CarolineScott said: A question for Kousa……
I ordered Duchess De Lorraine for this fall.
One of the reasons I ordered it…was somewhere I had read that it flowers all along the stems. Is that a description of what yours did?
And are there other varieties which give many side buds?
I am glad that you got it, Caroline. It is a great itoh. I love its extended bloom time. In answer to your question, I did have a few stems with side buds, but each of those stem had only one side bud. The extended bloom time was more due to the fact that the stems come up at different time. Those come up early have buds that bloom early. Those that come later have later blooms. This can be negative for some people because it may not have an orderly bloom or look. The stems that come later are usually taller than the early stems. As a result, it has a somewhat disorderly habit. Bartzella is the opposite. It is a rounded and orderly bush and flowers often bloom at the same time making the bush looking like it is covered with blooms. Whereas the Duchess de Lorrain's stems have uneven height and flowers bloom here and there making it rather wild and disorderly. But for me this is a plus because I don't mind its wild habit and love its extended bloom time with buds opening at different time. I also love the fact that its buds are not affected by heat. The buds open well even in high heat and humidity whereas my other peonies' buds become stuck and cannot open. I think you will like it.
Oscar, beautiful itoh blooms! The second one maybe First Arrival? Whatever it is, it is very nice.
Frank, Smith Family Jewel is very special! I love its multicolored blooms. That picture of the 3 blooms showing each stage of bloom is nicely captured. The early stage flower is gorgeous.
