded Certificate of Honorable Mention at London, Ont., June 16, 1922.

"Height 36 to 42 inches."—Thurlow.

"A perfect beauty."—Boyd.

PRIDE OF ESSEX. (Thurlow, 1916.) 8.9.

Double type; large; midseason. Incurved guards and a crumpled center of light rose-pink, paling to blush-white with a golden suffusion from its many stamens; central petals boldly marked with crimson; strong, fresh fragrance. Tall; floriferous, stiff stems. Good foliage.

A large, loose flower and a good decorative plant in the garden.

"Similar to Lady Alexandra Duff, which it resembles much in coloring and habit. A fine variety."—Little and Fewkes.

PRIDE OF LANGPORT. (Kelway, 1909.) 8.9.

Single type; very large; midseason. Wide-spreading, cupped petals of pale rose-pink, paling a little near the base, surrounding a large cluster of very bright golden yellow stamens and pale green carpels with light pink kernels at the base and red tips; not notably fragrant. Tall; floriferous; thin, wiry stems. Abundant foliage.

A highly decorative garden plant, usually blooming in large clusters. A popular variety.

"The finest pink single with the possible exception of Helen (Thurlow) which is not yet rated."—Little.

"Very popular and consequently quite scarce."—Boyd.

PRIDE OF PAULDING. (Neeley, 1920.) 8.6 (6 votes).*

Double type; large; late. Horizontal guards about a compact, ball-like center, later the guards relax, giving the flower a distinct cylindrical shape. Rich flesh-pink, creamy in the collar, and all petals slightly greenish at the base; strong rose fragrance. Stiff, heavy stems.

The above description was prepared from direct observation. Other writers call the color silvery pink, much like that of Jeannot. It is said to water-log sometimes.

PRIMEVERE. preem-vair'. (Lemoine, 1907.) 8.6.

Anemone type; medium size; midseason. A flattish flower with creamy white, cupped guards rarely splashed with red; center composed of short, narrow petals of canary-yellow, becoming light with age; mod-

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erately fragrant. Tall; floriferous; stems lax. Good, dark green, rather coarse foliage.

Very much like Laura Dessert, which see. One of the very best of the so-called yellows. A profuse bloomer. Stems rather weak and need support. See color illustration.

"The habit of Primevere is so distinct from that of Laura Dessert that I feel there is plenty of room for both. Furthermore, if it came to a question of discarding one of them, I should vote to keep Primevere as on the whole the more beautiful flower, though I know that many of my colleagues would take the other view." Saunders.

"With me Laura Dessert is distinct from Primevere. I consider Laura Dessert a better yellow, holding its color much longer."—Christman.

"Laura Dessert is distinct with me."—Fewkes.

"Laura Dessert and Primevere, as grown by us, are very different both in bloom and in plant. Primevere is also much more dependable."—Brand.

PRINCE OF JAPS. (Lewis, 1927.) 8.8 (1 vote).*

Japanese type; medium height. A new ox-blood-red with petaloid center of same color. Strong grower.

Information taken from introducer's description.

PRINCESS DULEEP SINGH. (Kelway.) 8.7.

Japanese type; medium size; early midseason. A cupped flower with a double row of guard petals; dark old-rose-pink; center a large cluster of buff-yellow staminodes faintly stained with rose-pink at the base; wax fragrance. Height 30 inches; growth strong; free-blooming. Foliage dark green, broad, and heavy.

PURPLE CUP. (Secor, 1924.) 9.0 (1 vote).* Single type; early. Red.. This meager description from the introducer is all the information obtainable.

RACHEL. ra-sheV. (Lemoine, 1904.) 8.3.

Double type; large; late midseason. Light rose-pink with flesh tints toward base of petals; not notably fragrant. Medium height; free-flowering; erect stems. Good foliage.

A high-grade peony of compact, globular form whose chief fault is lack of definite distinction. It should not be confused with Rachel (Terry, 1900), which is quite inferior.

"Very fragrant. In my opinion a very beautiful flower and should rate much higher."—Boyd.

RALPH. (Pleas, 1913.) 8.5

Much overrated, and suppressed by vote of the Directors.

RAOUL DESSERT, ra-ool-des-sair'. (Dessert, 1910.) 9.0.

Double type; large; late. Brilliant shell-pink, of a shade extremely rare in peonies, lacking those mauve or bluish tints which characterize

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the family; rose-scented. Medium height; free-flowering; erect stems. Excellent foliage.

The color puts it into a class with Walter Faxon and Souvenir de Louis Bigot. Although it is not as brilliant as Faxon, the flower is more highly finished and it is possibly a better variety.

"A well-grown flower of Walter Faxon makes a remarkably well-finished bloom much superior in color to Raoul Dessert."—Ftwkes.

"A perfect beauty, same shading as Walter Faxon and a much better grower." —Boyd.

RASHOOMON. (Japanese origin.) 8.7.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Glowing rose-red guard petals which relax with age and lose brightness; center of slender staminodes with narrow, incurved tips of rose-red, edged yellow and pinkish buff on the back; yellow thread-like filaments; carpels ruddy at tips, shading to green, bright orange-pink at tips; good fragrance. Medium tall; erect growth; free-flowering; stems strong. Foliage clear, shining green.

A very handsome bloom, but lacks keeping qualities. The center collapses very soon, and the guard petals become lax and dull.

"Distinct and beautiful foliage and one of the best red Japs."—Little.

RED BIRD. (Franklin, 1921.) 8.6.

Anemone type; large; midseason. Broad guard petals and a center of narrow, dull rose-red petaloids; the guards are irregular and undulating, arranged horizontally; tips of petaloids curled inward; carpels greenish white, with red tips and light pink granules at the base. Moderate height; vigorous; floriferous. Average foliage.

Resembles Hatsuegi, a Japanese sort, but seems to be a better flower. Very distinct, with the unusual characteristic that the center is as dark or darker than the guard petals.

REINE BARONET. (Millet, 1924.) 8.3 (1 vote).*

Double type. Pink. No further details available.

REINE HORTENSE. rain-or-tawss'. (Calot, 1857.) 8.7.

Double type; very large; midseason. Rose-pink with crisp, fluffy petals of translucent texture, notched and silvered at the tips and occasionally flecked with crimson in the center; slight unpleasant odor. Tall; free-flowering; good stems and foliage.

A bold, handsome, flat flower of unusually full petalage for its type. President Taft is considered identical.

RENEE MARIE, re-nay'-ma-ree'. (Dessert, 1920.) 8.4.

Double type; very large; midseason. Flesh white, shading to pale pink on the outer petals, with a ring of short, crimson-edged petals toward the center and a circle of yellow stamens; center very full and darker pink; outer petals have an occasional edge of crimson on one

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side; not notably fragrant. Medium height; erect growth; fairly florif-erous; strong stems. Good foliage.

"Very tall, strong, and free. Delicate, pleasant fragrance."—Boyd.

RICHARD CARVEL. (Brand, 1913.) 8.8.

Double type; large; early. The broad guards and irregularly incurved high center are bright crimson; only slightly fragrant. Tall; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Valued for its earliness and unfading color which is not without a distinct bluish tinge. Generally considered one of the best red sorts, although it is not always fully double.

RITA. (Dessert, 1922.) 8.6 (7 votes).*

Double type; large; late. A cupped flower, flat and saucer-like at first, dark rose-pink outside and flesh-pink or flesh-white within, prominent red marks or stripes on edges of some center petals; opens to more rounded form with a rose-like center showing stamens; fairly fragrant.

A fine creamy pink flower in general effect with distinctive markings. Dessert calls it "clear flesh-salmon-pink, slightly shaded silvery carmine of fine and delicate color."

ROBERT LEE DAVIS. (Vories, 1924.) 8.6 (2 votes).*

Double type; large; midseason. A rather flat, loose flower of soft light pink.

ROSA BONHEUR. ro-sa-bun-err'. (Dessert, 1905.) 9.0.

Double type; very large; late. Old-rose-pink with a glowing suffusion deep in its symmetrical center, and a few lines and marks of red; rose-scented. Medium height; fairly floriferous; stout stems. Good foliage.

A very highly praised sort. At its best it is an extremely large, handsome flower, but it sometimes opens in an abortive, sidewise fashion.

"Principally of value as a show flower."—Brand.

"With me has proved a very reliable and valuable sort. It is distinct and desirable in both flower and habits of growth."—Little.

"Consider this one of the best and most reliable varieties; fine bloom; fine color; splendid habit; stiff stems. A variety which stands very close to Therese." —Fewkes.

"Rather dwarf, bushy habit and a beautiful flower."—Boyd.

ROSALIE. (Auten, 1927.) 8.J (1 vote).*

Double type; medium size. Similar in color to American Beauty rose. Stamens well hidden. Dwarf.

Information taken from the introducer's description.

ROSAMOND. (Lewis, 1922.) 8.6 (1 vote).*

Double type; large. A loose flower of clear, rose-pink; fragrant. Medium height and a strong grower.

Information taken from introducer's description.

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ROSE SHAYLOR. (Shaylor, 1920.) 9.1.

Double type; very large; midseason. Pale flesh-pink, tin ted with rose-pink, lighter at the edges and shading to creamy yellow at the base of the petals; center petals strongly marked at the edges with crimson; flat flower which opens hollow in the center, displaying creamy flesh-pink surrounded by a band of similar richly colored petals; mildly fragrant. Tall; strong; free-flowering; stiff stems. Good foliage.

Flower is very broad and flat, and extremely handsome. Still scarce. More mature plants might show some variation from the above description. "One of Shaylor's best."—Fewkes.

ROSETTE, ro-zet'. (Dessert, 1918.) 8.8.

Double type; large; early midseason. Light shell-pink of a clear, fresh shade, with a ring of short petals near the center tipped crimson; not especially fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Excellent foliage.

A big, handsome flower of unusually clean color, but of loose, floppy petalage unless extremely well grown.

"Very much admired in our fields."—Christman.

"Shows yellow stamens when well opened. Very attractive."—Boyd.

ROSINE. ro-zeen'. (Lemoine, 1913.) 9.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; large; late midseason. Large guard-petals, incurved at first, relaxing later, about a globular, incurved center which is surrounded by whorls of large petals, each incurved upon its own center; clear, bright rose-pink, a trifle lighter in the collar and deep in the center when fully open; rose-like fragrance.

A flower of fine form and pleasing color. The petals are shaded lighter at the edges, but there are no prominent markings. Some describe it as bright lilac-pink shaded lighter at edges. Very highly commended by Mr. Little.

ROSY DAWN. (Barr.) 8.5.

Single type; large; early. White, tinged with pale pink at first; lacks fragrance. Medium height; free-flowering; strong stems. Dark green foliage.

"A distinct variety as it has a bushy form. The stems are strong but some are semi-recumbent so that the plant is clothed to the ground."—Thurlow.

"Do not confuse with Rosy Dawn (Pleas, 1909), rating 7.1."—Christman.

R. P. WHITFEELD. (Richardson.) 8.0.

Double type; large; late. Pale rose-pink with pale flesh-pink edges, toning to cream-white in the center; fair rose fragrance. Tall; floriferous; strong stems. Dark, narrow foliage.

A flower of much beauty, having a luminous glow in the center, but the buds often water-log badly. It blooms in clusters.

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RUTH FORCE. (Shaylor, 1921.) 8.3 (3 votes).*

Japanese type; midseason to late. Bright cerise-pink guard petals; stamens edged with petal color.

Apparently little known. The description does not give color of center (presumably yellow), but if it is a Jap, "stamens" should be "staminodes," and surely the petal color would be in the middle and the yellow on the edges.

SARAH. (Pleas, 1913.) 8.2.

Double type; large; midseason. Guards are light pink with ball-like, incurved center of same color, which becomes blush-white on fully opening.

Not often catalogued.

"Rated too high on only five votes."—Little.

SARAH BERNHARDT. sa-ra-bairn-ar'. (Lemoine, 1906.) 9.0.

Double type; very large; late. Dark rose-pink, edged a trifle lighter, with inconspicuous red edges on a few central petals, and an occasional golden yellow anther in the collar; agreeably fragrant, but not especially so. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Very popular, and considered one of the best exhibition flowers. It is somewhat undependable in blooming and of no special value for garden decoration.

"A very reliable and abundant bloomer with me."—Saunders.

"Not reliable with me but a very beautiful flower."—Boyd.

SARAH CARSTENSEN. (Terry, 1901.) 8.5.

Double type; large; midseason. Light rose-pink, a little paler in the collar and lightly marked with crimson in the center; not notably fragrant. Dwarf; very free-flowering; stiff stems. Good foliage.

Not very well known, although it is a very handsome flower.

"One of Terry's best."— Thurlcw.

"Slow of propagation and an unsatisfactory variety from growers' standpoint."—Little.

"A very fine and satisfactory variety with me."—Fewkes.

"Large, compact flower. Rather dwarf plant but sturdy in growth."— Boyd.

SARAH K. THDRLOW. (Thurlow, 1921.) 9.1.

Double type; large; very late. Globular shape with a whorled collar and incurved rose-like center, having fine smooth outline; half open, very delicate pink, pure white when open, with faint flush in center and red streaks on outer petals; strong rose fragrance. Average height; floriferous; slender, strong stems. Foliage dull light green.

One of the handsomest varieties in form and delicacy of color. The stems are ruddy and the buds heavily streaked with crimson.

"Flowers similar to Tourangelle, borne on a better plant."—Little.

SECRETARY FEWKES. (Shaylor, 1916.) 8.6.

Double type; large; midseason. Broad, cupped, outer petals and center of pale rose-pink, with a flesh-white collar of narrow petals arranged

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in bunches; with age the flower becomes almost white; fair rose-like fragrance. Tall; free-flowering; fairly strong stems. Good foliage.

A well-shaped flower of attractive color which keeps well both on the plant and after being cut, but there is nothing remarkable about either the plant or bloom.

"I do not consider this variety particularly valuable, but I will say that the flowers which were shown to me at the time the name was given had a close resemblance to Kelway's Glorious, and I was much disappointed when I found that the variety did not hold up to this character, as I had felt that my name was to be associated with a variety which would bear flowers equal to Kelway's Glorious, with a strong and vigorous habit of plant."—Fewkes.

SEIRIU SOMAE. (Origin unknown.) 8.2.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Heavy, smooth guard petals of pure creamy white; center composed of long, narrow petaloids tipped with long, curly points and rough yellow edges, the whole center resembling a crumpled mass of bright, fresh excelsior; carpels pale green with white base and creamy tips; bitter fragrance. Rather tall, slender growth; free-flowering; stems lax and require support.

One of the handsomest Japanese sorts, with a peculiarly distinct center.

SERENE. (Franklin, 1921.) 8.6.

Double type; large; late. Guard petals rose-pink outside, lighter inside; center rounded, pale cream-white with a faint rose flush in the center, and fine crimson edges on a few petals; moderately fragrant. Dwarf; fairly floriferous; straight, stiff stems. Broad, curved, glossy foliage.

Fluffy flowers of globular outline and much like Jeanne d'Arc in color, although center is generally lighter.

SHAYLOR'S DREAM. (Shaylor, 1918.) 8.5.

Double type; very large; midseason. A fine, smooth, tulip-like form, in early stages palest flesh-pink, becoming white in the center; excellent fragrance. Medium tall; vigorous growth; free-blooming. Good foliage.

A fairly full flower with a crinkled hollow center, illumined with the glow from many stamens. Remarkable for its size and the elegant form of the outer petals.

"Think this variety badly overrated."—Fewkes.

SILVIA SAUNDERS. (Saunders, 1921.) 8.7.

Semi-double type; not large; extra early. Cup-shaped, bright clear rose-pink, fading lighter toward the center, which is filled with yellow stamens among which the very bright pink stigmas make a conspicuous pattern; odor not very good. Dwarf; good grower; very abundant bloomer.

Not of much value as a show bloom, but the plant is extremely effective in the garden.

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143

SNOW WHEEL. (Origin unknown.) 8.3.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Regular, cupped guards of pure white, slightly fluted at base; rather small, deep yellow center; stami-nodes shaded with golden buff; carpels pale yellow-green with rose-pink tips and kernels at base; strong, unpleasant odor. Dwarf; stocky; floriferous; stiff stems. Large, crinkled foliage.

Handsome, regular flowers, but smaller than many of its type, although the petals have remarkable substance. The center blackens very quickly in damp weather.

SOLANGE. so-lanzh'. (Lemoine, 1907.) 9.7.

Double type; large; late. Compact, globular form, opening slowly and not acquiring full development for several days; cream-white, with a suffusion of buff and pale salmon-pink; very faint, unpleasant fragrance. Medium height; moderately floriferous; stems and foliage of average quality, dark green with reddish green veins.

A favorite variety of unusual tint about which peony writers have become most enthusiastic. The form of the bud is cramped and tight and it lacks grace. Its great merit is its color. See color illustration.

"When well grown it has perfect form."—Brand.

"Well-developed flowers are often very good in form." Saunders.

"Invariably in the prize-winning classes."—Christman.

"With many it is a greater favorite than Le Cygne. In a class by itself."— Little.

"Its only fault is a somewhat defective stem."—Fewkts.

"Sometimes has tight buds and fails to open. Coloring is beautiful and distinct."—Boyd.

SOME GANOKO. (Origin unknown.) 9.0.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Broad, waved, and cupped guard petals of clear dark crimson; broad, flat center of much crinkled light buff staminodes, tinted with rose-red markings; carpels pale yellow, with a white line at the base; very fragrant. Height about 2 feet; fairly strong growth; slightly spreading; free-blooming. Foliage dark green, broad, and ruffled.

"A very beautiful flower but lacks substance."—Fewkes.

SOPS OF WINE. (Secor, 1922.) 8.2.

Double type; late. Dark red with considerable purple. Dwarf; fairly floriferous; stiff, wiry stems. Long, narrow, recurved foliage.

SOUVENIR DE A. MILLET. (Millet, 1924.) 9.0 (1 vote).*

Double type; amaranth. No other information available.

SOUVENIR DE LOUIS BIGOT. dS-loo-ee-bee-go'. (Dessert, 1913.) 9.1. Double type; large; midseason. Vivid rose-pink, brightening to

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shell-pink in the center, all petals slightly lighter at the edges; mildly fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Close to the Walter Faxon color group in that it has no trace of the mauve and old-rose shades which are characteristic of many pink varieties. It is one of the cleanest and brightest colored peonies grown.

"Possessing a shade desirable in peonies."—Christman.

"A real treasure. Its effect in the garden is nothing short of gorgeous."— Mrs. Edward Harding.

"One of the most attractive peonies I have ever seen."—Boyd.

SPLENDIDA. (Guerin, 1850.) 8.3.

Double type; very large; late. Light old-rose-pink becoming almost white with age; very strong, pleasant fragrance. Tall; floriferous; stiff stems. Good foliage.

Notable for its fragrance, great size, and unusually agreeable perfume. Valuable for garden decoration.

"With me it holds its color very well and makes a beautiful isolated plant on the lawn."—Fcwkes.

STANDARD BEARER. (Hollis, 1906.) 8.5.

Double type; large; early. Dark old-rose, overlaid with a bluish sheen of opaque, glistening quality; strong, agreeable fragrance. Dwarf; floriferous; stout stems. Good foliage.

A dependable variety of the M. Jules Elie and Mme. Ducel type, similar to many of the opaque, violet-pink varieties but surpassing them in finish and stiffness of stems.

"Much like Mme. Ducel. Very dwarf and very early."—Boyd.

STANLEY. (Crousse, 1879.) 8.0.

Double type; very large; midseason. Light old-rose-pink, with silvery tips and dark flecks on central petals; not fragrant. Tall; free flowering; good stems and foliage.

STEPHANIE. stS-fa-nee'. (Terry, 1891.) 8.0.

Double type; very large; midseason. Gigantic outer petals with a jagged edge; pale pink, flushed with rose-pink, and shading to rosy white in the center of the flower, fading almost white with age; it develops a large, flat crown of giant petals, surrounding a wild-rose center of many long stamens and rudimentary carpels with crimson tips. Tall; upright growth; free-blooming. Good foliage.

An enormous, shaggy flower of great beauty, although lacking any claim to regularity or neat finish. .

STRASSBURG. (Goos & Koenemann, 1911.) 8.4.

Double type; very large; midseason. Giant outer petals forming a hollow-centered flower of fine form and great size; pale old-rose or lavender-pink, illumined by yellow stamens in the center of the flower

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and a pale yellow base to most of the petals; unpleasant odor. Tall; strong growth; fairly floriferous; strong stems. Foliage broad.

An effective flower for shows. Quite coarse, both in makeup and in habit of growth.

SULLY PRUDHOMME. su-lee-pru-dum'. (Crousse, 1898.) 8.2.

Double type; large; midseason. A broad, flat flower of light flesh-pink, paling toward the center, which is surrounded by a circle of red-edged petals; a fine fluffy flower of lacy texture; faintly fragrant. Medium height; erect; fairly floriferous. Fair foliage.

A very elegant and delicate bloom of especially fine texture. The stems are not all strong enough to support the blooms, and the foliage is frequently bad.

SUNBEAM. (Hollis, 1906.) 8.3

Japanese type; medium size; midseason. Pale old-rose-pink fading to bluish white, center canary-yellow fading to cream-white; odor unpleasant. Medium height; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

A flatfish loose flower of poor quality, not popular and undoubtedly much overrated.

"Rated much too high."—Little.

SUZETTE. soo-zgt'. (Dessert, 1911.) 8.2.

Double type; large; midseason. Clear rose-pink, with deeper old-rose in center of petals, brightened by yellow reflections from numerous stamens; mildly fragrant. Medium height; extremely floriferous; stiff stems. Good foliage.

An attractive, loose, fluffy sort of bright color and profuse blooming quality. Valued for garden decoration.

"Rather coarse, but effective." Saunders.

"I like it well."—Mrs. Edward Harding.

SYLVIANE. sfl-vyan'. (Lemoine, 1924.) 8.7 (1 vote).*

Anemone type; large; midseason. Broad white guard petals, sometimes marked crimson on outside, and smaller pale canary-yellow petals in the center, lighter at the tips when first opening, and fading to pure white.

The introducer calls it "rose," that is, double type, but the flowers observed were certainly not; however, the carpels seemed inclined to "feather" or develop as petals, and possibly well-grown specimens would show true double form. Crimson lines are frequent in the center, but some flowers lack them.

TAMATE-BOKU. (Origin unknown.) 9.4.

Japanese type; very large; midseason. Enormous, cupped petals of dark old-rose-pink; center composed of very long, thread-like stami-nodes yellow at the base, with rose-pink, flat, crinkled tips tinted bufF and yellow at the edges; downy pale green carpels with vivid pink line at the base and striking rose-red tips; faintly fragrant. Medium height;

plate XXI. Solange

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MANUAL OF THE AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY

strong, pyramidal habit; fairly free-flowering; strong stems. Leathery leaves.

Generally considered the finest Japanese peony. Superior to Tokio in greater size and richer quality of bloom. Mr. Franklin B. Mead, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., advises that a Japanese correspondent states the correct name of this variety is Tamate-boku although it has been known as Tomatbako

"Blooms on every stem."—Little.

T.B.TERRY. (Pleas., 1911) 8.3.

Much overrated. Suppressed by vote of the Directors.

THE BRIDE. (Dessert, 1902.) 8.4.

Single type; large; early. Pure white, saucer-like blooms with long petals rounded at the ends and a center of long yellow stamens and greenish carpels, white at base and tips. Medium height; very prolific; stems weak. Foliage large.

One of the most popular white single peonies. It would be a better decorative plant if the stems were stronger. Conceded to be identical with La Fiancee. This was formerly catalogued as Albiflora, The Bride, but Albiflora is used now to designate the species only.

THE GEM. (Pleas, 1909.) 8.0.

Double type; small; midseason. Dark crimson, ball-like blooms; not noticeably fragrant. Tall; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

Excellent when it is good, but the plants require age and good cultivation to produce satisfactory flowers.

THE JEWEL. (Pleas.) 8.7.

Considered the same as Opal, which see.

THE QUEEN. (Kelway, 1902.) 8.3.

Single type; medium size; midseason. Horizontal white petals widest at tips, flushed a little with pink, surrounding a small'center of short golden yellow stamens and green carpels with waxy, pink tips; fragrance poor.

"Rated on only 3 votes. Flushed with pink on first opening. Medium tall, floriferous, spreading habit. Not as good as The Bride. Interesting because it is said to be the parent of most of the Pleas peonies."—Little.

THERESE. tay-rayz'. (Dessert, 1904.) 9.8.

Double type; very large; midseason. Enormous, long petals of pale, translucent, old-rose-pink, paling toward the base and illumined by a golden yellow glow in the depths; not particularly fragrant. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Heavy foliage.

Truly splendid in form, texture, and color. It is supreme for exhibition but well-developed flowers are too heavy for the stems outdoors, particularly in wet weather.

"The flowers fade quickly in bright sunlight."—Fewkes.

THOMAS C.THURLOW. (Thurlow, 1919.) 9.1.

Double type; large; midseason. Wide, cupped guard-petals of light flesh-pink paling to cream-white; collar composed of narrow petals of

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same color bearing anthers on their sides mixed with a few light yellow petaloids; crown broad and funnel-like, with a cupped center full of yellowish petaloids surrounded by a band of broader petals lightly edged with red; rich, spicy perfume. Medium height; floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A good flower but would be better if the collar were not so ragged; possibly it requires well-established plants to produce blooms of best form.

TOKIO. (Origin unknown.) 8.9.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Cupped, waving guard-petals of dull rose-pink; center composed of large, loose staminodes, narrow at the base with wide tips tinted pale yellow and stained pink on the upper half, with buff edges; carpels green, white at the base, with pale pink tips; bitter medicinal odor. Very tall; vigorous; fairly floriferous; strong, stiff stems. Dark, broad foliage.

An excellent variety, very similar to, but undoubtedly inferior to Tamate-bpku, from which it is distinguished by taller growth, slightly lighter color, and pinkish carpels.

TORO-NO-MAKI. (Origin uncertain.) 9.0.

Japanese type; very large; midseason. Long, undulated guard-petals of pale blush-white, fading to pure white; center composed of whitish staminodes edged and suffused yellow at the tips; carpels pale green, with pink and yellow tips and a creamy base; slightly fragrant. Medium height; good growth; fairly floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

A handsome variety which occasionally varies to anemone form by all staminodes changing to narrow, pure white petals. "Introduced by B. H. Farr."—Fewkes.

TORPILLETJR. tor-pee-yer'. (Dessert, 1913.) 8.0.

Japanese type; large; midseason. Deep rose-red or light crimson guards, held horizontally around a large cluster of staminodes of the same color tipped pink and yellow; pale green carpels with red tips and a pink base; slightly fragrant. Medium height; strong growth; floriferous. Excellent foliage.

Frequently "feathers" in the center. A very distinct variety, particularly in the way the guard petals are arranged.

TOURANGELLE. too-ra»-zhel'. (Dessert, 1910.) 9.4.

Double type; large; late. A compact, almost bomb-like flower of many irregularly disposed petals; pale cream-white with a tan suffusion in the depths, toning to flesh-pink in the center; mild, pleasant fragrance. Medium height; floriferous; bending stems. Rather small foliage.

A handsome, very richly colored flower which requires time to develop to its best form. Needs support if used for decoration in the garden.

"The color might better be described as a pale apple-blossom-pink. At its best Tourangelle is one of the most beautiful of all peonies." Saunders.

"Not a very strong grower. Stems inclined to be weak."—Boyd.

"There is probably no peony with greater refinement and delicacy."—Engle.

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TRAGEDY. (Hollis, 1909.) 8.0.

Double type; medium size; midseason. Globular form, dark glowing crimson; not fragrant. Tall; free-flowering; erect stems. Good foliage.

Not well known and listed by few growers; probably over-rated.

"This is really a worth-while variety, the color being quite distinct, verging on amaranth."—Fetokes,

VENUS. (Kelway, 1888.) 8.3.

Double type; large; midseason. Large, cupped guards and conical center with an incurved narrow collar of notched petals, pale, old-rose-pink with a decided lavender tone, especially in the center; pleasing fragrance. Tall, free-blooming, with good stems and broad, light foliage.

A very distinct variety. Good for both garden decoration and cutting.

"Very tall. I should call the color light rose-pink. The flower is distinguished by its very high form."—Saunders.

"Ideal cut-flower. Strong grower."—Boyd.

VERA. (Gumm, 1923.) 8.8 (7 votes).*

Single type; large; early midseason. Undulated and cupped guards of very dark maroon-crimson with a silky sheen; small, compact center of clear golden stamens, with yellowish carpels tipped bright red; fair fragrance. Medium tall; erect.

VICTOIRE DE LA MARNE. veek-twSr-de-la-marn'. (Dessert, 1915.) 8.2.

Double type; very large; midseason. Purplish red, with lighter edges; decidedly unpleasant odor. Medium height; floriferous; good stems and foliage.

A very striking, loosely formed flower of intense but not especially decorative color in the garden.

"A vile color but wonderful size."—Saunders.

"To me the color of this flower is decidedly sour."—Fewkes.

VICTORY CHATEAU THIERRY. (Brand, 1925.) 8.9 (6 votes).*

Double type; very large; midseason. Bright clear pink; fragrant. Strong, erect stems; rather dwarf.

WALTER FAXON. (Richardson, 1904.) 9.3.

Double type; medium size; midseason. Vivid shell-pink of a luminous intensity unique in peonies, which fades with age; mildly fragrant. Medium height; fairly floriferous; good stems and foliage.

A fairly good flower of value for its striking color. If Raoul Dessert and Souvenir de Louis Bigot are arranged beside it, Faxon is clearly the brightest and finest. In other respects it is merely average. See color illustration.

"Fades quickly in sunlight."—Saunders.

"Its color makes it an outstanding variety."—Christman.

"Walter Faxon is the most distinct and outstanding pink variety when well

DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CHINESE PEONIES

149

grown and used as a cut-flower for show purposes. As a garden flower it lacks substance, fags in the sun, and is disappointing."—Little.

"The plant needs age, good cultivation, and disbudding to bring it to its best. It is then superb and stands the hot sun quite as well as the majority of varieties."—Fewkes.

WATER LILY. 8.2.

Same as Marie Jacquin, which see.

WENONAH. (Franklin, 1920.) 8.6 (1 vote).*

Double type; large. The loose flowers are dark pink, tipped and edged with white; yellow stamens prominent throughout flower.

Information taken from introducer's description.

W. F. CHRISTMAN. (Franklin, 1921.) 8.8.

Double type; large; midseason. Large outer petals of blush-white, shaded with pink, especially on the outside, cupped, waved and held horizontally; center petals narrower and incurved at first, opening to a true rose form with small petals deep in the heart; the whole bloom flesh-white, suffused with faint rose-pink, a few petals edged with crimson; rose-like fragrance. Medium height; upright growth; free-flowering. Excellent foliage.

A peony of almost typical globular form, but developing the true rose-form characteristic as it opens. Scarcely distinct enough to be greatly desirable, but undoubtedly an excellent sort.

WHITE LADY. (Kelway, 1900.) 9.0.

Japanese type; large; late midseason. White, undulated and cupped petals, surrounding a large center of yellow staminodes with rough edges, and pale green carpels yellow at base and tipped with orange; not fragrant. Dwarf; floriferous; stiff stems. Good foliage.

"The cupped form of the guard petals is a very noticeable characteristic of this variety."—Christman.

WHITE SWAN. (Pleas, 1913.) 8.5.

Single type; white. Not yet in general commerce. No additional information available.

WHITLEYI MAJOR. (Origin unknown.) 8.5

Single type. Blush. No other information available.

WIESBADEN. (Goos & Koenemann, 1911.) 8.2.

Double type; large; late midseason. Clear flesh-pink, paling to white.

Evidently very scarce and listed by few dealers. Only very meager descrip tion available.

WILBUR WRIGHT. (Kelway, 1909.) 8.0.

Single type; medium size; midseason. Dark crimson-maroon with attractive center of yellow stamens; odor slightly unpleasant. Medium tall; stems upright. Medium green foliage.

"Described as a single but really has two or three rows of guard petals. Good landscape variety; does not burn in the sun."—Little.

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MANUAL OF THE AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY

WILD ROSE. (Kelway.) 8.5.

Single type; large; midseason. Long, smooth white petals, powdered thickly with tiny rose-pink dots, giving a pale pink effect; small cluster of yellow stamens in center; carpels crimson; slightly fragrant. Vigorous; very floriferous; strong stems. Good foliage.

Interesting because of the color but its general appearance is not unusual. It is generally known as Kelway's Wild Rose.

WILLIAM F. TURNER. (Shaylor, 1916.) 8.4.

Double type; large; early midseason. Very dark crimson petals with a blackish sheen mingled with yellow stamens; not fragrant. Tall; free-flowering; strong stems. Dark foliage.

A loose, big-petaled flower of value for garden decoration because of the excellent habit of the plant.

"Blooms early and lasts well without burning."—Little. "Erect, tall, strong grower."—Boyd.

WILTON LOCKWOOD. (Shaylor, 1915.) 8.8.

Double type; very large; midseason. Enormous light rose-pink outer petals, opening cupped but relaxing with age, showing a long, incurved center marked with prominent red splashes and edges; mildly fragrant. Tall; strong grower; floriferous. Good foliage.

A very loosely formed flower of delicate color, illumined throughout by the bright yellow glow from the buried stamens.

"Very tall; strong growth; free-blooming; broad foliage."—Little. "Tall; strong growth; free-blooming; good foliage."—Thurlow.

WINNIFRED DOMME. (Brand, 1913.) 8.3.

Double type; small; midseason. Guards narrow and widely separated from the center, which is high built and incurved, dark maroon-red throughout; greenish carpels in center tipped red, with pink kernels at base; not fragrant. Floriferous. Foliage narrow, dark and glossy.

Flower not so dark as Mrs. John M. Lewis or M. Martin Cahuzac. Rather a well-shaped bloom, as a rule, but slightly rough and unfinished in appearance.

"Very distinct color."—Fewkes.

"Bloom of medium size with rounded guard petals that reflex from the globular center of loose, incurved petals. Color intense bright red. . . . Plant medium dwarf, with erect stems and rich, medium green foliage. A desirable landscape variety."—Little.

WINNIKENNI. (Thurlow, 1915.) 8.0.

Double type; medium size. Very late. Very full, rose-pink flowers on strong stems. Sometimes has tight buds.

"Rated much too high."—Little.

follows: [FAVORED PEONIES IN AMERICA ]