On the other side of the world, the Japanese were working 
with a Chinese type, which resulted in the distinct and 
beautiful JAPANESE TREE PEONY. Typical of this class 
are the huge wavy crinkled petals, possessing a translucent 
quality that might suggest some giant ethereal butterfly. 
The golden powder puff of anthers and finely divided foliage 
are also distinctive. 
In comparatively recent years the LUTEA HYBRIDS were 
developed by using the Chinese yellow peony shrub as a 
parent in breeding, to introduce an entirely new and exciting 
color range in the yellow and bicolor class. To Professor A. 
P. Saunders, more than any other one man, we are indebted 
for the marvellous varieties in this group. Large plants of 
this type are still exceptionally scarce, and being rather diffi- 
cult to propagate, it is probable the supply of Lutea hybrids 
will lag far behind demand, for many a decade. 
All three types are individually beautiful, and for such an 
unusual shrub there are many locations where the thrilling 
beauty of the flowers can be seen to advantage. A back- 
ground of conifers or broadleaf evergreens form an ideal foil 
against which the delicately fashioned petals are etched. A 
hedge of tree peonies in full bloom is beyond description, and 
even specimen spot plants in a garden, formal or otherwise, 
cannot help but add richness to the whole picture. The 
flowers begin to open about the second week in May and 
continue for three to four weeks. For permanent planting 
they should be placed not less than four feet apart if they 
are to be allowed to develop naturally into a shapely shrub. 
While full sunlight is desirable, some broken shade during the 
hottest part of the day, is an advantage, but they should not 
be exposed to high winds nor compete with tree roots. The 
plants are perfectly hardy, but the flowers benefit from the 
little shelter. 
