Here are the photos of the first peonies to bloom this spring. The first ones are always the Coral Charm, Coral Supreme, Coral Sunset and the second and overlapping peony is Red Charm.They were blooming in profusion (California’s version of profusion!) starting in mid April.

Coral Supreme Peony

Red Charm Peony

The coral peonies are semi-double and somewhat double but open up very flat rather than staying in a tighter bloom. Red Charm stays very fluffy and the center bomb stands out with the larger guard petals making a skirt. These are among my favorite peonies.

And then there is Mrs. F.D. Roosevelt.  There was only one plant blooming this early with others to follow later.

MRS. F.D. Roosevelt Peony

There was one early Festiva Maxima and one Do Tell a few days later.  And one I didn’t recognize as well as a Japanese single, Doreen.

Festiva Maxima Peony

Do Tell Peony

Doreen Peony

What is to Come?

Peonies will be blooming for another month, if last year’s experience was typical.  Usually, I just enjoy the blooms as they come and don’t bother to document the timing and sequence, but I did do that last year. I missed the end of the bloom as I left for a trip near then end of May which surprised me as I didn’t remember having blooms extend into June. I missed seeing the last ones to bloom.

The varieties left to bloom apart are more coral peonies, Henry Bockstoce, Sarah Bernhardt, Mrs. FD Roosevelt and Festiva Maxima in their regular time, Carol, Charlie’s White, Cheddar Surprise, Coral Fay, Paula Fay, Duchess de Nemours, Gardenia, Mons Jules Elie, Princess Margaret, and Mr. Ed. Most are doubles or bomb form in this group.

If you are in the area do call and come see them.