THE PEONY 



History, Culture, Classification and Description oi 



Varieties 



ELIOT COIT. 



The peony is distinctly a flower for tlie many. Throughout its 

 history it has been widely cultivated by the common people. Its 

 customary position is perhaps that of an isolated clump either in 

 the center or along the borders of the yard or enclosure about 

 the dwelling-house. As an herbaceous perennial it is one of the 

 very best for the border. The most appropriate place for the 

 peony is around the boundaries of an enclosure, mixed with the 

 other border plants. It also looks well massed at the turns of 

 walks and drives, or tucked in by the edge of the steps of the 

 porch. A little space of bare soil should be left around the clumps, 

 but in England they are often gro\vn in the grass of the lawn, 

 especially varieties of Pcconia officinalis. 



Landscape gardeners are coming to value the peony more 

 and more for mass effects. They are, however, rather cautious in 

 using them extensively, for the nomenclature is so uncertain that 

 there is considerable risk of injuring the color effect. It may easily 

 be seen what a loss would result if a large bank of peonies planted 

 for dark red mass color effects, should come into bloom a pure 

 white. The peony lends itself more readily to the natural style of 

 landscape gardening than to the formal. 



There are at least seven good reasons for the popularity of the 

 peony : 



1. They are easy to grow; anyone can raise glorious peonies 

 with less trouble than it takes to grow roses. 



2. Peonies well established are permanent features in the garden, 

 or at least as permanent as is desirable. 



3. Peonies are perfectly hardy wherever apples can be grown, 

 passing through the most severe winters without injury, and being 

 very easily protected where not hardy. 



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