
Virginia Dare
It is Memorial Day and prime time for glorious peony blooms. From the editorial of the Des Moines Register (link below), the tradition of placing home-grown peonies on graves goes back to the Civil War and Decoration Day.

Karl Rosenfield
The Karl Rosenfield variety is classic with large heavy blooms which are unfortunately doubled over after a heavy rain. The blooms of Virginia Dare and Sword Dance are much lighter and put on a fabulous show.

Garden Parfait
Many homeowners will mow the foliage back. Peonies and their foliage is a great addition to perennial flower beds because it holds its own during the summer months.

Foxtrot
These beautiful varieties were photographed today.

Sword Dance
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130527/OPINION03/305270036/?odyssey=nav%7Chead
Tags: Memorial Day, Peonies