P^ONIA. 71 



flowers, according to the strength of the plant. The shrub is 

 rarely seen more than four feet high, but it becomes very large 

 in circumference, bushing out from year to year, growing into 

 a very regular, hemispherical shape. It is in flower the last 

 of May, with all the other varieties or species. 



P. moutan papaveracea, or Poppy-flowered Tree Peony, is 

 also a splendid plant, having large, single, white flowers, some- 

 times ten inches in diameter. The petals are flat, with a deep 

 purple spot at the base of each. These spots are rayed about 

 an inch and a half long, from the centre, forming a rich, bril- 

 liant star in the middle of the flower ; the bright yellow sta- 

 mens add to the beauty of the flower, forming a fine contrast 

 with the purple and pure white. It is a very desirable plant. 

 There is a variety of this, with semi-double or double flowers. 



P. moutan papaveracea rosea is a variety with fine rose- 

 colored flowers, and one of the same color with double flowers ; 

 not very common. 



A great number of new and expensive varieties of the 

 Tree Peony have been exhibited, within the last two years, at 

 the Horticultural Rooms. Some of these varieties do not 

 exceed in beauty those I have described, while others are 

 much superior. I will refer my readers to the reports of 

 the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for descriptions of 

 their new sorts. For one or more of them, two hundred francs 

 were paid ; more, I dare say, than any one else would be wil- 

 ling to expend for one small plant. 



The woody Peonies may be propagated by seeds, suckers, 

 layers, and by grafting. The common and most simple way is 

 by suckers. These may be often found growing from old wood, 

 when standing in the open border. The wood is very hard, 

 and will require a sharp, strong knife ; a fine saw is often useful 

 in the operation. October is the best time to divide the plants. 

 In the first place, take away the soil carefully from the roots 

 so as to see how the sucker can be taken off to the best advan- 

 tage, and not injure the old plant, and to give a portion of the 

 root to the young plant. When detached, the sucker may be 



