John’s Dream

John’s Dream.  Simkins/Cook.  Seedling JS08-01. Parentage is unknown though John was known to grow seeds of Roy Pehrson’s Best Yellow, so it is probable that it forms part of the pedigree of JS08-01. Purchased by a gardening friend from John many years ago when John sold little potted seedlings as part of his peony talks program. Its value was subsequently recognized, and in 2008 it was divided and propagation at Blossom Hill began. An unusual flower form in that it looks JAPANESE (and that’s where it would be shown at exhibition) but it has stamens and pollen as well. The center boss begins as stamens with thick round filaments, then as one progresses towards the center the filaments begin to flatten until they become staminodes. One flower per stem, 9 inches in size (23cm). The flower is bowl shaped, but a bowl with a wide rim having the 3½ inch (9 cm) boss of stamens and staminodes nestled inside the centre cup. Soft yellow petals are huge, 4 inches (20cm) at their widest point as well as being 4 inches long, the flower made up of 9 – 10 petals. Petals rounded and gently ruffled. Very large buds, 2½ inches (6 cm) in height. Carpels pale yellow-green, 3 in number, smooth. Stigmas pale yellow-green with pink along the inside edge, morphologically normal. Staminodal disc prominent, complete, white with greenish cast and hint of pink on some of the tips. No fragrance. Presumed tetraploid. Fertile both ways and has produced seedlings showing doubling. Upright growth to 36 inches (92 cm). Excellent strong plant habit, remaining healthy and green even in drought conditions late into autumn after most other varieties have gone dormant. Blooms with Roy Pehrson’s Best Yellow. A dramatic flower in all respects. Received APS Award of Merit at Green Bay, 2016 and Canadian Peony Society’s Peony of the Year in 2022. Premium divisions ship late September to mid October.