Product Description

Peonies are virtually unrivalled in a their ability to bring impact and drama to a garden. Once established they flourish for decades, bringing large quantities of flamboyant blooms in a magical range of hues and outstanding, often finely cut foliage. This informative guide highlights the best peonies for gardeners, paying particular attention to the tree peonies, herbaceous hybrids and the latest cultivars of Paeonia lactiflora.The Chinese have been growing tree peonies for 1600 years but these exotic plants still make a novel addition to the Western garden. A full-size plant bearing dozens of flowers is an awesome sight and the selection here includes the best of the Chinese and Japanese cultivar ranges, the classic hybrids and the sought-after hybrids raised by Arthur Saunders in the 1930s that range in colour from yellow to mahogany-red. Enthusiasts of herbaceous peonies will delight in the selection of Paeonia lactiflora cultivars along with the new complex hybrids between P. lactiflora, P. wittmanniana and P. macrophylla. Over 200 photographs accompany the detailed plant descriptions to provide an invaluable reference source>Advice on buying peonies along with detailed cultivation requirements for the individual groups will ensure success in the garden, while information on the history of peonies, conservation issues, and morphology complete this authoritative review.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #416473 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 268 pages

From Booklist
Whether attracted to the stately blossoms of the regal tree peony or charmed by the quaint, old-fashioned simplicity of the herbaceous peony, few gardeners can resist the allure of these garden standouts. With their almost obscenely lush blossoms of the purest whites, pinks, and reds, peonies not only hearken memories of grandmother's day, they could also be the selfsame plants, for peonies are among the most long-lived of any garden inhabitant. Since the peony's history dates back some 1,600 years to ancient China and Japan, Page provides illuminating insights into how peony culture and enthusiasm has developed, both in discussion of the broader classifications and in precise descriptions of individual species' cultivars. For those gardeners wary of the plant's alleged sensitivity to climate and transplantation, Page dispels such myths through clear, precise instructions on proper growing techniques, care, and maintenance. Enhanced by more than 200 color photographs, Page's guide is an essential resource for peony devotees. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
This [book] reflects the hand of a master designer, an English botanist whose experience in publishing, editing, photography, and classification study combined create a truly exceptional offering. -- Mary Hoffman "Hardy Plant Society of Oregon Bulletin" (06/01/2006)

From the Author
Martin Page founded The British Peony Society in 2000 and is currently its Chairman.