Product Description

Peonies, of the genus Paeonia, are among the most dramatic and beautiful flowers for gardens. Although species of Paeonia are found in the wild throughout the Northern Hemisphere, they are mainly associated with Asia and Asian gardens. Josef Halda is one of the few botanists who has traveled to see every known peony species and subspecies in the wild, often in extremely remote areas. He documents twenty-five species in these pages, including forty subspecies and varieties. He also provides an account of the closely related genus Glaucidium, whose two species will be of intense interest to peony fanciers.

Although this work carries the mantle of authority from Halda's work in taxonomy, it is also a helpful resource for everyday gardeners who wish to try even the rarest peonies in their gardens. James Waddick has teamed up with Josef Halda to provide valuable information on growing peony species, with a full account of cultivation requirements, hardiness, propagation, and diseases and pests.

The text is graced with the stunning botanical paintings of Jarmila Haldová, Josef Halda's wife and one of Europe's leading book illustrators. Haldová has also contributed dozens of useful line drawings of peony characters to aid in identification. Period woodcuts and other historical illustrations round out the work.

Sponsored by the Heartland Peony Society, which helped fund its publication, The Genus Paeonia is a rare work of beauty, science, and practical value.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #875664 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 228 pages

From Booklist
Beautified by finely rendered botanical illustrations--color plates as well as line drawings--this excellent guide contains information on the entire array of peony species currently recognized. Botanist Halda brings to the material the rare experience of journeying far and wide to study every known type growing in wild settings, while Waddick offers expert advice based on his familiarity with cultivating plants in the Midwest. Avid gardeners who simply love peonies and professional horticulturists wishing to expand their expertise will be equally enticed by the scope of the information catalogued here. Readers are privy to up-to-date taxonomy and a succinct outline of the genus. Entries present detailed descriptions of form and habit, the character of particular flowers, and distribution of plants. A source list should prove helpful, and even more so, a chapter that provides tips on growing a variety of hybrids and species. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Beautified by finely rendered botanical illustrations. Avid gardeners who simply love peonies and professionals horticulturists wishing to expand their expertise will be equally enticed by the scope of the information catalogued here."—Alice Joyce, Booklist, March 1, 2004 (Alice Joyce Booklist )

"Josef Halda is a botanist who has traveled to see every known peony species and subspecies in the wild. He documents 25 species in this book, including forty subspecies and varieties. It is an especially helpful resource for those gardeners who wish to grown uncommon as well as common varieties." National Gardener, April 2004 (National Gardener )

"Unveils the beauty and the botany." Marty Ross, Horticulture, October 2004 (Marty Ross Horticulture )

Beautified by finely rendered botanical illustrations. Avid gardeners who simply love peonies and professionals horticulturists wishing to expand their expertise will be equally enticed by the scope of the information catalogued here.Alice Joyce, Booklist, March 1, 2004 (Booklist )

Josef Halda is a botanist who has traveled to see every known peony species and subspecies in the wild. He documents 25 species in this book, including forty subspecies and varieties. It is an especially helpful resource for those gardeners who wish to grown uncommon as well as common varieties. National Gardener, April 2004 (National Gardener )

Unveils the beauty and the botany. Marty Ross, Horticulture, October 2004 (Horticulture )

From the Author
James W. Waddick was a founder of the Heartland Peony Society.

Customer Reviews

The Genus Paeonia
Book was purchased as a gift for a friend. She received it even before it was supposed to be delivered which was great; she loved the book. Thanks.