Monrovia introduces new Peonies
14 Apr, 2011 LDB Solutions |
| Takara |
Monrovia’s new Itoh Peonies are named for Toichi Itoh who first successfully crossed a tree Peony with an herbaceous or garden Peony. The resulting hybrid features the colorful and exotic flowers of tree Peonies, with the perennial growing cycle of herbaceous Peonies. Also known as intersectional hybrids, Itoh Peonies tend to resemble tree varieties, with a domed, vigorous growth habit and large double flowers with disease-resistant lacy, dark green foliage. Once established, they have an extended blooming period, with as many as 50 blooms in a single season due to their ability to produce primary and secondary buds. They offer an increased color range, greater vigor and excellent resistance to Peony blight (botrytis paeoniae), according to Monrovia.
The latest varieties include Keiko and Yumi, which were introduced last year; and Takara and Misaka, which will arrive in time for Mother’s Day.
Takara has large flowers, up to 6 in. across, in an changing blend of colors. When opening, the blooms appear mostly pink, but are actually light yellow and flushed with deep lavender pink. As flowers mature, the pink and yellow fade to pale white, tinged with pink, with a large dark burgundy flare in the center. Blooms appear early May through end of June. It has finely cut, dark green foliage and a rounded form to 3 ft. tall and wide.
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| Misaka |
Misaka features large flowers that appear orange when first opening, fading to a peachy-yellow in full sun. Large contrasting dark-red central flares are prominent. Its heavy flowering is due to its higher than average number of secondary buds. This new cultivar has a vigorous growth habit with narrow finely cut foliage that the company says is disease resistant.
Keiko was introduced last year as 'Pink Double Dandy.' Its large, semi-double to double flowers measure up to 6 in. and are held on strong stems above a compact mound that is 24 to 30 in. tall and wide. As the flower matures, the dark lavender-pink petals fade to a soft pink, revealing a cluster of yellow stamens in its center. The flower is lightly fragrant.
Yumi was introduced last year as 'Yellow Doodle Dandy.' Its large, double flower, measures 7 to 8 in.. The flowers have masses of clear yellow petals with a light fragrance. Blooms are held on strong stems just above a compact mound of dark-green foliage.
Photos by Doreen Wynja.
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