You have such nice clumps of peonies. My favorite is Old Faithful and Krinkled White. Old Faithful is esp. spectacular! I am sorry to hear that people pull the stems out of the ground. My peony season is not so good. For some reason, the flowers don't last long eventhough we have no rain to knock them down. I added Pink Derby last fall and can't wait to see its first bloom. Your Pink Derby blooms look lovely!

Karen, yes, our climate is not ideal, as the heat of bright sunshine can ruin the peonies just as can heavy rains. The ideal climate is probably farther north or in the Pacific Northwest. Many times, one can best just pick blooms. It's hard to beat peonies as cuts, though some certainly hold up better than others.

Hi Mantis,
How long did it take Old Faithful to reach this size? I am thinking about getting one in the fall.

I like Old Faithful too. It likes a tree peony bloom.

In the third year, Old Faithful was a good clump. I think this is its fourth year. Of course, its location in the garden is optimal (sun and no tree roots), although it has suffered abuse from thieves.

Showgirl

You pictures are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing them. I will be growing peonies for the first time this year, here in South Africa. They are nigh impossible to find locally, apart from imported cut flowers.

Pretty, pretty pretty, Mantis! I got Old Faithful last fall, the single bud this year was cold/hail damaged but it still has leaves so hopefully it'll be better next spring. Love the Sweet Sixteen with the single white mixed in and the one with the iris. Looks like you're doing it right!

Wow they are beautiful!

I have not yet grown peonies. But been wanting to for sometime now. My brugmansia, amaryllis, plumeria, rose, and fruit tree collections have me busy. And I just added two more collections Adeniums and crinums. Also soon to add double flowering Daylilies. But after that I will try and get my hands on some peonies! They are just too beautiful to pass. Btw what is a good source you would recommend so I can save it somewhere.

They all are so beautiful. Most of my peonies didn't do so well this year. Fewer & smaller blooms generally.

I know that my Peony flowers come and go so quick some years that it can be hard to get a good picture before they're gone. Yours are beautiful! Thanks for sharing them.

What is the name of the cream and purple iris that is with the raspberry sundae peony? It looks gorgeous, i'm going to have to plant both this fall!

Erica, sorry I didn't see your question till now. The iris is Stairway to Heaven. Why not activate your messages?