Cricket Hill Garden
Paeonia, 'Tethys' hybrid tree peony
Notable characteristics: For a description of this hybrid peony we quote that written by Nate Bremer of Solaris Farms, the hybridizer of this spectacular tree peony: "Seedling #NB-SH73. Parentage: ‘Brassy Lady’ x ‘Sedona’. Advanced generation lutea hybrid. Tethys is a semi-double to double medium sized (5½-6½ inches) old rose colored flower. In years with better precipitation and cooler temperatures, flowers can show brighter pink coloration. The outer petals are notched and ruffled. When flowers are double (produced on strong terminals) the interior petals are smaller, ruffled and turn in many directions. The petals have many small reticulations of deeper coloration, creating a multicolor affect.
Plants have excellent pollen and seed fertility is good on semi-double flowers. Leaves are broad, dark green with margins coarsely saw-toothed; petioles are red. Very sturdy stems carry flowers in an upward fashion-unusual for a double lutea hybrid. Named for the spherical moon of Saturn that is pitted and cratered, also a Titan of Greek Mythology."
We have grown this tree peony for several years now and have come to treasure the exceptional durability of its blossoms which seem to withstand both the heat and rain of our New England springs. The flowers also age or fade in a most alluring manor with the purple pink tones morphing into an ombre of corals, pinks, and yellows.
Cultivar group, hybridizer and year introduced: Advanced generation P. lutea hybrid, Bremer, 2017
Growth habit and size at maturity (10 years old): Upright and spreading to 3' tall and 4' wide.
Flower form and size: Double, 6". Flowers are well displayed on top of foliage.
Flower fragrance: Slightly sweet.
Bloom time: Late-season hybrid tree peony, blooms in our USDA zone 6a garden in the first week of June.
Zone hardiness: Proven in USDA zones 4-9.
Plant size: 1 year old tree peonies have 1 woody stem, with side buds, and a well developed root system.
When we ship: FALL 2024.