Paeonia x Itoh Scarlet Heaven

The Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony 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 bush varieties, carried on very strong stems that do not bend under the weight of the flowers. In May this one offers large single flowers of an intense and brilliant scarlet red, just darkened at the base of the petals by a small dark macule, but enhanced by a beautiful heart of golden stamens in the centre of the flower. Itoh peonies with red flowers are still rare, and this variety is often considered the best.

This opulent hybrid herbaceous 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 in 1948, who gave them his name. These plants, known as 'intersectional;, are exceptional perennials that bring together the qualities of herbaceous and bush species, combining the vigour of herbaceous plants with all the splendour of bush plants, both for their foliage and their flowering.

'Scarlet Heaven' is a creation by Anderson dating back to 1999. At maturity the plant forms an opulent clump reaching 85 cm (34in) in height with a spread of 85-90cm (34-35in), sometimes more. Its growth is rather slow, but faster than that of bush peonies. The plant develops large deciduous leaves, alternate, composed of dark green and pointed leaflets. The flowering takes place precisely between the months of May and June, for one month and abundantly. Semi-rigid leafy stems appear, carrying at their end large buds that open into large solitary, single flowers, 15-18 cm (6-7in) in diameter. They are composed of very satin-like, shiny petals, of a deep red and enhanced with small dark areas at the base. The bright yellow heart of the flower catches the eye. These flowers are very beautiful, and also slightly fragrant. The plant disappears in winter, surviving in the form of buds located at the surface of the soil.

The 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 plants in a bed of shrubs or perennials. They make very beautiful combinations with irises or roses, but also with catmints, foxgloves, bellflowers, lupins, and daisies. Cut peony flowers in a bouquet are truly wonderful with lilacs and bellflowers.

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