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Peony - Tree - High Noon
The Chinese refer to the tree peony as 'Moutan'. Growing only 4-5' tall, these exceptional Tree Peonies are sub-zero hardy and bloom for a lifetime. Fortunately for us, tree peonies are now slightly more available. The huge, ruffled, satin-like flowers are magnificent and the plant is super hardy! There was a time, many years ago in ancient China, when the only person who could own a tree peony was the Emperor himself. The Tree Peony High Noon, 'Paeonia', produces a refined double flower of the brightest yellow. There are very few plants that can compete with a tree peony in full bloom. There are also tree peonies with yellow or purple flowers. We're not sure what the penalty was for infringing this law, but it can't have been very pleasant. They flower from late April to early May but the flowering season does vary from year to year. Japanese tree peonies tend to have less double flowers than their Chinese peers, and the flowers are more open and delicate. A mature plant can have in excess of a hundred flowers and these can be 10" or more across! The flowers range in color from maroon, crimson, scarlet, various shades of pink, to pure white. This has been variously translated but probably means 'The Emperor Flower'. While the tree peony originated in China, it had found its way to Japan by the 8th Century AD. High noon is an excellent grower and is a free-bloomer. ... additional information
Geranium - Southcombe Double Southcombe Double blooms almost non-stop throughout the summer, into fall. There are only a few double-geraniums in cultivation and don't look like a Geranium at first glance. The Geranium Southcombe Double, 'Geranium oxonianum', displays fully double, pure pink blooms that sit atop bright green stems. Geraniums are grown in almost any soil as long as it is not wet. For the most part, cranesbill are long-lived and do not require a lot of care. They do best in sun, but will tolerate some degree of shade. They are perfect in the perennial border and work well as a ground cover too. This plant would look wonderful in a pot on a sun-drenched porch and is also deer resistant. |
