As hybridization techniques get more advanced every year, it seems that we are constantly deluged with new varieties of nearly every plant in the garden.  In this context, it seems difficult to imagine that not that long ago much of what is relatively commonplace today was considered impossible.  Such is the case with the Itoh Peonies.  Because of their different flowering times and distant relationship within the genus, interbreeding Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies was thought impossible until 1948, when Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh did it.  It is said that he had tried tens of thousands of crosses before succeeding.  Now these Intersectional Peonies (so called because they are between the two major Peony sections, or groups) are commonly called Itoh Peonies in his honor.

Sadly, Itoh passed away before seeing any of his creations bloom.  He almost certainly would have been very pleased with the results, though.  Itoh hybrids are just as he’d hoped, having the best characteristics of both herbaceous and tree peonies.  They are vigorous, easy to grow, and very long-lived.  They are relatively low plants, rarely growing taller than 45 inches, but they feature the large blooms of tree peonies held up on sturdy stems.  The flowers of Itohs are often in more vibrant colors even than the plants from which they are bred.

Intersectional Peonies are still rather uncommon in gardens.  Because they are difficult to breed and perform exceptionally, they are highly sought-after in many gardening communities, and in many cases cost hundreds of dollars.  We are extremely pleased to have a supply of Itoh hybrids available from Park Seed, including the magnificent Itoh Peony ‘Bartzella.’

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