Author(s): Pamela McGeorge

Gardening

Peonies is for gardeners; those already seduced by their opulent blooms and those soon to be. It uncovers the origins of the species, and the roles they have played in Asian and Western societies, and highlights the efforts of hybridisers to develop modern varieties. From the family Paeoniaceae, peonies have long been treasured around the world, particularly in China, home to many of the species now commonly available. They were first cultivated for their medicinal value and later featured in dowry settlements, as an allusion to love in poetry and as a design motif on silk, woodcuts and ceramics. In this book, the two main groups of peonies-herbaceous varieties and tree peonies-are discussed as well as intersectional hybrids, a cross between the two, and advice is given on how to choose the best varieties and care for them in your own garden. Peonies also contains a wide range of recommendations from dividing and moving plants to end-of-season care, displaying cut flowers and dealing with pests and diseases.Over 180 species and cultivars described; over 200 photographs, full colour; covers species, popular cultivars and new hybrids, landscaping ideas, cultivation, propagation and growing peonies as cut flowers.