The Bulletin and Nia and Public Interest Therein

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The AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY Bulletin

Spring 2021; No. 397

Photo courtesy Nick Maycher Anticipation... THE AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP & THE APS BULLETIN (APS) is a nonprofit horticultural orga- Dues are paid for the calendar year. nization incorporated as a member- Dues received before August 25 are re- ship corporation under the laws of the corded for the current year and mem- State of Missouri. APS is organized ex- bers will be sent all four issues of The clusively for educational and scientific Bulletin for that year (while supplies purposes, and especially to promote, last). Dues received between August encourage and foster the development 25 and November 25 will receive the and improvement of the genus Paeo- December issue of The Bulletin and nia and public interest therein. These all issues for the following year. Mem- purposes are expressly limited so that berships received after November 25 APS qualifies as an exempt organi- will be recorded for the following year. zation under section 501(c)(5) of the Online reading is available for the five Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the most current Bulletin issues. Those corresponding provision of any future with online-only membership will not Internal Revenue law. Donors may not receive printed Bulletins. Membership deduct contributions to APS. information and an online registration Opinions expressed by contributors to form are available on the APS website. this publication are solely those of the Individual memberships are for one individual writers and do not necessar- or two persons at the same address, ily reflect the opinions of the APS Edi- receiving one copy of The Bulletin. tor, Officers, or Board of Directors. Commercial memberships are for one business and one or two persons at APS publishes paid advertisements as the same address. Refunds are avail- a service to its members, but cannot be able only to Institutional members for responsible for the quality of merchan- unmailed issues. All memberships are dise or services from these advertisers. non-transferable. Please notify APS promptly of address changes. Missed ISSN 0003-0384 issues must be claimed within one ©AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY year. APS is not responsible for undeliv- All Rights Reserved erable mailing addresses.

In compliance with the US Copyright CONTACT INFORMATION Act for Serials, the rights to all APS’ pub- American Peony Society lished material (including advertise- 5559 NW Barry Road #159 ments, artwork, and photos) remains Kansas City, MO 64154-1408 with the author and may be reprinted only with the author’s permission. Ex- www.americanpeonysociety.org empted materials, created expressly General Correspondence: for APS by Staff, Directors or Commit- [email protected] tees, or at their request, are protected under APS copyright. APS Editor: [email protected] The American Peony Society Bulletin©

Spring 2021 Issue No. 397

COLUMNS Science Segues President’s Message 4 A Few Links to Global Paeonia Bulletin Board 5-6 Research

Jim Sampson DEPARTMENTS Page 12-13 Nomenclature 8-11

SOCIETY NEWS & Art and Hybridization ANNOUNCEMENTS A Perfect Complement Gold Medal Award Form 7 Updated Membership Form 7-18 François-Léo Tremblay Membership Awards Article 27-28 Page 14-16

REGIONAL NEWS Minnesota Peony Society 37 Living Life in Full Bloom An Invitation to Joy and Beauty Wisconsin Peony Society 38

Nick Maycher The Language of Peonies Page 20-26

Plumule – Page 19 Conservatoire de la Pivoine at the Château de Sourches

Bénédicte de Foucaud Page 29-36

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY IN SPRING, SUMMER, AUTUMN, AND WINTER President’s Message Spring 2021 Nate Bremer, APS President and Director – Reedsville, Wisconsin

The past year was a difficult one for many people around the world and I hope the pandemic sit- uation sees improvement for all – especially peony lovers who would like to partake in related social activities! Personally, Kim and I have isolated ourselves on our little farm for much of the period, which is not much out of the norm. We feel blessed to have remained healthy and been able to carry out our social lives via online services, but are very much looking forward to some face-to- face time! APS volunteers have been busy planning, up- dating and performing many activities for members this coming year. Most of their actions go unnoticed, but support all of us through greater available information, social interaction, activity options and program updates. Daily activities including subscrip- tion updates, financial monitoring/book keeping and peony registration work are carried out by APS volunteers without fanfare. I’m thankful for their dedication, which impacts our members so positively. If you are able to give a “Thank You for your Service” to any of our volunteers during an interaction, it would mean a great deal to them. Peony shopping season has also arrived – Yeah! With the arrival of January many commercial members have updated their catalogs online and this is the time of year to procure that “most wanted” peony for your garden. I look forward to visiting the websites to find ‘gems’ which may be wonderful additions to my collection, but also to take in the visual bounty of the new images. No matter whether you intend to purchase or are a window shopper this is a great time of year to go looking. APS has excellent peony vendors who know their trade and I encourage anyone interested in peonies to patronize our loyal supporting Commercial Mem- bers. Vendors may be found on the APS website under the Resources link listings. With spring just around the corner (I know it’s the beginning of winter) I’m looking forward to the many peony related activities of the season. Viewing emerging plants, photography, experiencing fragrant cut flowers in the house and the possibility of a convention are high on my list of foreseeable enjoyments. I wish all my peony friends be blessed with similar outlooks and a happy, healthy 2021. Nate Bremer APS

397-4 Bulletin Board 1) APS longtime Certified Public Accountant and former Treasurer has retired from many years of volunteer service to the Society. We thank Sandra Loos for her quality service involving tax prepa- ration, auditing and advice. APS wishes her a healthy and happy retirement and hope she continues to enjoy peonies! Due to Sandra’s retirement APS is now seeking another CPA to work with our current treasurer preparing taxes. If any member has the de- sire, capabilities and availability, or knows of another possibility, please contact Kris Jurik at [email protected]; or Nate Bremer at [email protected] .

2) 2021 Annual Convention details are planned, but continued Covid-19 Pandemic issues are impacting final decisions. APS is concerned for the health and well-being of our members who would like to attend. Possible Pandemic influences upon the convention will be considered by the Board of Directors for the next month as more information comes available. As more is known we will post this information on the APS website and inform membership via email and APS Social Media channels. Thank you for your patience during this period of uncertainty.

3) Each year a number of Board of Director positions become open, as is the case in 2021. APS Members may nominate persons to represent the society by contacting Cory Tischman, APS Nomi- nations Chair at: [email protected]. Participation at the Directorship level helps APS to make important decisions and plans for membership and is encouraged to bring diverse points of view. Directors are elected by the general membership prior to adjournment of the Annual General Membership Meeting, held during the Annual Convention. All nominations must be received by the Nominations Chair by March 1, 2021 for review. Further information about Director duties may be found through the Mem- ber Portal at: https://americanpeonysociety.org/member-portal/ bulletin-board/directorship/

4) Read the Bulletin online! The Bulletin is available to all Members to read online through the Member Portal. Starting with the Fall 2020 issue, the 5 latest quarters will be available through an on- b

397-5 line reader, placing APS content at your fingertips whenever you like! https://americanpeonysociety.org/member-portal/pages/ the-bulletin-online/

5) Changes and evolution… Much “behind the scenes” work is being done to address our changing and evolving culture, and the way we process information. The Bulletin, Mentorship Program, Con- vention Planning, Seed Program, Science related activities, website, peony registrations and numerous other initiatives are ser- viced by unpaid volunteers who donate their time and skills to the Society. Significant change has occurred in the past several years and APS Directors and Leaders appreciate your patience, goodwill and input! If you’d like to be a part of this evolution please contact an APS Leader – they’d be glad to hear from you!

6) APS online membership renewal experienced some difficulties this year due to an update which did not work as planned. We appreciate the patience of our members as we worked through se- curing memberships.

7) A few Members noted the Winter 2020 edition of the Bulletin were missing a series of pages. This was due to a processing error at the printer. If your Bulletin was incomplete, please contact the Editor at: [email protected] and we’ll send a complete copy to you.

Editor’s Correction/Note

In the last issue of the Bulletin (Winter 2020; No. 396). The article “Appreciating Molecular Genomics” photo credits were omitted for the images “Garden Treasure metaphase” and “Phylogeny of the Section Paeonia”. These supporting images were where gracious- ly supplied by longtime APS member Donald Smith and should be credited to him. Further details concerning these images and related content, may be found in a number of research presentations prepared by Donald Smith which may be found at: https://amer icanpeonysociety.org/member-portal/other-categories/hybridiz ing-and-scientific/.

397-6 American Peony Society Gold Medal Nominee Submission

Each year the American Peony Society selects an exceptional peony for the Gold Medal. The award serves to honor the selected peony cultivar and at the same time is a recommendation to the public. APS is asking members to submit nominations, of up to three cultivars, which they believe may make an exceptional peony for others to grow. Please consider the following as you make nominations: 1) You must be a current member to submit a nomination 2) Nominated peonies must be listed in the American Peony Society Reg- istry for consideration; https://americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry/ 3) Peonies should reasonably fulfill the five “Observable Considerations” found within the APS’ Gold Medal Peony Information & Procedures document. This document may be found at:https://americanpeo nysociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/American-Peony-Soci ety-Gold-Medal-R4.pdf Submit your nominations online through the APS Member Portal>Con- tribute>Polls and Surveys>Gold Medal Nominations; no later than May 1, 2021 at: https://americanpeonysociety.org/member-portal/pages/contrib ute/polls-and-surveys/#gold-medal-nominations OR Fill out the following form and submit to the APS Awards Chair no later than May 1, 2021 via email: [email protected].

Cultivar Name as Listed in APS Peony Registry 1)

397-7 NOMENCLATURE Reiner Jakubowski, APS Registrar — Waterloo, Ontario, Canada The American Peony Society serves as the International Cultivar Registration Au- thority for Peonies and follows the rules set forth by the International Code of No- menclature for Cultivated Plants in the registration of new varieties.

Photographs and full descriptions can be found in the official PeonyRegistry, main- tained on the American Peony Society Website at americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry.

APS publishes a separate, Annual Registry Directory with parentage, full descriptions and photos, which will be mailed to all current members in late December. 'Castlegar' (Itoh Group) — Reiner Jakubowski, Waterloo, ON, Canada. 'Blue Beauty' (Lactiflora Group) — Zhiyang Liu, Wanjie Men, and Xi Chen, Harbin Academy of Agricultural Science, Heilongjiang Province, China. 'Purple Beauty' (Lactiflora Group) — Zhiyang Liu, Wanjie Men, and Xi Chen, Harbin Academy of Agricultural Science, Heilongjiang Province, China. 'Bashful Queen' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Blonde' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Circle' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Crinkle' (Lactiflora Group) — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Delight' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Glow' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Halo' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Linen' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Love' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA.

397-8 'Wonderous Mauve' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Meeting' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Paper' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Portrait' (Lactiflora Group) — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Scrunch' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous Secret' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Wonderous White' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Tonka Fuchsia' (Itoh Group) — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Tonka Fusion' (Itoh Group) — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, How- ard Lake, MN, USA. 'Tonka Mulberry' (Itoh Group) — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Tonka Purple' (Itoh Group) — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, How- ard Lake, MN, USA. 'Tonka White' (Itoh Group) — Roger F. Anderson / Swenson Gardens, How- ard Lake, MN, USA. 'Nikita' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Ruud Warmerdam, Oude Wetering, The Netherlands. 'Dezhong' (Lutea Hybrid) — Franklin and Angela Chow, Centre Hall, PA, USA. 'Yuying' (Lutea Hybrid) — Franklin and Angela Chow, Centre Hall, PA, USA. 'Green Monster' (Lactiflora Group) — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Beauty' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Blush' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA.

397-9 'Majestic Carpet' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Center' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Charm' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Height' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Illusion' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Jazz' (Lactiflora Group) — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Lavender' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Love' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Romantic' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Sunlight' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Sweetness' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Throne' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Treat' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic White' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Worship' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Majestic Yellow' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Roger’s Pink' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Swenson Gardens, Howard Lake, MN, USA. 'Zlatičko' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — William Seidl, Manitowoc, WI, USA / Dick Westland, Zeewolde, The Netherlands.

397-10 'Big Sombrero' (Lutea Hybrid) — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Cloud Atlas' (Lutea Hybrid) — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Desiderata' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Diamond Dust' (Suffruticosa Group) — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Echoes of Love' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Northwind Maiden' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — William Seidl, Manitowoc, WI / Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Pan' (Lutea Hybrid) — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Rainbow Bridge' (Lutea Hybrid) — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Selene' (Lutea Hybrid) — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Sun Devil' (Lutea Hybrid) — Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Valkyrie' [Herbaceous Hybrid] — William Seidl, Manitowoc, WI / Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Wave Spectrum' (Suffruticosa Group) — William Seidl, Manitowoc, WI / Nate Bremer, Reedsville, WI, USA. 'Ling Bo Zui' (Lactiflora Group) — Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing, LI Bing-ling, and Gao Jian-zhou, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Xiao Chun Feng' (Lactiflora Group) — Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing, LI Bing-ling, and Gao Jian-zhou, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Fen Lan Ju Yun' (Lactiflora Group) — Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing, LI Bing-ling, and Gao Jian-zhou, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Huan Yan' (Lactiflora Group) — Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing, LI Bing-ling, and Gao Jian-zhou, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Xiao Ye' (Lactiflora Group) — Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing, LI Bing-ling, and Gao Jian-zhou, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Ran Fang Sai' (Lactiflora Group) — Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing, LI Bing-ling, and Gao Jian-zhou, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Yang Wang Xing Kong' (Lactiflora Group) — Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing, LI Bing-ling, and Gao Jian-zhou, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Dou Kou' (Lactiflora Group) — Gao Jian-zhou, Liu Yan, Liu Ai-qing and Li Bing-ling, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Fen Lan Jiao Wa' (Lactiflora Group) — Li Bing-ling, Liu Yan, Gao Jian-zhou, and Liu Ai-qing, Beijing Forestry University, Haidian District, Beijing, China. 'Maleah’s Joy' (Suffruticosa Group) — Sam Finazzo, Hillsdale, WI, USA.

397-11 A Few Links to Global Paeonia Research “. . . one flew East, one flew West, one flew . . .”

Jim Sampson, Rarity Gardens - Mt. Hood, Oregon

Four articles for your continuing education, all available free online.

1. Tobacco Rattle Virus in 2. Germplasm Resources and Peonies: A Reference Guide Genetic Breeding of Paeonia: A for Cut Flower and Rootstock Systematic Review Producers by Y. Yang, Sun, M., Li, S. et al. Hortic by A. Garfinkel et al. Washington Res 7, 107 (2020). State University Extension. 2017; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41438- FS284e (1-10) 020-0332-2 http://pubs.cahnrs.wsu.edu/ publications/wp-content/ This is a superb July 2020 article uploads/sites/2/publications/ in Nature which is exceptionally fs284e.pdf comprehensive in history, geog- raphy, taxonomy, hybridization, This is an extension publication genetic research and molecular from our Puyallup, WA horticul- breeding resources etc. for Pae- tural disease gurus, Andrea Gar- onia, Past, Present, & Future. It finkel and Gary Chastagner and is worthy of being downloaded their Alaska DNR and U of Alaska and printed off for everyone’s collaborators Todd Steinlage and peony reference bookshelf. The Janice Chumley. This complete bibliography of 222 references treatment of TRV as pertinent to makes it the ultimate portal to Paeonia is a must read for its cov- an infinite rabbit hole of digital erage of pathology, symptoms, resources from which one might vectors, alternate hosts, sanita- never return and a perfect start- tion, testing, and lab resources. ing point for either the neophyte The many excellent photographs or continuing state-of-the-art include expressed symptoms of- professional paeonist. ten overlooked by growers.

‘Duchesse de Nemours’ after frost; not much can be done about the unsightly unsightly leaf distortion. Disease may set in.

397-12 3. Structure of Coenopopula- 4. Chemical Mechanism of tions and Phytocoenotic Con- Flower Color Microvariation in finement of Paeonia tenuifolia Paeonia with Yellow Flowers L. in Floristic Complexes of by Y. Yong et al. Horticultural Plant Oka-Don Lowlands Journal, 6(3): 179-190 (2020) by M.A. Zanina M.A and Smirnova https://www.sciencedirect. E.B. Plant Science Today, 7(4): 663- com/science/article/pii/ 668 (2020). S246801412030039X?via%3Di https://horizonepublishing. hub com/journals/index.php/PST/ article/view/978/524 Cartoon hero Super Chicken regularly admonished his sidekick, Paeonia tenuifolia is native to “You knew the job was danger- the Ukraine, Balkan peninsula, ous when you took it, Fred!” Transcaucasia, Asia Minor and Fully appreciating the massive Eurasian steppes and is listed as scope and detail of this research “2b Threatened”. It suffers hab- isn’t remotely likely for most itat loss to agriculture, fire, and of us. However, it’s still worth harvesting of flower bouquets struggling through for its assay and roots for medical and land- of 29 flavonoids and their unique scape use. These authors have combinations and concentra- investigated the companion spe- tions in 13 yellow flowered species and ontogenetic spectra of cies and cultivars (three species, two small remnant populations four herbaceous, three lutea hy- of P. tenuifolia L. within the Ka- brid tree and three intersection- lininsky district, Saratov region, als). Read the discussion and Russia. Enumerations within abstract, scan the photos, charts nine maturation stages revealed and references. Plan your newly a regeneratively capable replace- informed hybrid crosses. ment population. Fifty-seven forb-feathergrass-fescue steppe species associated with the peonies were ranked and tabulated.

397-13 A Perfect Complement François-Léo Tremblay - Chicoutimi, Quebec

Everyone appreciates peonies what we call “doing art” or the for their diverse and engaging “art process”. It was very natural forms, their shimmering colors for me to build up a database, and spellbinding fragrance, and and identify elements that allow their unforgettable liveliness. me to assemble all components; The peonies we give as a legacy exactly like a painter prepares to future generations are mar- his color palette. I am looking for vels to behold throughout time. that complexity when I am doing The aesthetic aspects of peonies art, so it is normal for me to re- are, without challenge, the per- produce this approach in order fect definition of beauty. All our to create new peonies. senses are directly engaged, and they seduce us immediately with There are many components in all their attributes. my hybridization process:

Today, I want to write about cre- Defining a Clear Objective: ation versus hybridization. I have When I began doing hybrid- always considered my hybrid ization (some 20 years ago), I efforts as pure gestures of cre- wanted to get an orange peony, ation. It is the same as when I am without really worrying about painting: hybridizing is living art the perfect shape. Of course, my with all its complexity, demand- objectives changed with time ing both technical and creative and experience, encouraging skills. Of course, you also need me to focus more. Now, I try to lots of patience to get the ulti- worry more about the shape of mate result. the peony, either a half-double or a double, with rarer colors. I If I make this comparison, it’s know many people who are do- because I consider the approach ing hybridization throughout the for an artwork and the one for world get results just as good, hybridization to be similar. The but I imagine the process is dif- goals are well defined, the meth- ferent for everyone. ods are precise, and the process is complex; all this belongs to

397-14 'La Mutante,' a yellow herbaceous hybrid. The first three weeks of bloom, the foliage is yellow with intense colored tips. Spots of dark green then appear, followed by a fad- ing of the yellow to creamy white.

Determining Methods: about crosses in order to under- To obtain a rare orange color, I stand whether the flower is pol- had to choose the genetic back- len or pod fertile or both. (see ground in order to get it; thus, I the “Carsten Burkhardt’s Web bought all the yellow peonies. Project Paeonia” site, which is That was only the start as I very well done.) needed to collect complex in- Of course, other elements add formation regarding the fertility to the complexity, and methods of some peonies; what I call the evolve as my knowledge increas- data collection. To collect this es in order to progress towards data, I researched many papers my objectives. Considerations

397-15 include the location of my gar- (about 3%). Satisfaction is less den, the mountain climate (zone guaranteed but, so rewarding! 4A), flowering times, and the By targeting precise aesthetic el- ripening time of the seeds. I had ements, I’m even more demand- to find alternatives… and that’s ing, but I tell myself that we al- when the creativity comes in; by ways have to aim high to reach imagining unique solutions. This the impossible. often leads to different results. As I often say: “Chance often The adventure is limitless, and plays in our favor.” the world needs more and more beauty. Trial and Error François-Léo Tremblay Contrary to the creation of an —Architectural technologist artwork (like a painting), the —Undergraduate degree in teaching arts success rate of the hybridiza- —Graduate degree in master of art tion process is rather random

Tremblay’s rare orange cultivars are the result of careful data collection. Shown here, left to right, are 'Le Manifique' (garden name) and an ununamed double.

397-16

The Language of Peonies Plumule [ploomyool]

Originating from the Latin word pluma, meaning feather, the word plumule is used in peonies to describe the first stem and leaf of a seedling. A peony’s first leaf produced after germination is unique and looks little like the adult leaves produced in successive years of growth. The Plumule is usually the only leaf produced in the first year of a peony’s life cycle.

397-19 An Invitation to Joy and Beauty Nick Maycher - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

It’s late June in Edmonton. Elec- place at the right time to witness tricity is in the air as a symphony something spectacular. of colour erupts, announcing the arrival of peak peony bloom time. I stand, transfixed, as I watch 'Pas- As the sun begins its return to the telegance' (Seidl, 1989) bloom for horizon, the world is transformed the first time in the glow of the dy- into a mystical dreamscape of ing light. In that radiant instant, warm, hazy, golden hues. My everything else shrinks away. The evening stroll through the peony only evidence that time marches beds - a daily ritual performed on is the unfurling of a billow- with unwavering devotion - ser- ing diadem of ruffles and swirls, endipitously puts me in the right smooth and silky, in the most sub- lime of creamy champagnes.

A 'Pastelegance' flower opens at sunset.

397-20 You may be surprised what can be accomplished in a city lot.

397-21 We’ve all felt the thrill and deep drop of joy out of your space fulfillment of moments like and transform it into an awe-in- these. While the peony world is spiring personal paradise that is incredibly diverse, a common bursting at the seams with beau- thread runs through us. We ap- ty. preciate the peony’s beauty, and it brings us joy. Do your research, but don’t be afraid to experiment. By select- If you have ever planted a peony, ing early blooming species and you have entered into a contract hybrid peonies; mid-season hy- with nature. You will wait three brids and intersectionals; and hundred and fifty-some days - later-blooming lactifloras, you nearly the full orbital period of can truly extend your bloom sea- Earth - to watch a plant flower son to six or seven weeks. for maybe ten days, often far less. Be bold and trust your instincts: much of the enjoyment from gar- Have you challenged yourself to dening comes from embarking be present in those ephemeral, on a journey that has no pre-des- beauty-filled moments? What tined trajectory. Learn along the if I told you there was a way to way. If you are anything like me, stretch those ten days into a full it won’t be long until peonies year of enjoyment? completely take over your space. Lawn is overrated, anyways. Here I will share some tips and daily practices I employ for 2. Maximize Time in the appreciating beauty, cheating Garden the clock, and boldly living a Every year I am astonished by life in full bloom. how quickly the bloom season comes and goes. Inevitably a 1. Cultivate Your Personal nagging sense of regret washes Paradise over me for not making more Cast aside any reservations time to enjoy it. To combat this, about spatial constraints and I concoct almost any excuse to notions that intimidate you spend time out in the peony about growing peonies. beds, and I urge you to do the same. A combination of careful planning, clever space management, Drink your morning coffee on the and trial and error will help you porch overlooking your garden maximize and wring every last as the dawn breaks. Rearrange

397-22 the patio furniture and enjoy ev- 3. Develop the Perfect Memory ery meal outside amongst the Our memories are unreliable, but flowers and nourish both the photographs crystallize the mo- body and the soul. Take on and ment, perfectly preserved. They schedule all outdoor renova- allow us to revisit our blooms tions, DIY projects, and menial with pristine eidetic clarity. yard work around your bloom season. Entertain your company Buy a camera. One that’s not with tea in the garden. Bring out your phone. Preferably one with the camera and play the role of a viewfinder. It will change the flower paparazzi. Log and chron- way you see and experience icle your detailed observations. flowers and view the world at large. Your photos also have the Every sunset, every golden hour incredibly powerful ability to must be enjoyed in the peony transport you back through time beds, no exceptions. Book time and extend your enjoyment all off during bloom season and year round. simply exist as a beauty sponge, soaking in and appreciating ev- After every flower season, I have ery magical moment, every in- found that revisiting, sorting, and toxicating aroma, and every de- sharing images is the perfect ac- lectable visual morsel. tivity to tide me over through long, dark, beauty-starved winters.

Enjoying golden hour magic: 'Etched Salmon.'

397-23 Revisit your bloom season in high visual fidelity. Shown here, 'Athena' (top) and 'Bartzella,' (bottom.)

397-24 4. Engage in the Ties That Bind tions, share your experiences, post your photos, collaborate on Take advantage of online con- projects, offer advice, and just nectivity to share with others get involved and really connect and weave the enjoyment of with your peers in all senses of peonies into your daily life. the word. The peony-growing community is a veritable treasure trove 5. Experience the Joy of of knowledge, full of incredibly Community passionate and generous individuals who welcome all. Get While connecting online plays a involved, give back, and experi- vital role in how we cope during ence the reward that comes with this challenging time, there is a strong sense of community. no substitution for face-to-face interactions. Once it is deemed Peonies inherently possess the safe, I strongly urge you to con- power to bring people together sider attending local and nation- around the world. We take pride al conventions, flower shows in our gardens and are eager to and meetings: they are a source share our bounty of blooms with of fantastic memories, tremen- like-minded individuals. dous learning, and personal A great wealth of information is growth. exchanged daily in accessible You are bound to meet some in- spaces like gardening forums credible individuals and make and Facebook groups on topics invaluable personal connections ranging from growing practic - that you will treasure for years to es, hybridizing, cultivar specific come. We are fortunate to have traits, propagation, vendor infor- a truly beautiful community, and mation, floral design, commer- it is our shared responsibility to cial and cut flower production, drive it forward. bloom sequence, companion plants, and photography, just to Final Thoughts name a few. I have barely scratched the sur- Platforms like Instagram and face of the possible ways peo- Pinterest provide a feast of pe- nies can be incorporated into ony imagery and inspiration for our lives to add joy and beauty. the more visually driven enthu- siast. Whether you are a nov- Try your hand at hybridizing ice grower or a peony expert, a and share in the exhilarating po- niche exists for you. Ask ques- tential that lies in future peony

397-25 APS members delight in touring Piet Wierstra’s show garden at Oregon Perennial Company during the 2018 APS convention. generations. Purchase a dedi- Our passion quite fittingly mir- cated refrigerator and store your rors the growth cycle of the plant blooms for future enjoyment; we are so enamored with. Our in- when they emerge from cold terest lays down the roots. As we storage weeks later. Challenge nourish it, we are rewarded with yourself to push your capabili- increased gain year after year. ties of floral design, and exhibit your blooms and arrangements Spend time with these incredible at an APS exhibition. plants and enjoy the twists and turns of the journey they lead Open your space up to visitors you on. In the end, our appreci- as a display garden and mul- ation of beauty and enjoyment tiply the benefits of your hard of peonies can only be limited by work - you may be surprised at our drive, ingenuity and creativi- the amount of interest that is ty, so look to the future and nur- generated. Encourage people ture your budding peony dreams to visit by sharing your content into blossoms. on social media. Transform your written observations and pho- All photos this article, courtesy tographs into a website or blog Nick Maycher. that organizes and disseminates Editor’s note: For more peony inspira- information. The process is now tion, find Nick Maycher’s writings, blog easier and more intuitive than and photography at prairiepeonies. ever. com.

397-26 About the American Peony Society Personal Awards Acknowledging Exemplary Contributions Steve Smith, Edgewood Washington - APS Awards Committee Chair

I am excited to announce that in 2021, the American Peony Society is revitaliz- ing our personal awards program. These awards recognize exemplary individuals or groups who have given their time and talents to advance the mission of the APS and make the peony world a better place. The APS Awards Committee has been busy setting the groundwork to forward this important tradition. In the past several months, we have worked to better define our APS awards goals and recognition processes. We now are ready to open entries for our 2021 Awards and encourage our members to submit nominations. For those who do not know much about the program, personal awards can be given to APS members who have given their time and talents and contribute to the peony world in a variety of ways. Awardees include hybridizers, APS Board members, growers, peony ambassadors, authors, and other personalities important to the peony world. These official recognitions include the A.P. Saunders Memorial Medal, the Amer- ican Peony Society Medal, the Bertrand H. Farr Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Peony Society Board of Directors Service Award. Groundbreaking hybridizers are often recognized for their efforts with the A.P. Saunders Memorial Medal. This award is named in honor A.P. Saunders, the first hybridizer to undertake an extensive hybridizing program that produced outstanding cultivars that are currently still popular and form the basis of many hybridizing programs today. Awardees may also have contributed to the peony world through other notable activities. The Bertrand H. Farr Lifetime Achievement Award is given to members that have contributed to the Society and peony world in numerous ways over an ex- tended period. Authors, growers, ambassadors, organizers, and leadership are among the many attributes recognized for this prestigious award. The American Peony Society Medal has been given for meritorious contribu-

397-27 tions of any person or group to the American Peony Society or the peony world through research, activity support, art, imagery, literature, authoring, publicity, ambassadorship, or any other number of peony related actions. Members may also be recognized for their commendable work in support of the Board of Directors through the American Peony Society BOD Service Award. The American Peony Society is forever thankful for past support and the hard-working volunteers who continue to move the peony world forward. The awards committee is working on new awards that will be announced in 2021 at the Annual General Membership Meeting. Now is the time to nominate those APS members whom you feel are making a positive impact in the peony world. Nominations may be submitted online through the APS Member Portal at: https://americanpeonysociety.org/member-portal/pages/contribute/polls-and-surveys/#personal-award-nominations or may be emailed to the Awards Chair at: [email protected]. Nomina- tions are due by April 1, 2021 for consideration this year. More information on the nominations and the award process can be found on the APS Member Portal website at: https://americanpeonysociety.org/about/awards/#personal-awards

If you know an APS member who has made positive impact in the peony world, we would love to hear about them. Please visit the APS Website’s member portal to submit your nominations by April 1, 2021. Your information will be sent to the APS Awards Com- mittee for vetting and consideration for the 2021 awards.

397-28 Bénédicte de Foucaud – 72240 Saint-Symphorien, France

Friends of the peony, I greet you I have always hated being pho- warmly from a small part of land tographed, but perceiving my in France called Sourches. mother's pride in this success that I understood nothing about, A little before I was born, my I endured this ordeal without mother planted a few peony complaining. From this immer- seeds in a small square of her sion in the peony, I remember garden reserved for me. I have the brightness of the rose ca- no memory of their develop- maieu, the softness and supple- ment. I only remember that the ness of the petals, the power of place was important for me as I the perfume, the roundness of loved nature. Bordered by a low the flowers, and the buzzing of and protective hedge on one the bees rolling in the pollen. It side and by two apricot trees, was beautiful. I have never for- two pear trees and a cherry tree gotten that moment. growing big and juicy dark cher- ries on the other side, not far from the tool shed where I used to create rings and bracelets with wire, close to the kennel of my dog Diane who was my best friend for confidences and non- sense, this place was my refuge.

In the spring of 1976, 8 years after my birth, my mother, whose other passion was black and white photography, wanted to immortalize her Paeonnian success. She asked me to change dresses, aprons and hairstyles to pose in the famous flower bed Author at age 7 in her mother’s peony garden. where all the flowers bloomed.

397-29 Chateau de Sourches in the background.

397-30 View of the South Gate.

In 2003, with my friends Lor- A little annoyed by these recur- raine and Marie Blanche, I visit- ring failures, I decided to plant ed Amsterdam. As a souvenir of everything in the dry moat which the trip, we brought back peony has surrounded the château roots with the firm intention of since the Middle Ages. Peonies starting a collection. My friends had finally found their place in already had an organized garden Sourches! The deep moats, en- where their peonies naturally compassing about 15000 m2, found their place. As far as I was where my collection still remains concerned, it was more compli- offer perfect protection against cated. To protect them from the the winds and the appetite of big wild boar's frenzied assaults of game animals. The rabbits and greed, I planted them in large other furry creatures are scared clay pots near one of the park's off by packets of my own hair pavilions. I discovered the fol- that I regularly drop at the gates. lowing spring that, if they had escaped the snout of the boars, In the very beginning, I orga- they had been a delight for the nized harmonious flower beds deer. I moved all the plants to by color, size and flowering. All the vegetable garden which was of them had to be able to offer totally enclosed by a wall. There a flowering plant from the end they became a joy for hares, rab- of April to mid-June. Ignorant of bits and field mice. the world of breeders and even

397-31 more of the world of botany, I order to explain to visitors the did what I thought was beauti- creation of an intersectionnal ful. Then, I dug a little deeper peony, 'Kakoden', 'Mrs Alice into the subject. I discovered Harding' (Lemoine, 1935) and Professor Saunders, Guerin, the Itoh's yellows will be moved whole Riviere dynasty, Daph- next fall to form an independent nis, Itoh, and Lemoine, all these island. I will do the same thing breeders unknown to the gen- with Thierry Rat's intersectional eral public. I learned about P. hybrids of which I am absolutely suffruticosa, P. lutea and lutea sure of the parentage. ludlowii, the famous P. rockii and their formidable genetic poten- This conservatory now counts tial. I delved into the world of the nearly 3200 plants of 2688 va- crossbreeding of Itoh (subject of rieties in the dry moat and, in my fourth book, in progress) and the past 2 years, overflows onto his successors such as Anderson, the counterscarp. It represents Smith, Hollingsworth, and Rat. I an exceptional pollen and seed am still struggling with diploids bank and a walk for the visitors and triploids but I am learning who leave smiling and happy. every day… It's an enchantment of which I So, little by little, I modified the never tire. In order to safely share flower beds, or more exactly, I it with everybody during this constructed other flower beds time when travelling represents dedicated to the breeders. The a danger, I’m planning to shoot Saunders' one is the largest for a short film that will be available he created both shrubby and on my website www.chateaude herbaceous masterpieces. Sur- sourches.com next spring. I am rounding a massive bed of Klehm convinced it will help the world peonies, there are those of Calot, to see « la vie en rose ». Krekler, obviously Guérin, and not far away, those of Dessert Parallel to my research of plants and Méchin, in order to help me and their planting in the best keep track of their affiliations place, I am creating a collection and parentage. I have also cre- of watercolors of peonies of ated a so-called genealogical Sourches. The ultimate goal of grouping with several genera- this anthology is to publish an tions of tree and herbaceous encyclopedia of the peony in- plants. Two others are dedicated spired by what Redouté did for to species which, as you know, the roses. Several watercolorists are the basis of all crosses. In are working with me on this proj-

397-32 Woody peonies along the wall of the moat.

397-33 ect: Claire Felloni, Caroline Du- universe. When a publication is muys and Françoise Piquet-Va- a generalist, it becomes ultra- don. They come to my home light. If, on the contrary, it wants during the blooming season to to be specialized, it becomes sketch the drafts, estimate the heavy. It’s a pity. For 20 years I shades of color and observe the have been trying to understand evolution of the flowers during peonies and I have been reading their bloom. Their art requires publications on the subject; I am some time and I usually receive always hungry. It is why I took it the final paintings in the dark upon myself to write a general- of winter. What a joy to be able ist, though none the less com- to see peonies under the snow! plete, document about peonies. Last December 24th, Caroline Dumuys sent a photo of 'Straw- In addition, there is an aspect berry Blush' (Anderson, 2010) that is totally unknown to botan- completed. What a great Christ- ical writers and yet so important mas gift! Strawberry' Blush' is to me - that of the history and a twirling explosion of pink with historical context in which mis- very special carpels. It will be sionary botanists, biologists and part of the fourth volume of my hybridizers have worked to dis- books, dedicated to the inter- cover and perfect nature. Again, sectional peonies. The quaran- a pity! Auguste Dessert named tine having turned everything one of his peonies 'Victoire de upside down in the spring, the la Marne' (Dessert, 1915), not fourth watercolorist, who had because the name seemed pret- to prove herself by representing ty to him but because he want- the peony 'Jeanne Cayeaux' ed to pay tribute to the cohort of (Cayeaux, before 1937), a man- men, atrociously wounded, who datory step to join the team, were constantly arriving from could not come to Sourches, any that butcher's shop of WWI at the more than could Claire, Caroline Château de Chenonceau, trans- or Françoise. The harvest of the formed into a military hospital, year is modest and I’m looking often to die. Auguste Dessert for better results next year. was the mayor of the commune of Chenonceaux and Victoire de Les Miscellanées de Sourches la Marne; his peony is not only a or Comment découvrir les piv- flower, it is an historical sanctu- oines de Sourches (How to dis- ary. cover the peonies of Sourches) have the ambition to introduce Similarly, Hiss, who wished to the common man to the peony honor the Emperor Napolean by

397-34 Intersectional 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (Smith, 2002). naming peonies 'Imperatrice beautiful and unforgettable pe- Josephine' (Hiss, 1839) or "Na- ony takes a lot of time. It takes poleaniana" among others, re- knowledge, supervision, reflec- gretted having to wait 15 years tion and failures. Of course, there between a tree peony seed and are some lucky ones, but the its first flowers. So, by the time majority are hardworking, skill- he could name these peonies, ful men with many years of ex- they were not only flowers but perience. With my almost 2700 a manifesto against the political varieties of peonies from all over system that was the Restoration. the world, I can say that some of It is dear to my heart to put some them are ugly. Fortunately, pe- of the peonies in their historical onies have good genes, so ugly context; it gives another dimen- peonies are rare. sion to the work of the breeders, a dimension often ignored. Most are so extraordinary because of their perfume 'La Per- A peony is part nature and part le' (Crousse, 1886) or 'Zi Yan' man. If I love this opulent nature, (Dezhong); their color 'Loyola' I admire even more those men of (Chow), 'Iphigenia' (Daphnis, talent and perseverance who are 1977) or 'Black Panther' (Saun- the breeders. Creating a peony is ders, 1948); the vigor of their not pushing a button. Creating foliage in spring and autumn a peony takes time. Creating a 'Infanta' or 'Late Windlfower'

397-35 Highly perfumed 'Yi Zan' (Dezhong)

(Saunders, 1948); or their abun- above the foliage on strong dant and original flowering 'Au- stems, unforgettable color, rore Boreale' (Cauderon), 'Eve healthy, lively and superb fo- of Radiance' (Gratwick, 1996), liage, resistance to all diseas- 'Belle Toulousaine' (Rat), 'Love es, and that will bloom twice in Affair' (Hollingsworth, 2005) spring and at the end of summer, or 'Futakami' (Japan, not yet I wish to all of you a very beauti- found the creator); really so ex- ful blooming 2021. traordinary that a walk among them leads to a ravishing form To date, Bénédicte has published of enthusiasm that we owe to three books on the peony. She is now writing her fourth book on these men. We should not forget intersectional peonies. She donated them for all these small spring- sets of her current books for the APS time pleasures they give us; they Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 auctions. deserve to be honored, and the Miscellanea of Sourches has this Since 2015, the peony collection intention. has been opened to the public during bloom season While waiting to be able to buy the perfect peony from one of Website: www.chateaudesourches. these breeders, one with abun- com dant flowering, marvelous per- Mail: conservatoiredelapivoine@ fume, generous flowers high chateaudesourches.com

397-36 Minnesota Peony Society www.mnpeony.org – Todd O’Halloran - President

Well good winter day APS members! I wonder how our Canadian members are feeling about the weather they have been experiencing? It’s been pretty fierce here on a couple days, but nothing like normal, actually so far here just south of Saint Paul, this winter has been actually fairly mild, with above normal temperatures. This makes me think of the “Freeze and Thaw” cycle we hear about happening a lot in the past in March. I remember (and correct me if my memory is failing! Haha!) wasn’t it Feb- ruary the year before that? Or was it also January? I guess it depends on what part of the country and what part of the world you are in! Happy January to the Peony World!

Maybe the mild January we experienced here in portends an early thaw and early spring here in Minnesota. That would be a nice treat after last year’s postponements of our annual MPS annual flower show, and we have postponed this year’s annual winter educational meeting. Hopefully the world and our members will feel comfortable with us getting together this spring for our show!

As an alternative, we set up a new Facebook Group for the Minneso- ta Peony Society, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 564356900931719. Here we encourage group members to post their photos to spread the peony love online since we couldn’t have our usual get togethers last year.

Our exception was our Annual fundraising root auction held each fall. We normally hold the event indoors at our regular venue, but we were al- lowed to use space at an outdoor pavilion and park where members wore masks and physically distanced, and still held an amazing fundraiser!

As I am sure all of you are, I’m looking forward to a much better 2021, to an amazing 2021 peony season, and seeing all of you soon!

397-37 can definitely be an exciting solo endeavor. I am looking forward most to using 'Nosegay' Wisconsinas a pod parent. Peony It offers Society interesting genetics, being a second-generation offspringwww.wipeonysociety.org from the original cross of two species, P. tenuifoliaCory Tischman, and P. President daurica – subsp.contact mlokosewitschiiat [email protected] (or just P. mlokosewitschii to some people). Last year I was able to use some pollen sent by a Ourfriend next down meeting South will from be later on March blooming 6th andhybrids, anyone and interested I had 37 goodis invited seeds to come as we will be having elections for our Board of Directors, and will from 'Nosegay' x 'Pastelegance'. Time will tell if any of them look good! be preparing an educational event – the details will be announced later in Maybe if you get bored this spring not hanging out with other people, you the new year on our website. The meeting will be virtual so you can sit in can make a few crosses. You never know if you might have a winner on the comfort of, well, wherever you feel comfortable, and either watch or your hands. participate in the event.

AsWe always, are always we are on constantlythe lookout on for the interested lookout for individuals interested who individuals would like who wouldto volunteer like to or volunteer be interested or be ininterested a leadership in a positionleadership in positionone of our on comone -of mittees.our committees. If you are If interested, you are interested, you can contact or maybe me wantusing tothe know email more, address you above.can contact Otherwise, me using if you the wantemail to address find out above. more Otherwise, information if youabout want what to findwe are out doing about here what in Wisconsin, we are doing check here out in ourWisconsin, website: www.wipeonysocheck out our web- - ciety.orgsite: www.wipeonysociety.org or visit us on Facebook: or ‘Wisconsin visit us on Peony Facebook: Society ‘Wisconsin Group’. Peony v Society Group’.

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397-40 can definitely be an exciting solo endeavor. I am looking forward most to using 'Nosegay' as a pod parent. It offers interesting genetics, being a second-generation offspring from the original cross of two species, P. tenuifolia and P. daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii (or just P. mlokosewitschii to some people). Last year I was able to use some pollen sent by a friend down South from later blooming hybrids, and I had 37 good seeds from 'Nosegay' x 'Pastelegance'. Time will tell if any of them look good! Maybe if you get bored this spring not hanging out with other people, you can make a few crosses. You never know if you might have a winner on your hands.

As always, we are constantly on the lookout for interested individuals who would like to volunteer or be interested in a leadership position on one of our committees. If you are interested, or maybe want to know more, you can contact me using the email address above. Otherwise, if you want to find out about what we are doing here in Wisconsin, check out our website: www.wipeonysociety.org or visit us on Facebook: ‘Wisconsin Peony v Society Group’.

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397-43 “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” — Audrey Hepburn

Photo courtesy Bénédicte de Foucaud