That is why I like the sand after seeing it perform this last winter. My beds are well-drained so water and ice are not problems unless we have an ice storm.

It is a bit early to get excited but it appears that one of the double FL is about ready to open.


The second pic is of the Paeonia tenuifolia ssp. Lithophile. An example of the more finely cut leaves, if anyone is not familiar with this particular fern leaf.

I know I don't have plants like that. I think all my "Fern Leaf" are hybrids. We will see how the garden shapes up this year then maybe will order a couple.

This is one of my FL hybrids, Early Scout, taken May 1 of last year. The leaves are much larger than the fern leaf but smaller than most peonies. I think the cultivar or species used in the cross with the fern leaf makes a difference in the size of the leaves.

I bought Early Scout year before last. My other one only said Fern Leaf and I have had it for at least 5-6 years.

From our discussion on this forum concerning Roselette, I should have called it a fern leaf hybrid of sorts. I checked its pedigree and found it is a triple cross with tenuifolia as one of its parents. That may account for its early rising and rapid growth. I purchased it for its color to break the monotony of my reds and whites. This is today's pic.

I love the color of the leaves, I'm looking forward to seeing it bloom.

The little fellas came thru the subfreezing ok. With luck and some warm weather, I could see blooms in about 20 days.

I'm glad your plants did well with this crazy weather that we've all experienced. I'm looking forward to seeing them bloom.

I also saw Roselette and loved the color. Didn't realize it pas 'part' ferny. Maybe I should go back and look again. I ordered two peonies for this fall but A&D didn't have any fernleaf. Have to look around for one.

Shoot. I looked at it and realized I have one. It has been in my garden for two years but I have moved it twice. Must have really settled in last year as I have two strong pips coming up.

This is where I found the pedigree info. http://www.paeon.de/aaa/04120....

We are expecting near freezing temps tomorrow night and Tuesday night so I thought I should post these pics while I still have something to post.















































Last is my first bloom.

Jerry, your plants look amazing! I hope they make it fine through the upcoming cold weather. Can they be covered?

I tried covering peonies a few years ago and it made the problem worse. Moisture collected under the large containers and froze more than as if the plants had been left open. Then it was very cold where the coming week is only supposed to hit 32° or 33°. I just hope for the best.

A couple of samples which appear to have survived the latest freeze. Warm weather in the coming days.

Glad they made it through safely. You'll be seeing blooms soon

Peonies are terribly hardy. Wouldn't a floating row cover protect them.

These two singles appeared to have survived ok. Waiting for some of the doubles to open. It is not uncommon for first year transplants to bloom but second year's may not bloom. Peonies have all the food necessary to bloom stored in the roots but may need another year to restore that energy. Do not despair if they do not bloom the second year. As long as they have good green foliage, they will be ok.

Nice blooms! I'm glad they did well with the cold weather.

I am getting really hooked on fernies after seeing yours. They are adorable. And so early.