Christmas Peony

Hertrich, 1954, Camellias in the Huntington Gardens, vol.1, p.82 & 84, black and white photo: Flower, incomplete double, anemone form, Turkey red 721/2 and /3; 7cm across by 4 cm deep. Petals obtuse to retuse, about 18 guard segments, deeply notched, firm substance. In the centre of the flower is a tight cluster of numerous, erect petaloids; stamens scarse. Buds elliptic. Leaves, elliptic to ovate-elliptic, 7-8 cm long by 4.5-5 cm wide, light green, thin texture, broad and shallow serrations, margins inclined to roll under, apices variable, short to long pointed, recurved. Habit: A loose, spreading shrub early blooming. A seedling originated by Mrs Staley, Riverbank, California, USA.