Paeonia tenuifolia Early Scout

The Early Scout Peony is one of the first to bloom in the garden, displaying beautiful finely cut foliage. It cannot hide its hybrid origins from the botanical species Paeonia tenuifolia, whose nickname is 'drop of blood'. This pretty descendant produces small flowers, but of a deep crimson red colour, centred around a large heart of golden stamens. Flowers and foliage create a perfect picture, for a stunning effect in a rockery or border. This hybrid variety keeps its impeccable foliage throughout the season, even in summer. As beautiful to look at as it is easy to grow in the sun and well-drained soil, this remarkable herbaceous variety has received the Gold Medal from the American Peony Society.

The Early Scout Peony is a horticultural variety obtained in 1952 by hybridising Paeonia tenuifolia, a botanical species native to the steppes of southeastern Central Europe, and the 'Richard Carvel' variety, with double crimson red flowers. This plant has inherited finely segmented foliage, slightly thicker than its parents, simple corollas appearing early in the season, and better tolerance to fairly dry soils in summer. Its second parent passed on the intense and deep red colour of its petals, as well as the perennial summer foliage. All these plants belong to the family of Ranunculaceae or Peoniaceae

'Early Scout' shows slow growth during the first few years, after which its stump grows year after year and can even produce weak suckers. The plant eventually forms a bushy clump, averaging 45 cm (18in) in height and 50-60 cm (20-24in) in width at minimum. Different from other peonies, it develops deciduous and bushy foliage, composed of numerous finely cut and elongated leaflets, bright green in colour, with a matte finish. Flowering occurs around April 25th, lasting 7 to 10 days, earlier or later depending on the region. The solitary flowers measure 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) in diameter, they are single and seem to float on the foliage. They are dark and intense red during the day, then take on distinctly purplish reflections in the evening when the flower closes. The centre of the flower is occupied by very bright yellow stamens.

The Paeonia Early Scout adapts to most of our climates, but shows a preference for climates with well-marked seasons and for alkaline and well-drained soils. It will thrive in a rockery or border, preferably isolated or in the company of small plants such as epimediums, moss phlox, Allium karataviense or Omphalodes. The combination with small blue and countryside flowers such as forget-me-nots, some annual delphiniums, Amur river carnations, Brunnera, Anchusa, campanulas or even Veronica prostrata is truly beautiful. As its flowering is quite ephemeral, it is advantageous to associate it with other later varieties to extend the flowering period of the borders.