Paeonia Itoh Morning Lilac - Itoh Peony

The Paeonia x Itoh Morning Lilac belongs to a category of hybrids resulting from a cross between a bush peony and an herbaceous peony, characterised by significant development as well as the production of flowers similar to those of shrub varieties, carried by very strong stems that do not bend under the weight of the flowers. This one offers very large flowers for a month, double to semi-double, with a lightly maculated lemon yellow slightly tinged with red at the base. This variety also offers beautiful dark green cut foliage that remains impeccable until late in the season. An undemanding and fantastic plant, destined for a bright future in flower beds.

This opulent herbaceous peony belongs, like its two parents, to the Paeoniaceae family. Itoh peonies are the result of the work carried out by Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh, from 1948 onwards, who bequeathed them his name. These plants, called intersectional hybrids, are exceptional perennials that combine the qualities of herbaceous and shrub species, combining the viguor of herbaceous plants with all the splendor of tree peonies, both in terms of foliage and flowering.

'Morning Lilac' forms an opulent clump reaching 70 to 80 cm (28 to 32in) in height with a spread of 60 cm (24in), sometimes more. Its growth is rather slow, but faster than that of tree peonies. The plant develops large deciduous leaves, alternate, composed of dark green and pointed leaflets. The flowering takes place precisely from May 15th to June 15th, for a month and abundantly. Semi-rigid, very firm leafy stems appear, carrying large buds at their tips that open into large solitary double flowers, 20-22 cm (8-9in) in diameter. They are composed of numerous slightly translucent petals, a light and bright lemon yellow enhanced with small red areas at the base. These flowers are very beautiful, but also slightly fragrant. The plant disappears in winter, remaining in the form of buds located at the surface of the ground.

Peony Itoh dislikes heavy waterlogged soils, especially in winter, and appreciates semi-shaded locations such as the edge of trees or the shelter of a hedge. It is an exceptional plant that deserves a prime location. It is often planted in groups of 3 plants in a shrub or perennial flower bed. It forms very beautiful associations with irises or roses, but also with catmints, foxgloves, lupins, and daisies... Cut flowers in a bouquet are truly wonderful with lilacs and bellflowers.

Advice: Herbaceous peonies should not be buried more than 3 cm (1in) deep, otherwise it will take several years for them to bloom again.

The parents of the first intersectional peony were respectively the variety 'Alice Harding' (Syn. 'Soleil d'Or' or 'Kinku') and the P. lactiflora 'Kakoden'. Ironically, it only bloomed after the disappearance of its creator.