Peonies to Die For!

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Ambience'

Even before most roses dazzle us with their flowers, there are peonies. With their big, showy blossoms, and if your lucky, a soft hint of fragrance, peonies have a definite stage presence in early summer.

If only they lasted longer! My peonies last a week, maybe a week and a half. Then, they are green into late fall. 

Here in Ontario, peonies are just starting to come in flower and it is time to get out there and admire these scene stealers while you still can.

With that in mind, I popped into the Royal Botanical Gardens on Saturday to take in the show. 

And it did not disappoint. Let's take a look together:

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Mr. Thim'

If you are going to go with ruffled and frilly blooms, you might as well consider choosing pink! There were lots of pretty pink peonies to choose from.

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Cora Stubbs'

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Coral Tide'

Looking one way.

And another.

I wanted to show you a few overall shots. Massed pink, white and red flowers were statement making. Note that in the first image, the blue and purple irises make a nice backdrop.

Also interesting to note that none of these peonies were staked. I am not sure what the field of flowers would look like after a rain storm, but in the bright light of a sunny day, the flowers were holding their own.

I hope you will forgive me for digressing for just a moment. One of my latest amusements is to photograph other photographers.

I thought that this couple were charming.

Ladies don't we all secretly wish we all could bring a man to his knees in such rapt admiration! 

Too often, we think of the early days of a romance, when we think of love. 

This is not a young couple, yet he obviously adores her. I find that truly romantic.

I have another reason for showing this shot here. While I find the limited mix of peony colors above pleasing, I find this unedited mix of iris colors unattractive. There are just too many colors here and not all of them work together. 

What do you think?

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Ambience'

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Coral Supreme'

These shots came out a bit pinker than they should be. Perhaps it was the blazing sun on this particular afternoon. Coral describes them perfectly! 'Coral Supreme' are definitely going on my wish list!

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Coral Supreme' up close

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Do Tell'

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Honey Gold'

Red is so tough to photograph and is well beyond my skill set, but know that there were some beautiful reds to be seen at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Red Imp' 

Herbaceous Peony, Paeonia 'Red Imp' up close

Unidentified Tree Peony

Tree Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa 'Hakuoo'

I took a number of shots of tree peonies, but for whatever reason the plants were not as carefully identified as the other peonies at the RBG. I hate to tempt you too many pictures that are unidentified! Tree peonies are larger and taller than standard herbaceous peonies. These plants were definitely staked.

My favourite was this white Tree Peony called 'Hakuoo'. Gorgeous! The flower petals make me think of ocean waves.