Rose Crystal

This peony can be appreciated for its very early and delicate blooms and for its foliage.  Silvia Saunders seemed especially enamored of this plant, writing in her notes of its “handsome heart” (meaning abundant stamens) and handsome leaves.  I find the buds exceptionally beautiful.

Cultivar: Rose Crystal
Year Registered: 1955
Seedling No: 1536. Page 69 of Saunders’ Notebook I
Parentage: 4B: F2 of (lactiflora X macrophylla)
Flower: Color: white with lilac pink edges
Form: single, one row of 6 petals, fluted with ruffled edges, very delicate
Blooms: Week 2
Carpals: 2, light yellowish green, woolly
Stigmas: bright red
Disc: red, “conspicuous” (Silvia Saunders’ notes)
Stamens: filaments crimson at base, shading to yellow, stamens abundant
Plant: Habit: rounded spreading bush
Foliage color: light green
Foliage form: medium large leaves, entire
Height: 31″ in 2022
Recommendation: Highly Recommended
Availability: Rare