The fragrant bomb double flower opens deep dark red. The bright pigments are clean and even throughout. The flower retains its color well, keeping its luster over time until petals drop. The petals are of a rather thick substance and waxy texture. The inner segments are slender forming a dense ball that rises above a saucer of broad guard petals. This exhibition quality flower is large and of heavy substance. One fragrant flower is born on a long stem and has a notable, spicy scent that is reminiscent of nutmeg. This peony has a satisfying plant habit, it is vigorous and increases well, forming a large clump within a few years of planting. It is a dependable bloomer with a generous amount of color on a substantial, medium height bush. Stout stems carry the flower near the foliage imparting a neat and trim appearance. The erect stem is surprisingly self-supporting but will arch with the heavy flower if exposed to rain. Light support is suggested. The bush is well covered in medium green foliage. The leaflets may show some yellow discoloration in the later part of the season, especially if exposed to excessive heat and water stress. It remains a very popular cultivar due to its reliable performance. This beautiful peony is well suited for the landscape and will grace any perennial border with its bright red color. This peony furnishes fine stems for the vase and is a good choice for the cut flower garden and good cutter for commercial growers.
Awards, Best Use & Distinctions
Best Landscaper®; Best Fragrant®; Best Cut®; APS Gold Medal, 1956; APS Best in Show, 1951 and 1965; RHS Award of Garden Merit; champion class; general garden and landscape use; perennial border; cut flower garden; deer resistant; cutter in commercial use.
Basic Growing Requirements
Full Sun. Water as needed, sensitive to overwatering and waterlog conditions. Soil pH 6.5-7. Fertile, well-draining soil.
Disclosure: The image(s) above shows the actual cultivar named and described on this page. The pictures are a fair and accurate depiction of the flowers as they are, in vivo, and are not staged or altered otherwise. The descriptions are based on our experience with plants that are grown by us here in NW Missouri. All images and information presented are subject to US Copyright ©, cultivar names may be subject to US Registered Trademark ®, and/or subject to specific breeder rights such as US Plant Patent and/or USDA Plant Variety Protection as well as specific State of Missouri crop protection laws, and all rights thereto are reserved. Please note plant size, color, and health is due to a variety of environmental factors so results cannot be guaranteed and additionally that different web browsers may display colors slightly differently. These varieties may not be propagated commercially or exported without specific license and may be subject to export/import regulations. For inquiry send a written letter to Hollingsworth Peonies, P.O. Box 233, Maryville, MO 64468.
