Thunderbolt
The yellow anthers set off the dark colored petals, making for a pleasing flower. I would likely choose this one as my favorite peony of the Black Pirate group.
It has pollen and is in the parentage of ‘Hephestos’ (Daphnis, 1977).
| Cultivar: | Thunderbolt |
| Year: | 1948 |
| Seedling No: | 13014 |
| Group: | Black Pirate |
| Flower: | Color: | very dark crimson/maroon |
| Form: | single, two rows of petals | |
| Blooms: | Week 5 | |
| Carpels: | 4, green | |
| Stigmas: | bright dark pink | |
| Sheath: | dark red (“blackish-purple-Reath and Saunders) | |
| Stamens: | filaments dark red | |
| Plant: | Habit: | wide rounded bush |
| Foliage color: | medium green | |
| Foliage form: | slightly more narrow than most | |
| Height: | 34″ on 8 year plant | |
| Recommendation: | Recommended especially if you like dark colors |
| Availability: | Few nurseries specializing in woody peonies |