Hi all! I was inventorying one of our fields today and found that "Singing in the Rain" has unusually small flowers. Maybe 3-4 inches across? This is the plants first year to flower. (pic below)

Flower color and form seem correct, the plant is growing well and I purchased the root from a v reliable source.

Naturally, immature plants can produce smaller flowers. But these flowers are quite small - even for a young division.

Anyone else have this experience with Singing in the Rain?

Mine are still in bud will Post pictures

It seems very common for Itohs to produce distorted, shrinking or small flowers from time to time maybe due to their unstable genetics. I have seen a lot. Also the flower from side-buds will be smaller than the main bud. I also heard that tissue-cultured Itohs are more easily to produce strange flowers.

Below is a photo of "Singing in the rain" from Adelman Peony Gardens, you can see small and distorted flowers:

Thank LittleBin and Oscar!

littlebin - I've def noticed that immature plants of all types tend to produce more distorted and/or small flowers. "Singing in the Rain just represented an even more pronounced example of this.

V interesting theory on itohs. I hadn't noticed particular issues with itohs but will be observing that more closely going forward. And yes - i agree that side buds often differ from main buds. I actually love the variation.

I too found the Adelman picture and initially felt reassured. However, I also found references to Singing in the Rain that indicated i's flower size is large. hmmmm.

I was hoping to divide this plant this year but instead will observe flowering for another year to see what happens

I've not seen any issues with TC Itohs. Talked to Don Smith at the convention this year and he's a big TC fan, said almost all of his Itohs were initially increased that way so I think more people have Itoh roots that started as TC than any of us thought. Don't get me wrong, I don't seek out TC plants but I won't NOT buy them just because of TC—if that's the only way they're available I'll buy in a heartbeat! My Caroline Constabel should bloom this year, wouldn't have that or several other new ones if I avoided TC.
Cate, I have noticed that the buds on Itohs are very negatively impacted by cold once the plant has showed significant growth, buds will be smaller or not even form at all on quite a few of them that form buds later, my SitR seems to be one of the worst that way. I'd decide on dividing your plant based on the number of stems and overall size rather than the bloom size. We did have some really cold days and 10" of snow a few weeks ago, will be interesting to see what the blooms will look like.....

Cate, I also agree with Liz that Itohs are particularly adversely affected by cold once their buds are formed.
In 2018 most of my Itohs' buds were frozen out, and some were small and distorted.

I would not divide this year.

Update: went back to that field on Sunday and the blooms are much more a "normal" small. Iow - they are small but within acceptable range for a young plant's blooms.

I think I just needed to give the plant a bit more time for the flowers to develop!

Liz and Lynn - I hear your point on the cold. Our cool wet spring has definitely affected bloom size, count and even color in some varieties!

That said, SitR is on the warmest part of our "second" farm (zone 5b/6a not 4b like our main farm) in a bed that's almost too well drained. Suspect the size issue comes down to 1) youngish plant and 2) my cussed impatience! The plant is vigorous so will likely divide as planned.

Liz - Agree on TC. Obviously, we'll always field grow any peonies we propagate/sell and we usually source from field growers only. But honestly, if one of our itohs started its life as a TC, then so be it.

From Don Hollingsworth
https://www.peonysociety.eu/wp...

Interesting. Mine changes from year to year. Large bush, beautiful flowers but the colors vary from year to year. 2 years ago I even had a yellow flower with purple streaks.

I'm a newbie to this website & purchased my first two peonies in May. I love my SitR & will watch in wonder (& anxiousness) to its changes in the coming years. I'm enjoying all the great advice & photos of all your amazing peonies!

Terri!

Your peonies look beautiful. We are a little obsessed with peonies here, and we post about them all year long.

Thanks, LG! Sooo glad to follow the peony forum. I binge read the 2018 & '19 threads, wow! I may have room for 2 more peonies in my small yard but what to choose!
Cate, I look forward to how your SitR grows next year.

Welcome to the peony forum Teri!

Annette