Paeonia peregrina Mill.
A fully-hardy herbaceous perennial with erect stems, deeply cut leaves and single, bowl-shaped, glistening, deep red flowers in spring and summer. To 60cm. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This is often taken for Paeonia humilis, but does not at all agree with Retzius’s description of that species, which has narrower and more divided leaves, and nearly naked germens and capsules; not at all tomentose.’ [BM t.1050/1807]. Originally introduced to Britain some time in the 18th century or earlier, re-introduced to Britain as Paeonia lobata in 1821.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.388/1850]. It is possible that this plant, and others first appearing in the catalogue in 1850, were obtained from Loddiges’ nursery as ‘Paeonia, any of the showy varieties except Whitleyi’, were included among desiderata in a letter dated 16th April 1846. [MP A2933-1, p.147].
Notes
Another perhaps less likely possibility is Paeonia officinalis L. byzantina atrorubens. This has remarkably large blossoms, measuring from six to nine inches across, ‘readily recognised by its dark-tinted stems and foliage, and by the still richer and deeper crimson of its magnificent blooms.’ [Gard. Chron. 1854].
Published Feb 18, 2009 - 11:51 AM | Last updated Jan 29, 2010 - 12:05 PM
Paeonia peregrina Mill. | BM t.1050/1807 | BHL
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Southern Europe |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Paeony |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Paeonia Byzantina |
| Confidence level | medium |
