Paeony Xan Li Duo Cai

[Palustris]

First of our special Peonies to open.

[ideasguy]

Beautiful Eric and another promising bud in the background

[Palustris]

There are at least 10 buds on the plant.

[ideasguy]

Lucky guy!
My very quick research on Google seems to indicate that it is a lactiflora.
I thought at first it may have been one of those new tree paeonies.

The RHS website has this name:- Paeonia lactiflora 'Xuan Li Duo Cai' - last listed in 2004 in their Plant Finder.
So, next question Eric - how old is it?
I guess it has taken a few years to get to the stage of producing 10 buds!

[Palustris]

Not sure, it was a fairly large plant when we bought it (special offer job). I think it has been in for 3 years, but it was in flower when we bought it. We got three for the price and one has produced one 6 inches tall stem each time, but this one and another have been really good. The other will be open in the next few days if we get some sun.

[ideasguy]

A lot of staking Eric?
I have to put in a stake for each stem with a bloom on mine.
That way I can spread them out like an arrangement.
This year, not too many I'm afraid

[Palustris]

I have a photo of the way they are supported, I will put it up when I find it.
That bloom is 5.5 inches across by the way.

[Palustris]

Found it. This is made out of Hazel branches and based on one we saw at Erddig National Trust property near Wrexham, Wales.


It is put in place before the plant begins to grow and shoots are carefully made to grow up inside the frame work. Eventually the foliage hides the Hazel.

[ideasguy]

Brilliant Eric!
I like and I shall do the same next year.