Not your grandmother’s peonies
Itoh peonies are a relatively new introduction to the peony world. The original hybrid between the herbaceous peony and the tree peony was created by Mr. Toichi Itoh of Japan in 1948. Louis Smirnow, an American horticulturist, introduced four Itoh hybrids to the United States in the late 1960s.
Later hybrids are properly referred to as intersectionals, but all hybrids are usually called Itohs, after their originator. The early Itohs often sold for a thousand dollars each or more, limiting them to well-to-do collectors. Now they have become more generally available at a price in the reach of many gardeners.
Itoh peonies take the best features of each parent. They are vigorous, compact and easily cared for like herbaceous peonies and have the sturdy structure, beautiful foliage and incredible flowers of the tree peony. They require no staking and bloom twice as long as an herbaceous peony. When mature they produce tons of flowers.
Itoh peonies are quite easy to look after. Plant them in well drained fertile soil. Mean it when you plant them. They do not like to be moved. They will tolerate full sun but some shade in the afternoon will help the flowers last longer. Keep them watered during periods of drought.
Peonies are long lived and can grace a garden for fifty years or more. Most sources say the Itohs do not divide easily, so splitting them is probably not a good idea.
(Pat Brothers is a local gardener who works at Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden Center.)
