Paeonia Mascula Subsp. Triternata

Paeonia mascula subsp. triternata is a historic name for a south-eastern European peony now generally included within the variable Paeonia daurica. Strong spring shoots unfold into broad divided foliage and carry single bowls in rose, carmine or red around a mass of yellow stamens. Seed pods later open to display glossy black fertile seeds mixed with conspicuous crimson sterile ones. Its changing taxonomy reflects the close relationship among Crimean, Balkan and Caucasian peonies. Whatever the final name, it is a handsome, hardy species plant for deep soil and light shade.