Can not help you with Joanna Marlene vs SIR, but CL is comparatively smaller Itoh - more compact size and will need 100 % full sun to perform well.

What zone are you in? I just purchased Joanna so I don't have bloom yet. But I can tell you, Singing In The Rain is wonderful and my personal favorite out of the 10 types that I have. It grows easily, requires minimal maintenance, and is simply beautiful.

I even had a color streak this year. This plant has been in the ground for 2 years. I am in 7a.

That is so cool. I am in zone 5b (southern Iowa). I have been getting one Itoh a year and currently have Bartzella, Secret Spendor, First Arrival and Scarlet Heaven. I have been very happy with all of them and don't know that I could pick a favorite, although I really love Secret Spendor.

Anyway, I think I am leaning toward buying Singing in the Rain this year unless someone on this forum gives me a reason to change my mind

Thank you for your input

Do you buy yours locally or online, junco1102? If online, have you seen the Southernpeony blog listing of Itoh sellers and prices? She puts out a list every January after the big sellers have put out their selections for the year....http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/01/2017-intersectional-peony-catalog-price.html

I don't think I've seen Secret Splendor before, very pretty!

I think it is Pastel Splendor rather than Secret Splendor or it is a renamed plant.

You are right, it is Pastel Spendor. I don't know what I was thinking. I got Bartzella locally, but the others I ordered online.