Peonies in West Texas? Absolutely. Peony is the queen of the garden. There may not be a more majestic flower than the peony. The luscious blooms of peonies is a much anticipated event in our garden. Their gorgeous blooms nourish our souls.
The American Peony Society (APS) recognizes six peony flower types: single, Japanese, anemone, semidouble, bomb, and full double. Some botanic terminology used in APS descriptions of the flowering types: Stamen: male organ of the flower that has two distinct structures – anthers (usually yellow) that contain pollen and borne on top of the second structures, thin filaments. Yellow stamina are clearly visible in simple and semidouble flowers.
Staminode: sterile stamen. Carpel: female organ of the flower that has an ovary, a stigma, and style.
Petaloids: true petals that develop from filament of the stamens.
Guard petals: bottom most true petals that extend outwards from the petaloids.
Peony flower types (APS):
• Single: One or two rows of broad petals encircling a visible center of stamens and carpels.
• Japanese: Similar to the single peony, but with visible staminodes rather than stamens.
• Anemone: One or two rows of broad petals surrounding large, ornate staminodes.
• Semi-double: One or two rows of broad petals with more petals intermingled with the central staminodes.
• Bomb: One row of broad petals surrounding a central pom-pom of densely packed narrow petals.
• Full Double: Most popular type for gardens. Dense, pom-pom-shaped petals throughout the flower; almost all stamins are transformed into petaloids. Stamens persisting in the depth of the flower will be surrounded by plush tufts of a collar of petaloids densely packed into the center of the flower surrounded by guard petals. Petaloids of same color as true petals give blooms a fuller appearance.
Peonies are flowering perennials hardy to zones 3-8. They are best established from tubers that can be planted now but are best planted in autumn. Cold periods are essential for bud formation. Choose planting location wisely as they do not transplant well. Protect from wind by placing next to a protected north-facing wall that receives at least six hours of full sun per day; set tubers no deeper than 2 inches, spaced 3 feet apart; keep constantly moist.
Be patient. Peonies take time to develop, usually needing several years to become established before blooming.
Peonies are long-lived, beautifying gardens and rewarding gardeners for many years.
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
