Elizabeth Black

Elizabeth Black.  Seidl/Bremer.  2020.  Herbaceous hybrid.  Parentage:  Unknown.   Elizabeth Black is a very large double flower.  Each petal is fluted and ends in one or more sharp points.  Petal color is a light pink at the end most points and darkens toward the base.  The large flowers are carried on thick stems and typically need little support.  There may be one side bud, but most often blooms are produced singly.  Foliage is wide and deep green.  Stamens and pollen may be found mixed among the many petals and is fertile.  Filaments yellow throughout.  No disc observable.  Stigmas and carpels are most often abortive and seed has not yet been produced from this cultivar.  This cultivar takes a couple of years for flowers to present in their full glory, thus some patience is required.  Lightly distributed to close friends, prior to introduction.  This was one of the last herbaceous seedlings Bill grew from his own crosses.

Named for artist and World War II Red Cross volunteer.  A Pittsburgh artist, Elizabeth Black joined the American Red Cross efforts during World War II.   While overseas she sketched hundreds of military personnel, with the intent of sending the portraits back to concerned family members.  Many of the portraits did find their way home, but a number never were reunited with their families.  Years later her son discovered the undelivered portraits among Elizabeth’s memorabilia. Today a concerted effort is being made to repatriate the portraits with family.

Bill Seidl, having served in the military, was always interested and thankful for the efforts of those who supported the troops.  Thus, he wanted honor the efforts of Elizabeth Black with this peony registration.  Vigorous grower and in high demand.  Premium divisions ship late September to mid October.