PEONIES

PEONY OF THE YEAR 2024

PROSPERITY MAUD

Our selection for Peony of the Year 2024 goes to Prosperity Maud, an F2 hybrid registered by Ménard/D’Aoust in 2003. The hybrid, whose exact parentage is unknown but is related to Monsieur Jules Elie, bears single-petaled flowers of an unusual apricot hue that hold their colour well.

This peony does not require staking and is lightly fragrant. Pollen and seeds are abundant. It is no surprise that this was the unanimous selection by our voting members. The peachy-apricot hue continues to gain popularity with peony collectors for its warm and gentle tones in the garden. Along the same line, Pantone, the leading expert on colour for brands, chose PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz as the Colour of the Year. The inspiration comes from the global need for nurturing, empathy, and compassion during this time of turmoil. And we can see why, as reflected in our Peony of the Year selection.

Collectors and enthusiasts may not find Prosperity Maud widely available in the catalogues, as the plant was part of a collection owned by La Pivoinerie D’Aoust, which was later acquired by En Fleurs in 2017. It can be purchased in limited supply from En Fleurs or Halifax Perennials, but if you aren’t able to get hold of it, you can see it in all its glory in the Ornamental Gardens section at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, or at Whistling Gardens, Wilsonville, Ontario. While the originator, Maurice Ménard, passed away in 2002 and was not able to see the success of his efforts, we are truly grateful for the lasting legacy he has given peony gardeners around the world and for the work of Lindsay D’Aoust for registering and propagating the peonies he developed.

Read more about Maurice Ménard in the Winter 2024 Issue of the Newsletter (Members only).