Seneca Hill rockii type peony

Two years ago I ordered a rockii type peony seedling from the late great Seneca Hill Perennials in upstate New York. Here's how the catalog described it (and yes, I actually copied it down on my plant i.d. index card for future reference needs just like this):

" Just for fun . . . these are robust seedlings of a gorgeous plant that we raised from seed over a decade ago, and that utterly floored us by growing into a fine shrub laden with huge lazily-ruffled bright pink flowers with deep maroon basal blotches. Who knew? The only seedling of this plant that we've bloomed is pink like its mom, but with much more strongly ruffled petals. No guarantees, but there's no reason these seedlings shouldn't all make good plants. $14.99"

Two years later I've got a plant that is so stunning Mark and I both photographed it. However, it is not pink. It's snow white which I actually prefer. But no basal blotches on these first two blooms. Maybe some of the future flowers will sport blotches which I would love.

On the other hand, after only two years it is a huge shrub and, as you can see for yourself, the flowers are breathtaking. I was literally running out to the garden every fifteen minutes watching the first bud unfurl. The big flower held up surprising well to the wind and rain that followed the sun and warmth that made the it open so quickly. 

Since it is an unnamed seedling, I am christening mine in honor of the nursery, "Seneca Hill Snowstorm." If anyone reading this is growing one of these seedlings, I'd love to hear about your experience.

For those who are interested, you will note I have a Seneca Hill Perennials catagory on the blog where you can find posts about all the plants I grow that I purchased at that nursery.

Comments

[Barbara H.]

Oh my gosh, Linda, what a fantastic plant! It reminds me of Matilija Poppy, Romneya coulteri. I saw a stand of those in full bloom over at the Oregon coast quite a few years ago when I still lived in Portland and fell in love, but they weren't successful in propagating them, though I think they sold seeds.

[Altoon]

Gorgeous! does it have a scent?

[Linda Brazill]

Barb — I, too, saw a stand of those poppies twenty years ago on the West Coast. Once seen, never forgotten. 

[Linda Brazill]

Altoon — Alas, not much of a scent. I notice with many of the newer peonies it seems like breeders lost the scent when they went for unusual colors like yellow and salmon. My old, highly scented peonies are so shaded out that I only get a couple of flowers anymore.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

What a beauty. I only have one peony and it is a tree type. I don't like it. It was supposed to be purple and it is pink as can be. Your white one is gorgeous.

[Jcmather]

Maybe just simply call it "Ellen".

I am surprised at the vigor.

[Linda Brazill]

Lisa — I sympathize with you! After visiting Song Sparrow nursery when the tree peonies were blooming, I decided that I would only order one if I had a chance to see the real thing before ordering. The colors were so varied — and there were a lot that I definitely did not like.

[Marja Hosk]

Lovely! I have one of these in Sweden, so wonderful and going to blossom with 12 flowers soon. They are very fragrant after raining, love them!!!