THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



fection of detail. The rose, fine, exquisite and 

 fragrant as it is, must yield first rank to the mod- 

 ern peony, which by reason of its sheer wealth 

 of splendour and majesty of presence is now 

 entitled to be called the Queen of Flowers. 



The compelling charm of the improved types 

 of peony lies not only in their grace and comeli- 

 ness, but in the infinite variety of both flowers 

 and foliage. Starting with single blooms, like 

 huge anemones, through semi-double flowers, re- 

 sembling water-lilies, and various enchanting 

 forms of doubling up to the solid mass of petals, 

 as in Avalanche, the peony holds one spell-bound 

 in admiration. The wide diversity of foliage and 

 habit of growth makes the plants an object of 

 alluring interest. The leaves of certain sorts of 

 peony are much divided and fern-like ; of others, 

 broad and strong with leathery quality. Usually 

 varnished and lustrous, they run in colour range 

 through many shades of green — often tinged with 

 copper or with red. Some kinds are dwarf and 

 bushy; some of medium height and spreading 

 growth, and others tall with a bold outline. All, 

 however, have an air of sturdy character and self- 

 reliance. 



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