Paeonia 'Many Happy Returns'
many happy returns peony
Garden hybrid; interspecific cross bred by Don Hollingsworth (1986); parentage involves P. lactiflora and other species
Overview
Paeonia 'Many Happy Returns' is a rare reblooming peony in the Paeoniaceae family — a clumping herbaceous perennial growing 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall and 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) wide. Soft pink semi-double flowers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) diameter with visible yellow stamen center. Blooms in two flushes: May-June and August-September — a documented rebloom cycle is rare among herbaceous peonies. The reblooming trait is the cultivar's defining characteristic. Dark green glossy deeply divided compound foliage. Interspecific hybrid bred by Don Hollingsworth (1986) — parentage involves P. lactiflora and other species. Deadheading the first flush is essential to trigger the second flush. The second flush is typically lighter (fewer flowers, smaller blooms) than the first — a trade-off of the reblooming habit. The semi-double flower form is lighter than fully double types and requires less staking. Requires 600+ chill hours below 40°F (4°C) — does not bloom reliably in zones 8b and warmer. Plant with the eyes (buds) no deeper than 2 inches (5 cm) below the soil surface. Three to five years to full bloom production. Moderate fragrance. Bronze foliage in fall before dormancy. Cut flower: vase life 5-7 days. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Mildly toxic to pets (contains paeonol). Zones 3-8. Full sun. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Garden hybrid. Interspecific cross bred by Don Hollingsworth (1986). Parentage involves P. lactiflora and other species.Suggested Uses
Grown in perennial borders (mid-border) spaced 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) from adjacent plants. Reblooming peony — two flushes per season. Cut flower — vase life 5-7 days. Moderate fragrance. Deer-resistant. Mildly toxic to pets. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 2'6"
Width/Spread2' - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Two flushes: late spring (May-June) and late summer (August-September). Soft pink semi-double flowers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) with yellow stamen center. The second flush is lighter than the first. Moderate fragrance. Bee-pollinated. Cut flower: vase life 5-7 days.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft pink, semi-double with visible yellow stamen center, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) diameter; the guard petals are soft pink surrounding a ring of yellow stamensFoliage Description
Dark green, deeply divided, glossy compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets per leaf; bronze-tinted new growth in springGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6-8 hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Plant eyes no deeper than 2 inches (5 cm). Requires 600+ chill hours — zones 3-8. Spent flowers from the first flush are deadheaded promptly to trigger the rebloom. Semi-double form requires less staking than fully double types. Foliage stays in place until frost. Deer-resistant. Mildly toxic to pets.Pruning
Spent flowers are removed after the first flush to trigger the second bloom cycle. Foliage stays in place until after the first hard frost (October-November). All stems are cut to ground level after frost. Peony foliage is bagged for disposal rather than composted if botrytis blight is present, since the pathogen survives in compost.Pruning Schedule
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