Paeonia Itoh Pink Ardour

The Pink Ardour Itoh Peony, still rare in cultivation, belongs to a category of hybrids resulting from a cross between a tree peony and an herbaceous peony, characterised by significant growth as well as the production of sublime flowers carried on very sturdy stems that do not bend under their weight. This one is equipped with wide, semi-double flowers of a beautiful deep pink, with a lemony fragrance. This variety blooms in the middle of the season, starting in mid-May, on particularly abundant and decorative foliage.

This opulent Pink Ardour herbaceous hybrid peony belongs, like its two parents, to the Paeoniaceae family. Itoh peonies are the result of the work carried out by the Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh, starting from 1948, who bequeathed them his name. These plants, known as intersectional, are exceptional perennials that combine the qualities of herbaceous and tree peonies, combining the vigour of the former with all the splendour of the latter, in terms of both foliage and flowering.

'Pink Ardour' is a horticultural creation that is not widely distributed. The plant forms a clump reaching about 80-90 cm (32-35in) in height with a spread of 80 cm (32in), sometimes more. Its growth is rather slow, but faster than that of tree peonies. This peony develops large alternate leaves, composed of dark green and pointed leaflets. In spring the young shoots and young leaves are beautifully tinged with purple. The abundant flowering lasts for about a month, usually from May 15 to June 15. Semi-rigid leafy stems appear, carrying large buds at their tips that open into large solitary, semi-double or occasionally single flowers, measuring 17 to 20 cm (7 to 8in) in diameter, pleasantly fragrant. They are composed of 2 rows of silky petals, of a bright purple-pink colour. As they age the petals become darker at the edges. Flowers of different shades are sometimes observed on the same plant, which can produce up to 50 flowers during the season. The corolla's throat is occupied by golden yellow stamens, which provide a nice contrast. The plant disappears in winter, persisting in the form of buds (eyes) located at the soil surface.

The Pink Ardour Itoh Peony hates heavy, waterlogged soils, especially in winter, and appreciates semi-shaded locations such as the edge of a grove or the shelter of a hedge. It is an exceptional plant that deserves a prime location. It is often planted in groups of 3 specimens, in a shrub or perennial border. It forms very beautiful combinations with irises or roses, as well as catmints, foxgloves, bellflowers, lupins, columbines, or daisies. Cut peony flowers are truly wonderful in a bouquet with lilacs and bellflowers.

Tip: Herbaceous peonies should not be buried more than 3 cm (1in) deep, otherwise they will take several years to reflower.