The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1892-09-15
rAs IRE esoNy.
A Noble Flower That Is Being Guilt
ynted I'm England To Some Extent.


yated in England ia Some Extent.
The noblest flower Of the summer season
IL the tree peony, and those who have not
got it in their gardens should try and find
room for it. For considerable more than p
thousand years 1t has been cultivated by
the Chinese, and they have raised hun
dreds of magnificent varieties and kept
them carefully, so that they did not pass
out Of the country.
In Japan also it is a great flower, and
like the chrysanthemum and the iris il
abundant in that country in many fine
forms, some of which are now Mt last being
brought to u.s. But fortunately we are
not entirely dependent upon such uncer
tain sources for our plants, as for some
years past English and continental raisers
have been at work upon the tree peony,
and they have been rewarded with some
sterling productions.
The first tree peony was brought into
this country rather more than 100 years
ago through the fundamentally of Sill
Joseph Banks. who had heard of its exist.
ence and popularity in Chinese gardens. A
few others were obtained later on, but
down to 1850 there were not dozen dis
tinct kinds in cultivation. In recent
years, however, the flower has been great
ly improved Doubtless there are great
many kinds much alike, but there are also
magnificent varieties that we ought tc
possess and grow as we do good roses.
Among the early Varieties that came to
this country was one with single flowers
which were white, with a dark crimso"
stain at the base of tho petals. This was
and still is supposed 10 be the type and
parent of the now numerous and lovely
progeny in existence. Occasionally, and
often when least expected, one meets with
grand plant OF this and similarly
colored double Powered variety.
A short time back, when passing along
the road In a remote country district, We
| saw two magnificent plants of this kind
one on each side of the walk leading up &c
farmhouse. They were each more than
four feet in height almost as much in di
amcter and bearing scores OF blooms
Many years must elapse before a specil Ter
of such dimensions ii obtained, for al
though tree peonies grow vigorously
enough three parts Of the growth die back
each season to where a prominent bud Is
formed.
One great point in their favor, however
is that they commence TO bloom in quite 4
young state. and plants that are little
more than one foot high will bear four OF
five great flowers, and these, with the nm.
pie foliage that clothes the shoots, make
even small plants appear of considerable
size in their summer dress. Above ali
plants they need good culture, ami
when once planted they IRE very impatient
Of disturbance Mt tho root a thorough
preparation Of tho site should be made.
Some care must alAo be exercised in
choosing the position for, though the
plants are in every respect hardy they
start into growth so sc on that frost some
times injuries the young shoots. The risk
OF this is obyiated w choosing n site
where the carly morning sun does not
shine upon the plants, several degrees Of
frost not having the slightest effect upon
the shoots If they thaw gradually 1t is
mn easy matter to nrraiI9e some temporary
framework, over which canvas or some
other light protecting material could he
thrown should frost come tluriag the crit
! ical line Of young growth. In winter pro-
teciion must not on any account he given.
The aim should rather pc to retard growth,
and even then it will stnrt quite soon
enough. Graphic.