Heart of Darkness
The single reds are more appealing to me than the ones with fuller flowers. The mass of golden anthers in center prevents a more somber look. This is an F2 plant with both pod and pollen fertility so has been of interest to hybridizers although I am not aware of any progeny having been introduced at this time.
| Cultivar: | Heart of Darkness |
| Year: | 1948 |
| Seedling No: | 16385; F2 of 13011 |
| Group: | Black Pirate |
| Flower: | Color: | dark red (maroon) |
| Form: | single, two rows of petasl, 8-10, heavy substance | |
| Blooms: | Week 5 | |
| Carpels: | 3-4, green | |
| Stigmas: | dark red | |
| Sheath: | dark red | |
| Stamens: | filaments dark red, anthers have pollen | |
| Plant: | Habit: | rounded bush |
| Foliage color: | slightly lighter green, some stems reddish | |
| Foliage form: | slightly more narrow | |
| Height: | short; 13′ on a 6 year plant | |
| Recommendation: | Recommended if you like red |
| Availability: | Few nurseries specializing in woody peonies |