iNOTEWoinii^ pi:rennials 



183 



Uses. Peonies can Ix' used in almost any position in any jj^ardon. 

 These plants are equally at home planted as sinfj:le speeimens on the 

 lawn, in tall g:rass, in the woods, or planted in beds and borders with 

 other perennials and bulbous plants, or when massed by themselves. 

 Peonies can be planted along woodland paths, at the ends and edges 

 of shrubbery groups, at the bases of stone walls, or along drives and 

 walks. They are at home in almost any situation, naturaUzing as 

 readily in woodland copses as in formal gardens. They make a rather 

 dense growth and are often used in place of low hedges. 



As for cut flowers they are absolutely invaluable. If they are cut 

 just as the bud is about to open and are placed in a cool room, the 

 blooms will last many days. Since the newer varieties are sweetly 

 scented, the flowers are now used to a greater extent in homes in vases, 

 bowls and baskets. The stems are long, stiff and are splendid to use 

 for decorative purposes for large functions where large flowers of rich 

 coloring are needed. 



CuLTi'RE, Peonies abundantly repay good care and nourishment 

 and do not require a great deal of care after they are once estabhshed. 



Types of Peonies. 

 S. — Single, showing (g), guard petals; (s), stamens; (c), carpels or lobes of pistil. 

 J. — Japanese type; stamens wider than in single. 



B. — Bomb type. The stamens become narrow petals, called petaloides. 

 SD. — Semi-double. Many petaloides are quite wide and are mixed among the 



stamens. 

 C. — Crown. The stamens are wider and petal-like. The carpels, which before 



have remained unchanged, are now petal-like. 

 R. — Rose. In this type there is an entire transformation of the bloom. 



