Martin Page

**Peonies are virtually unrivalled in a their ability to bring impact and drama to a garden. Once established they flourish for decades bringing large quantities of flamboyant blooms in a magical range of hues from rich dark reds through yellow to purest white. This informative guide highlights the best peonies for gardeners paying particular attention to the tree peonies, herbaceous hybrids and the latest cultivars of "Paeonia lactiflora. Despite the fact that the Chinese have been growing them for 1600 years, tree peonies still make a novel and exotic addition to a Western garden. A full-size plant bearing dozens of flowers is an awesome sight and the selection here includes the best of the Chinese and Japanese cultivar ranges, the classic hybrids and the sought-after hybrids raised by Arthur Saunders in the 1930s that range in colour from yellow to mahogany-red. Enthusiasts of herbaceous peonies will find here the latest cultivars of "Paeonia lactiflora" including the world-class varieties raised by Roy Klehm in the USA and Kelways in England. The new complex hybrids between "P. lactiflora, P. wittmanniana and "P. macrophylla developed by Don Hollingsworth also feature here. Information about the history of peonies, conservation issues, their morphology and tips for successful cultivation complete this comprehensive guide. By understanding the ecology of peonies, gardeners will learn to cultivate them successfully in the garden. Over 200 photographs accompany detailed plant descriptions that will provide an invaluable reference source to peony enthusiasts everywhere.

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