Paeonia mlokosewitschii (?) ‘Pretty Molly’ – is a peony with a difference: The new stems erupt from the soil in coppery caramel-orange shade. As the leaves stretch and expand splashes and streaks of creamy yellow variegations emerge and brighten against the green backdrop. Single, somewhat ephemeral, hot pink peony flowers grace the stalks in late spring followed by large seed pods shaped like medieval jesters’ caps. These split open late season to reveal a brilliant crimson interior studded with plump round dark blueberry-like fruits that encapsulate pollinated seeds. ‘Pretty Molly’ is still rare in the trade. Site ‘Pretty Molly’ in part to full sun planted in fertile draining soil or sandy loam. We are now beginning to produce plants from sown seed; a fair percentage of the offspring are displaying very variegated foliage. Also, it has to be said that 'Pretty Molly' may very well be the gorgeous child of mixed parentage and not true P. mlokosewitschii. There are pink mlokos out there but as this is a real hot pink there is question as to whether, if she is straight mloko., that the genes that have induced the variegations on the foliage have also impressed their will upon flower color... or not?! In any scenario 'Pretty Molly' is pretty darned amazing. We may only have a few available annually until we can increase numbers. We only select and save the most variegated and discard the remainder so as to not water down her natrual beauty. Pot grown peony from seed or division.
We have fallen in love with the species peonies. They stand on strong stems and require no staking. They flower in a range of colors with varying flower shapes at different times in the spring landscape. Many are striking woodland species and function at their best in open to dappled shade. Some sport fascinating and showy late season seed heads upping the interest ante for herbaceous perennials with added seasons of beauty. Most of our offerings are seed grown. Culture is noted in the descriptives.