Plant of Merit: Itoh peony or ‘Morning Lilac’

Published 1:30 am Thursday, March 30, 2017

What: Itoh peony “Morning Lilac”

Itoh peonies are also known as intersectionals, and are hybrids between tree and herbaceous peonies. The first intersectional was introduced in Japan in 1940 by Toichi Itoh, who worked for many years to create these magnificent specimens. Their bloom time is earlier than the herbaceous types, so gardeners can expect them to flower in May. They have the foliage of tree peonies, but have stems that die back. “Morning Lilac” has a lovely fragrance and its flowers are a blend of pink and fuchsia that get darker toward the center. Its coloration is accentuated by bright golden stamens.

Sun/shade: Full sun is required.

Size: “Morning Lilac” is 28 inches tall by 30 inches wide.

Find them: At full service local nurseries.

— Sandra Schumacher