Pardon the hyperbole, but it is mostly true. Something has happened, and I find it very exciting. Never mind that this has happened before, because it has never happened so spectacularly. Okay, enough with the tease, cue fanfare, here it is:
the tree peony has finally bloomed. I say finally not because it is late (it is, in fact about a month early), but because I have been watching one bud in a state of suspended animation for over a month.
Normally, when a tree peony bud shows color, it opens within a day or two. A week ago, I was convinced that was the day, but the cool weather has held it back, but no more.
Last year was a great disappointment, with only two buds surviving to bloom, but this year a quick count reveals an unprecedented and record setting (for Squirrelhaven) 18 buds and blooms.
The identity of this plant is still in question. It is either Paeonia suffruticosa 'Chojuraka' or Paeonia rockii 'Ofuji Nishiki'. Both are similar, but reputedly not the same. Whatever it is, the blooms are big, blousy, lemon-scented things.
They are a delight and a highlight of the gardening year here at Squirrelhaven. All the extra effort put in to protect them from frosts and freezes has paid off, and it is time for celebration.
In any event, I'm not the only one excited about the blooms.
