1. ‘Bartzella’ Itoh Peony
‘Bartzella’ is one of the most renowned and rare Itoh peonies in the world. This hybrid is known for its large, vibrant, golden-yellow flowers, which can measure up to 8 inches in diameter. The blooms are incredibly striking and fragrant, attracting not only gardeners but also pollinators. ‘Bartzella’ is a favorite due to its robust nature, combining the resilience of herbaceous peonies with the beauty of tree peonies. However, due to its limited availability and the difficulty of propagation, it remains a rare variety. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and despite its sturdy appearance, it requires some care during extreme cold temperatures. For gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscapes, ‘Bartzella’ offers both elegance and rarity, making it a highly coveted variety in the world of Itoh peonies.
2. ‘Cora Louise’ Itoh Peony
Another exceptional variety of Itoh peony, ‘Cora Louise’ is recognized for its distinctive pink and cream-colored flowers. This hybrid stands out due to its soft, pastel palette that changes slightly depending on the environmental conditions, offering a dynamic visual experience throughout the blooming season. The petals of the ‘Cora Louise’ are elegantly ruffled, giving the flower a delicate and feminine look. The plant itself is compact, growing to about 30 inches tall, making it a great option for smaller gardens or containers. It’s also known for its ability to bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a longer display of color compared to other varieties. The rarity of this peony comes from its selective propagation and the careful breeding process required to maintain its unique traits. Its beauty and scarcity have made it a prized specimen among collectors.
3. ‘Morning Lilac’ Itoh Peony
‘Morning Lilac’ is another stunning and rare Itoh peony, famous for its soft lavender-lilac flowers. The plant’s petals are elegantly arranged, creating a ruffled, almost frilly appearance that catches the eye. As one of the newer varieties, ‘Morning Lilac’ was developed by the renowned breeder Christopher Krussman, and its introduction to the market caused a stir among peony enthusiasts. The color of the flower varies slightly based on the environment, ranging from light purple to deeper lavender hues. One of the rarest features of this peony is its long blooming period, with the flowers lasting longer than most other Itoh varieties. Growing to about 3 feet in height, it can be planted in full sun or partial shade. Its limited availability and the high demand for this unique peony make it an extraordinary addition to any garden, particularly for those seeking rare and refined specimens.
4. ‘Lemon Chiffon’ Itoh Peony
‘Lemon Chiffon’ is a rare and delicate Itoh peony that features soft, pale yellow flowers. Its petals are light and airy, giving the flower a fluffy, cloud-like appearance. This peony is particularly popular for its fresh, citrusy color that brightens up any garden. ‘Lemon Chiffon’ has a compact growth habit, reaching around 30 inches in height, making it ideal for both smaller gardens and larger landscapes. It blooms in late spring and early summer, offering a beautiful contrast to the deeper colors of other flowers in the garden. The rarity of this peony stems from its selective breeding and the challenges involved in maintaining its delicate color and structure. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and though it is relatively easy to care for, it requires protection from intense summer heat. Because of its beauty and scarcity, ‘Lemon Chiffon’ is highly sought after by peony collectors.
5. ‘Julia Rose’ Itoh Peony
‘Julia Rose’ is an exquisite Itoh peony that combines the rich colors of orange, peach, and yellow in its striking blooms. The flowers are large, with petals that gently overlap to create a layered, full appearance. This peony is famous for its ability to add vibrant warmth to a garden, particularly in early spring. The petals have a soft, velvety texture, and as the flower matures, the color deepens to a rich coral, making it an eye-catching feature. ‘Julia Rose’ has a robust, upright growth habit and can reach up to 3 feet in height. It is also known for its resistance to disease, making it a relatively low-maintenance variety. Despite these favorable growing conditions, ‘Julia Rose’ remains rare due to its selective breeding and limited availability, making it a prized variety among peony enthusiasts. Its rarity and unique color make it a standout choice for any serious collector.
6. ‘Black Jack’ Itoh Peony
‘Black Jack’ is one of the rarest Itoh peonies, known for its dark, deep maroon to blackish-red petals. The flowers have a striking, almost mysterious quality, which makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and dramatic look in their garden. The petals have a velvety texture, and the flower has a rich fragrance that draws attention from both gardeners and visitors. This hybrid is a cross between the herbaceous peony and the tree peony, combining the best of both worlds in terms of hardiness and beauty. The plant grows to about 30 inches tall and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its rarity comes from the difficulty in propagating the dark-colored flowers, as well as the specific growing conditions needed to achieve the rich color. For those fortunate enough to own a ‘Black Jack,’ it is a true collector’s gem.
7. ‘F. D. Roosevelt’ Itoh Peony
‘F. D. Roosevelt’ is an extraordinary Itoh peony known for its deep, rich purple blooms. The flowers are large, with a full, rounded shape, and they emit a subtle yet pleasant fragrance. This variety was introduced to honor the late U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt, and it has become a symbol of strength and resilience in the peony world. The plant’s tall stature, reaching up to 4 feet, makes it a prominent feature in any garden, and its long blooming period ensures a prolonged display of color. ‘F. D. Roosevelt’ is rare because of the intricate breeding process required to achieve its signature color, and it requires specific growing conditions to thrive. Despite its scarcity, it has become a favorite among gardeners who appreciate its historic significance and stunning appearance. Its deep purple flowers make it an outstanding choice for those looking for a bold, regal addition to their landscape.
8. ‘Keiko’ Itoh Peony
‘Keiko’ is a rare Itoh peony that features large, creamy white flowers with hints of pale pink and yellow at the center. This delicate blend of colors makes it an ideal choice for a more subdued and elegant garden design. The petals are soft and silky to the touch, adding to the refined beauty of the flower. ‘Keiko’ grows to about 3 feet in height and blooms in mid to late spring, providing a long-lasting display of color. Its rarity is largely due to its specific breeding requirements and the delicate nature of its color. Though it is not as widely available as some other varieties, those who are fortunate enough to grow it appreciate its beauty and subtle elegance. For collectors, ‘Keiko’ represents a perfect example of the harmony between nature and human cultivation.
9. ‘Anastasia’ Itoh Peony
‘Anastasia’ is a stunning Itoh peony known for its striking, large flowers with petals that range from soft pink to lavender. This hybrid combines the best traits of both herbaceous and tree peonies, offering both beauty and resilience. The blooms of ‘Anastasia’ have a smooth, almost satin-like finish that enhances their visual appeal. The plant grows to around 3 feet in height and prefers full sun, thriving in well-drained soil. The rarity of this variety is linked to its complex hybridization process, as well as the time and effort required to achieve the perfect color combination. ‘Anastasia’ is highly sought after for its exceptional color and elegant form, making it a must-have for serious peony collectors. Its long-lasting blooms and hardy nature make it a favorite among gardeners who appreciate both beauty and reliability.
10. ‘Mellow Yellow’ Itoh Peony
‘Mellow Yellow’ is a rare and cheerful Itoh peony that features soft, buttery yellow flowers. The blooms are large and well-formed, with the petals gently overlapping to create a lush, full appearance. This variety blooms later in the spring, offering a refreshing burst of color just as other flowers begin to fade. The plant grows to about 3 feet in height and prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. Despite its bright and inviting color, ‘Mellow Yellow’ is considered rare due to its selective breeding and the specific conditions needed to propagate it. The plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a relatively low-maintenance option for gardeners. For those seeking a light and uplifting color in their garden, ‘Mellow Yellow’ is a perfect choice, providing both beauty and rarity in one stunning package.
Conclusion
Ito peonies are widely loved by gardening enthusiasts for their unique flower shapes and beautiful colors. Many varieties have become treasures sought after by collectors due to their rarity and difficulty in reproduction. The 10 rarest Ito peony varieties introduced in this article, each of which has become a treasure in the gardening world with their unique flowers, colors, and growth characteristics. If you are lucky enough to own some of these varieties, you can not only enjoy their beautiful flowers but also feel their unique position in the gardening world. Whether it is warm yellow, romantic pink, or deep purple, these Ito peonies can add a rare beauty to your garden.
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