A mixup with two mail-order peonies several years ago left me with a Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’ instead of Paeonia lactiflora ‘Duchess de Nemours’ and masquerading as Paeonia lactiflora ‘Black Beauty’ (Nightlife Peony), this lovely pink mystery.
I think I went ahead and labeled it P. ‘Black Beauty’ last year when if bloomed, but it cannot be accurate. If you recognize it I would appreciate knowing its name. This is the pink mystery peony in and out of the garden.

Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ (Red Fox Veronica) is companion to the pink peony, but its first blooms are mostly hidden by the peony foliage.
I included white P. ‘Festiva Maxima’ in Monday’s vase of Hippeastrum, but also had filled the house with vases of many other flowers, including the unknown pink peony. Joining the pink peony in a Fenton vase are Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox), Iris tectorum (Japanese Roof Iris), and Digitalis Foxlight ‘Ruby Glow’.
Lovely, a second vase. Sorry I can’t help with the peony’s ID but it is lovely so I’m sure you are enjoying having it.
I do like this peony, though it’s not the blackish red I was after. Had several other vases to share on Monday but decided to just focus on the amaryllis. This week the garden is giving lots of blooms.
I suppose I should pick some of the last irises for a vase but they really look better in the garden. I loved your Monday vase
The irises do hold up better outside. Thanks, glad you liked the Monday vase.
I recognize it! I have one just like it (I think). But….I don’t know its name. It came through several generations from my grandmother’s garden.
So an heirloom variety–good to know. Thanks John.
I do not know either Susie, but she looks beautiful. Thats a very pretty container too.
Thanks Julie. It’s been a wonderful, slow spring. This year the peonies have had a chance to develop and linger before “summer” intrudes.
I love your peony photos. They are another flower we cannot grow here, so I will enjoy yours.
One peony was really damaged by the heavy rains last week, somehow others look pretty good.
Your flowers are gorgeous.
Thanks, it’s been a lovely spring and the flowers have done their finest.
I think Peonies are a lot like Iris, in that so many people are hybridizing them and giving them names that it’s almost impossible to keep up. It’s a beauty, even if destined to remain nameless and you built a super bouquet around it.
Thanks Ricki, would love to know the name of the peony but it is pretty regardless.
Your beautiful flowers are so much further ahead it is amazing. Thank you for sharing and reminding me what I have to look forward to. 🙂
Judy, it’s been such a lovely spring here, much nicer than last year. Still, humidity is creeping in so summer’s near. You’ll see soon enough.
Your arrangement is lovely, as always! I’m not very good at identifying cultivars and hybrids–there are so many. But that’s a gorgeous Peony. My Peonies usually bloom at the end of May or early June. They are great for arrangements, aren’t they?
Thank you Beth. I look forward to seeing your peonies later. I’ve heard peonies are more easily grown in a colder environment but this spring I’ve been happy with peonies. It is beginning to get humid though.
It’s a beautiful plant, whatever its name! I looked up ‘Black Beauty’ and, while it’s also spectacular, I think I like your pink mystery variety even better.
Kris, perhaps it was a lucky mix-up after all. This peony has a very nice form. I searched to try to match it to a name–amazing how many peonies there are out there!
gorgeous arrangement and those peonies are breathtaking!
Thank you so much. I’ve only grown peonies for a few years and this has been the best season ever. Makes me want to order more.
Beautiful. The Iris tectorum looks great with all the pink flowers.
Thanks Jason. A friend gave me Iris tectorum about 17 years ago and I have passed it on to many others. Beautiful color.
It’s certainky a beauty, whatever it is called! Love the pinks and mauves in the vase. 🙂
Thanks, I really like that peony also Cathy.
Susie that is a fabulous vase…first it is stunning glass and wonderful by itself….but it also cries out for beautiful flowers and you found a handful of stunning blooms.