Peony of the Year 2026

OSIRIS MARIETTE PELLAND

Elected Peony of the Year 2026, ‘OSIRIS Mariette Pelland’ is a herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora) distinguished by its double blooms with a truly unique character and an uncommon floral development. Very late flowering and delightfully fragrant, it reaches about 85 cm (34 inches) in height and typically produces a single large flower per stem. 

The flower first opens with nearly four rows of pale green petals, reminiscent of a hop flower bud (Humulus lupulus), before gradually revealing its pink tones. At full maturity, the recurved, delicately notched petals display a pink colour highlighted by a deeper rose central band. This subtle interplay of green and pink creates a composition that is both harmonious and distinctive. Over time, the bloom fades to an almost white hue and dries gracefully on the stem. Lacking stamens and carpels, the flowers are sterile, a feature that makes this cultivar an excellent cut flower, as pollen does not stain the petals.

Once well established, this peony is highly floriferous and offers an extended blooming period. In the garden of Lucie Pepin in Acton Vale, Québec, for example, it bloomed for 24 days in its third year.

The foliage emerges in spring with burgundy tones, turns deep green as the season progresses, and then takes on purple hues in autumn. The plant has an upright, slightly spreading habit, supported by strong stems that remain self-supporting.

Derived from an unnamed Les Jardins Osiris seedling crossed with ‘Gay Paree’, ‘OSIRIS Mariette Pelland’ is a true chef-d’œuvre by Québec hybridizer Serge Fafard. It first bloomed in 2010, was propagated beginning in 2013, and was registered with the American Peony Society in 2021. This beautiful peony honours Mariette Pelland (1929–2016), the breeder’s mother, and embodies both delicacy and originality.

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