Peony Bloom Types
Six bloom forms are generally distinguished in cultivars of herbaceous peonies.
W
hen people are asked what their favorite spring flower is, many mention the peony. With romantic,
fluffy, tissue-like petals, peonies can fill a room with an unforgettable soft and sweet fragrance.
e American Peony Society lists more than 7,000 varieties in its "Peony Registry," and new
varieties are being introduced all the time. With names like 'Bowl of Beauty', 'Raspberry Sundae'
and 'Pink Hawaiian Coral', cut peonies are a welcome additions in flower shops from about March through early
September. Yes, September!—thanks to the burgeoning peony growing industry in Alaska, which, because of its "late"
growing season and long hours of daylight during the summer, has extended the availability of cut peonies beyond
June, producing spectacular blossoms in July, August and even into September. (See "e Rise of Alaska Peonies" on
the following page.) Peonies are also available from growers in New Zealand in November and December—if you're
willing to pay the price!
• Single Flowered:
One row or two rows
of broad petals, with
yellow centers;
stamens and
carpels visible
(e.g., 'Claire de Lune'
and 'Flame')
• Semi-double
Flowered: One row or
two rows of broad petals
encircling a center of
smaller petals and large
area of stamens
(e.g., 'Coral Charm' and
'Red Red Rose')
• Double Flowered:
Many broad petals
only, including those
that likely are altered
stamens and carpels
(e.g., 'Festiva Maxima'
and 'Elsa Sass')
• Bomb Flowered:
A single row of broad
petals encircling a dense
"pom-pom" center of
narrower petals; stamens
not visible (e.g., 'Red
Charm' and 'Mr. Ed')
• Japanese Flowered:
One row or two rows of
broad petals encircling
somewhat broadened
staminodes; may carry
pollen along the edges;
carpels visible
(e.g., 'Walter Mains')
• Anemone Flowered:
One row or two rows of
broad petals encircling
narrow incurved petal-
like staminodes; fertile
stamens absent;
carpels visible
(e.g., 'Bowl of Beauty')
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