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