Paeonia 'Kopper Kettle'
Common Name: Intersectional Peony
Such a unique color for a peony! This elegant selection produces an attractive array of large 8”, semi-double to double flowers that start out soft copper rose and age to soft gold with a deep burgundy flare in the center. Both flower colors are present on the clump at once and flowers are produced on both the top and sides of the clump . These strongly fragrant blossoms are wonderful in fresh bouquets.
Its healthy green foliage similar to that of a tree peony forms an impressively sturdy clump that is substantial enough to be grown in place of a small shrub in the landscape.
Intersectional peonies are a relatively new class of Paeonia created by crossing herbaceous garden types with woody tree types. They are often called “Itoh Peonies” because the original cross was first made successfully by Japanese nurseryman Mr. Toichi Itoh in 1948. Sadly, he passed away before ever seeing one of his crosses bloom. Since that time, other hybridizers have continued his work including American breeder Roger Anderson.
Intersectional Peonies offer the best qualities of both garden and tree peonies combined including:
- Very large, tree peony-like flowers in colors not previously seen in herbaceous types
- Healthy, herbaceous foliage similar to tree peonies but with a robust, bushy habit that does not require staking
- Strong, herbaceous stems that hold the flowers upright even after a heavy rain; makes a better landscape plant than older herbaceous peonies
- A longer bloom time due to additional flowers being produced on side shoots
- Extreme winter hardiness like herbaceous types but with increased vigor
