PAEONIA — PEONY 
The Peony is a universal garden favorite and few 
indeed are the homes that do not have a Peony on 
the grounds, even though they make no pretense' at 
having a garden. The establishment and subsequent 
activities of the American Peony Society attests the 
interest and appeal that this plant has for the profes¬ 
sional and amateur alike. 
The popularity of the Peony, explained in brief, is 
that "It gives universal satisfaction." 
Each variety in the following list has been en¬ 
dorsed by the American Peony Society and is our 
selection of the best of the old favorites as well as 
many of the newer varieties of proven merit. 
The official rating, of the American Peony Society, 
accompanies the description of each variety, and is 
based on an excellence of 10. 
CULTURE. A sunny position is usually preferred; however, 
some of the more delicately colored varieties will retain their 
color longer if they are protected from the direct rays of the sun, 
during the hottest part of the day. Planting may be done at any 
time of the year but preferably in the fall, between September 1 
and the time the ground freezes. Deep preparation of the soil is 
essential to best results and the addition of a handful of bone- 
meal, mixed with the soil, is sufficient fertilizer, at the time of 
planting. The roots should be planted so that the topmost buds 
are about two inches below the surface, when the ground has 
settled around them. Too deep planting results in good foliage 
but no blooms; in fact, this is almost always the cause of lack of 
bloom. Fall planted roots should receive a covering of leaves, 
corn-stalks or such material, after the ground freezes, to prevent 
the ground from thawing and heaving the roots out of the ground. 
This will only be necessary the first winter. Do not disturb the 
plants after planting as the blossoms will increase in number and 
guality year after year. The roots need not be divided for twelve 
to fifteen years. Keep the ground around the plants thoroughly 
cultivated during the growing season and water during periods 
of drought. 
Mons Jules Elie Peony 
Baroness Schroeder Peony 
SELECT PINK PEONIES 
all shades light, medium and dark 
8.6 ALBERT CROUSSE (Crousse, 1893) 
A beautiful light rose-pink with a creamy tone, richly tinted 
with flesh-pink in the center. An outstanding late variety. Stems 
tall, strong and vigorous. Mildly fragrant and fine as a cut 
flower. 
8.7 CLAIRE DUBOIS (Crousse, 1886) 
Very large, globular flowers of a clear violet-rose color pal¬ 
ing toward the tips of the petals. Much the same color as Mons. 
Jules Elie but Claire Dubois is late whereas Mons. Jules Elie is 
early. Moderately tall with dark green foliage. 
7.6 EDULIS SUPERBA (Lemon, 1924) 
A profuse bloomer with large flowers of a beautiful old-rose- 
pink color. An old, tried and true variety that should have a 
much higher rating. It is one of the best cut flowers in its color 
and season, and should be planted because of its earliness and 
general good qualities. Very early. 
8.8 GRANDIFLORA (Richardson, 1883) 
Exceptionally large, flat flowers, silvery shell-pink in color. 
A very distinct and beautiful variety. Useful for extending the 
season because it is one of the last to bloom. Very late. 
9.1 LADY ALEXANDRA DUFF .(Kelwa.v, 1902) 
One of the largest and most beautiful of all Peonies. An 
immense loosely formed flower with broad rounded petals. The 
color is pale blush-pink fading to white, with yellow stamens 
mixed with a few irregular petals in the center. A first class 
exhibition bloom. The laterals, if not disbudded, will produce 
semi-double flowers. Midseason. 
9.0 LA FRANCE (Lemoine, 1901) 
Enormous, perfectly formed flowers of true rose type, with 
very broad and very deep petals of crisp, fresh and distinct crepe¬ 
like texture. Color; clear, light pink, richer in the center and with 
crimson splashes on the outer petals. A remarkable show flower 
and equally good for garden decoration. Very late. 
Additional varieties on next page 
95 
