A mystery tree peony

Does anyone know the name of this superb tree peony? It has lived outside the beautiful Hôtel du Faune in our square at Châtillon for many years now, but we don’t really have a name for it. I wish I hadn’t taken my pictures when it was so bright and sunny, because the sun spoils the glorious colour.

Looking up past the Hôtel du Gouverneur towards the peony and the Hôtel du Faune, with the peony outside

Closer to home in my own garden, the old village looks superb as a backdrop to the newest of my borders, imaginatively called the Orchard Long Border. The cherry tree in the foreground is called ‘Napoleon’ (‘Bigarreau Napoleon’) It was grafted for me by a friend in the village who was a bit of a fruit expert, but who has passed away now.

Finally – 3 years after his death – we had a few cherries last year. I did have to plant a suitable pollinator in the end, called ‘Burlat’ (‘Bigarreau Burlat’). Both cherries are sweet cherries, of the type known as Bigarreau here in France. In the States they call these ‘Royal Ann’, I believe, but I need to do a little research.

‘Napoleon’ has a tendency to grow straight up, at the expense of fruiting, so it would have been an excellent one for espalier. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I did kind of realise what was happening and plan to make sure we keep the longest branches shortened back by pruning in July (the fungus silverleaf dictates one makes any cuts to Prunus then).

Fortunately the tulips were not shredded as badly as the daffodils this year … and the rain has calmed down a little!

‘American Dream’, proved to be a good cheap Lidl purchase …

As did this, Triumph tulip ‘Jan Seignette’. I also like the Blushing Apeldoorn that I’ve planted up in the Long Border.

Have a wonderful Tuesday … and, most of all, enjoy your garden/balcony … whatever!