Intersectional peonies are a relatively new class of Paeonia created by crossing herbaceous garden peonies with woody tree peonies. Often called “Itoh Peonies” because the original cross was first made successfully by Japanese nurseryman Mr. Toichi Itoh in 1948.
Established ‘Bartzella’ peony clumps can produce 80 or more flowers in a season! The semi-double to double, pastel yellow 6-8″ flowers have a small rose-purple center and a sweet fragrance. Green foliage resembles that of a tree peony and forms an impressively sturdy clump 3′ tall and wide. Foliage looks great from spring through fall and is substantial enough to be grown in place of a small shrub in the landscape.
‘Julia Rose’ produces large blooms opening a deep rose, maturing to peach and finishing a pale yellow color. 7-8″ flowers have with a light, sweet fragrance. Fast-growing to about 34″ tall and wide.
‘Orange Victory’ brings a beautiful light scent on petals of orange that age to peach-orange. A standout amongst Itoh hybrid peonies with stems that grow up to 40″ in mid-season.
Intersectional peonies offer the best qualities of both garden and tree peonies combined, including very large, tree peony-like flowers in new colors; healthy, herbaceous foliage similar to tree peonies with a robust habit that does not require staking; strong, herbaceous stems that hold flowers upright even after a heavy rain, making them a great landscape plant; longer bloom time due to additional flowers being produced on side shoots; and extreme winter hardiness like herbaceous types.