PEONIES

PEONY OF THE MONTH

Le Cratère

“Le Cratère” is the result of the collaboration for more than 20 years between François-Léo Tremblay, Gabriel and Dominic Maltais from Saguenay, Quebec. These hybridizers of which we are very proud have achieved great feats in the field of peonies when you consider the passion, time, patience and energy it takes for the magnificent results that you can find on the APS register. Through their achievements, they contribute to the development of horticulture in Quebec, Canada and even beyond the country. Unfortunately, François-Léo Tremblay, who died in June 2021, will not see the tribute paid to him and his friends. But you can get this peony at Les Fleurs Maltais website.

Canadian Peony Hybridizer: Dominic Maltais

I would like to introduce you to a Quebec hybridizer, Dominic Maltais. It all began 25 years ago when Gabriel Maltais, Dominic's father, sowed 2 000 to 3 000 peony seeds in his fields. These were mostly old varieties of lactiflora type with shades of pink, white, or red. Then François-Léo Tremblay provided him with hundreds of seeds from his hybrids, which allowed for the creation of earlier blooming peonies with more diverse colors. Dominic has been working with his father for several years. At the Maltais' farm, hybridization happens spontaneously. When a peony stands out and becomes more interesting, they can register, divide, and multiply it. However, this process can take a few years before the peony is ready to be brought to market. They have several vast fields of peonies. People can visit their fields to choose a special peony, often unique, which will be sold to them as it is or after division.

Based in Chicoutimi, this 5th generation floral farm has one of the largest peony hybridization fields in Canada. In addition to peonies, people can visit tulip fields in May. A farmer's market is organized during the summer, along with a concert in the peony fields.

One of their peonies, ‘La Maltais’, was propagated by Planteck through in vitro culture. Two of Maltais' peonies have been chosen as "Peony of the Year": ‘Beatnik’ in 2020 and ‘Le Cratère’ in 2022.

They registered 4 of their peonies with the APS, 3 of which were with François-Léo Tremblay. Through their achievements, our hybridizers contribute to the growth of horticulture in Quebec, Canada, and even beyond the country. You can obtain their peonies at Les Fleurs Maltais website: www.lesfleursmaltais.biz

Thanks to their participation in the numerous editions of our annual event, Le Grand Bal des pivoines, we have been able to appreciate and promote their hybrids to many gardening enthusiasts and passionate individuals.

The peonies I have selected are also cultivated in my garden. The plants are robust, tall, and come in different forms such as single, semi-double, double, and Japanese varieties.

- Lucie Pepin, president, Société Québécoise de la pivoine

ROOT SALES

2023 CPS ROOT SALE
Get Into Helping with the 2023 CPS Root Sale

One of our popular fundraisers will be celebrated in a slightly different way this year. We are asking every member to donate a root, whether one of your own or a purchase from a vendor. You may also donate a gift card. Lindsay Andreasen, our root coordinator, is hopeful that those who have not donated before will participate in making this a huge success. All donors will be recognized with a special 25th anniversary donor certificate.

Watch for the Root Sale list to be circulated in August. Contact Lindsay at lmandreasen@hotmail.com