Benjamin Franklin Peony
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Struggling to find the perfect peony for your garden? The Benjamin Franklin Peony might just be what you need. This late bloomer isn’t only adorned with striking crimson-red double flowers but is also known for its robust growth and delightful fragrance.
Read on to discover why this heirloom variety remains a favorite amongst gardening enthusiasts, and how you can successfully grow it in your garden!
Key Takeaways
- The Benjamin Franklin Peony is a late bloomer that features stunning crimson-red double flowers with a delightful fragrance, making it a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts.
- This peony blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts pollinators, making it perfect for garden parties or outdoor events.
- It grows tall and vigorous, reaching heights of 24-36 inches and spreads out to the same width. Its excellent cutting qualities make it ideal for both landscape design and floral arrangements.
- To grow Benjamin Franklin Peony successfully, provide full sun exposure, plant in well-draining soil, water regularly but avoid over-fertilization, and ensure proper maintenance and care.
Description of Benjamin Franklin Peony
The Benjamin Franklin Peony boasts crimson-red double blooms with a lightly fragrant scent, making it a stunning addition to any garden in late spring to early summer.
Crimson-red double blooms
The Benjamin Franklin Peony amazes garden enthusiasts with its profuse crimson-red blooms. Each flower presents a captivating spectacle with large outer petals encasing a cluster of smaller ones, creating an impressive double bloom.
The merlot-hue lends the plant an irresistible allure that easily attracts attention in any setting. Amidst transitional months from late spring to early summer, these blooms burst forth, saturating your garden space with color and vibrancy.
Admire them in the daylight or under the soft glow of dusk – their striking presence remains undiminished. Coupled with sweet fragrances wafting gently into the air, they invite admiration and appreciation from every corner.
Lightly fragrant
The Benjamin Franklin Peony captivates gardeners and visitors alike with its light fragrance. This unique aroma infuses the surroundings, inviting anyone nearby to take a moment and savor its sweetness.
The delicate scent of this peony is like a gentle whisper in the wind – not too overpowering, yet impossible to ignore.
Each crimson-red bloom of the Benjamin Franklin Peony releases this mild scent into the air. This subtle perfume enriches your garden experience while adding an extra layer of charm to these already stunning flowers.
So aside from their visual appeal, they also delight with their pleasing aroma that perfectly balances nature’s floral symphony.
Late spring to early summer blooming
The Benjamin Franklin Peony shows off its dazzling crimson-red blooms from late spring to early summer. Gardeners anticipate this event, as the flowers become a dramatic focal point in any landscape during these seasons.
As each day grows longer and warmer, the peony seizes this opportunity to flourish and captivate with its lightly fragrant blossoms. This period of bloom is crucial for attracting pollinators, ensuring successful reproduction and survival of this beautiful plant species.
The timing also coincides beautifully with most social outdoor events like garden parties or backyard weddings where they can amaze guests with their stunning appearance.
Characteristics and Benefits of Benjamin Franklin Peony
The Benjamin Franklin Peony boasts stunning fully double magenta-crimson blooms with large outer petals and a center cluster of smaller ones, creating a truly eye-catching display in any garden.
Its delightful fragrance and excellent cutting qualities make it an ideal choice for both landscape design and floral arrangements.
Very tall and vigorous
The Benjamin Franklin Peony is known for its impressive height and strong growth. Reaching a towering height of 24-36 inches and spreading out to the same width, this peony stands tall and proud in any garden.
Its vigorous nature ensures that it grows abundantly, adding a sense of strength and vitality to your outdoor space. With its striking red blooms and delightful fragrance, the Benjamin Franklin Peony is sure to make a bold statement in your landscape design.
Free-flowering
The Benjamin Franklin Peony is a free-flowering plant, meaning it produces an abundance of blooms. This makes it a highly sought-after choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.
With its stunning fully double magenta-crimson blooms, this peony variety adds vibrant color and beauty to any landscape or garden setting. Whether you’re looking to create a focal point in your yard or want to enjoy fresh-cut flowers indoors, the Benjamin Franklin Peony is an excellent option thanks to its generous bloom production.
Excellent for landscape effect
The Benjamin Franklin Peony is not only known for its stunning blooms but also for its excellent landscape effect. With its tall and vigorous growth habit, this peony stands out in any garden setting.
The fully double magenta-crimson blooms add a burst of vibrant color that can’t be missed. The large outer petals surrounding the center cluster of smaller ones create a visually striking display.
Whether planted in borders or used as focal points, the Benjamin Franklin Peony creates an impressive landscape effect that will leave everyone in awe.
Stunning fully double magenta-crimson blooms
The Benjamin Franklin Peony is known for its stunning fully double magenta-crimson blooms. These vibrant flowers stand out in any garden or landscape with their deep crimson red color and abundance of petals.
The blooms are a sight to behold, with large outer petals surrounding a cluster of smaller ones at the center. Not only are they visually striking, but these blooms also have a delightful fragrance that adds an extra touch to your outdoor space.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy them in your garden or cut them for indoor arrangements, the stunning blooms of the Benjamin Franklin Peony never fail to impress.
Large outer petals with a center cluster of smaller ones
The Benjamin Franklin Peony is known for its striking appearance, with large outer petals that surround a cluster of smaller ones in the center. These outer petals cradle delicate inner petals, creating a beautiful and intricate display.
The contrast between the size and shape of these petals gives the peony a unique and eye-catching look. This combination of large and small petals adds depth and texture to the blooms, making them truly stunning.
Delightful fragrance
The Benjamin Franklin Peony is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the nose. This peony variety has a delightful fragrance that will have you stopping in your tracks to take in its sweet scent.
As you walk past these crimson-red blooms, their delicate fragrance fills the air, creating an enchanting garden experience. Whether planted in your backyard or used as cut flowers to bring indoors, the delightful fragrance of the Benjamin Franklin Peony will always leave you feeling refreshed and delighted.
Ideal for cutting
The Benjamin Franklin Peony is not just a stunning addition to your garden, but it also makes for the perfect cut flower. Its double crimson-red blooms are not only visually striking but also lightly fragrant, adding a touch of elegance to any floral arrangement.
With its delightful fragrance and excellent cutting qualities, the Benjamin Franklin Peony is an ideal choice for those looking to bring a splash of color indoors or create beautiful bouquets for special occasions.
How to Grow Benjamin Franklin Peony
To grow Benjamin Franklin Peony, ensure it receives full sun and plant it in well-draining soil. Provide regular watering and fertilization, along with proper maintenance and care.
Full sun requirement
The Benjamin Franklin Peony thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It’s important to provide this optimal condition for the peony’s growth and development.
In colder regions, planting them in shade can result in weaker stems and fewer flowers. However, in hotter climates, these peonies may benefit from some light afternoon shade to protect them from intense heat.
So, make sure to choose a sunny spot for your Benjamin Franklin Peony and watch it flourish under the bright rays of the sun.
Planting in well-draining soil
For optimal growth, it is crucial to plant Benjamin Franklin Peony in soil that drains well. This means that the soil should not hold onto excess water or become waterlogged. The peony plant prefers deep, humus-rich soil that is both moist and well-drained.
Sandy clay or silt clay soils work best for these plants, although they can adapt to almost any type of soil as long as it has good drainage. Avoid planting them in areas with poor drainage, as this can lead to rot diseases and negatively impact their overall health.
So remember, when planting your Benjamin Franklin Peony, choose a location with well-draining soil for beautiful blooms!
Proper watering and fertilization
Watering and fertilizing Benjamin Franklin Peony is crucial for its healthy growth and abundant blooms. Regular watering is necessary, ideally every 10 days or when the soil has dried out.
To ensure proper nutrient intake, tree peonies like Benjamin Franklin Peony should be watered gently around the plant after planting. When it comes to fertilization, it is recommended to use a 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 granular fertilizer in early spring and after blooming.
Using Espoma Flower Tone or Espoma Rose Tone as fertilizers is also effective. However, it’s important not to overuse fertilizers on this peony variety to avoid reducing its blooming potential.
Regular maintenance and care
To ensure the health and vitality of your Benjamin Franklin Peony, regular maintenance and care are essential. This includes providing adequate watering for the plant to become established, with deep and thorough watering every 10 days or so.
It’s also important to plant it in deep, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. Additionally, proper fertilization will help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Keeping an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases is crucial as well, as early detection can prevent serious damage. By giving your Benjamin Franklin Peony the attention it needs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning blooms year after year.
Where to Find Benjamin Franklin Peony
You can find Benjamin Franklin Peony by joining the American Peony Society, searching online nurseries and sellers, or visiting local garden centers and nurseries. Start growing this magnificent peony in your own garden today!
Joining the American Peony Society
To become a part of the American Peony Society, you can connect with a vibrant community of peony enthusiasts. The society includes botanical gardens, public gardens, gardeners, collectors, hybridizers, and educators who share a passion for these beautiful flowers.
By joining the society, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge about peonies and related topics through various resources and events. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, being a member allows you to engage with like-minded individuals who can provide valuable insights and advice on growing and caring for peonies.
So why wait? Join the American Peony Society today and take your love for peonies to new heights!
Online nurseries and sellers
Peony enthusiasts looking to purchase the Benjamin Franklin Peony have convenient options when it comes to online nurseries and sellers. One such nursery is Peonyshop.com, which specializes in selling this stunning flower.
They offer easy instructions and helpful videos on how to grow the Benjamin Franklin Peony, making it a great resource for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Additionally, APS commercial members also supply the needs of peony lovers, including this particular variety.
With just a few clicks, you can find reputable online nurseries and sellers that will help you bring the beauty of the Benjamin Franklin Peony into your own garden.
Local garden centers and nurseries
Local garden centers and nurseries are excellent places to find the Benjamin Franklin Peony. These establishments offer a wide variety of plants, including peonies, and have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on growing and caring for these beautiful flowers.
Additionally, local garden centers often carry a diverse selection of peony cultivars, allowing you to choose the perfect Benjamin Franklin Peony for your garden. So whether you’re just starting out as a gardener or have years of experience, don’t forget to check out your local garden center or nursery for this stunning peony variety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Benjamin Franklin Peony is a stunning and vigorous flower that adds a touch of elegance to any garden or floral arrangement. With its vibrant crimson-red blooms and delightful fragrance, it’s no wonder why this peony remains a beloved choice among gardeners.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature, the Benjamin Franklin Peony is sure to impress with its timeless charm. So go ahead, bring some Benjamin Franklin Peonies into your life and let their beauty blossom!
FAQs
1. What is a Benjamin Franklin Peony?
A: The Benjamin Franklin Peony is a specific cultivar of the peony flower that features large, double, dark red blooms with a rich fragrance. It is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.
2. How do I care for a Benjamin Franklin Peony plant?
A: To care for a Benjamin Franklin Peony plant, it is important to provide it with full sun or partial shade, well-draining soil, and regular watering. You may also need to support the heavy blooms with stakes or cages to prevent them from drooping.
3. When does the Benjamin Franklin Peony bloom?
A: The Benjamin Franklin Peony typically blooms in late spring to early summer, usually around May or June. The exact timing may vary depending on your geographical location and climate.
4. Can I grow a Benjamin Franklin Peony in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow a Benjamin Franklin Peony in a container as long as the container provides enough space for its root system and drainage holes for proper water flow. Just make sure to choose an appropriate-sized pot and use high-quality potting soil specifically formulated for peonies.
5. What exactly is a Benjamin Franklin peony?
A: The Benjamin Franklin peony, or if we’re feeling cheeky, peony ‘Benjamin Franklin’, is a variety of the paeonia lactiflora species. Bearing it’s famous namesake, it’s a true showstopper in any garden displaying showy double peony blooms of rich, dark crimson red flowers. Highly deer resistant and temperamentally friendly- yes, your neighbour’s free-roaming rogue won’t nibble on this one.
6. What’s the main character of this paeonia lactiflora ‘Ben Franklin’?
A: The Ben Franklin peony is your ‘old headmaster’ with enough charm and enthusiasm to lead your garden’s floral team. Packing a set of sizable double peony blooms atop wiry stems, these red flaming beauties are held high above a mound of arching dark green foliage. While this ‘red peony with undeniable value’ was bred in 1907, it’s still a vigorous and free-flowering perennial that brings youthful energy to your garden.
7. Why would I play Benjamin Franklin card in my peony selection?
A: This gigantic double peony brings more power to the table than Ben Franklin did to the founding of America. Aside from being a bold standout in the game of garden chess, it is resistant to deer, and able to thrive in USDA zones comfortably. It’s a great late-season bloom addition that has your neighbors tipping their hats in admiration.
8. How does the Benjamin Franklin peony spice up my garden?
A: This peony ‘Benjamin Franklin’ has double drama! It boosts your garden’s intrigue with its dark crimson, double peony blooms with outer petals large and curved. These blooms held high bring the perfect balance of mystery and allure that any budding Sherlock would take their hats off to.
9. How do I grow a Benjamin Franklin peony?
A: Benjamin Franklin peony will thrive in a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil. Plant the bulb in the autumn for a show-stopping late spring display. Water regularly, but be careful, this charmer doesn’t like wet feet. It needs to be divided every few years to remain vigorous and free-flowering.
10. Safe to say that it’s a prize-winning peony?
A: The big Ben of peonies surely is! It’s an old favourites for late spring display and is a vintage beauty plus it’s a faintly fragrant treat. While it may not have the same revolutionary impact as THE Benjamin Franklin, it can, however, create a riotous sensation in your natural world.
11. Does the Benjamin Franklin peony provide perennial greenery?
A: Absolutely! Forged with dark green foliage, it not only waves the flag for stunning red double blooms but also provides a perennial canopy of colour throughout the season. It’s your trusted green soldier standing upright, ready to win the garden warfare.
12. Remind me, why the name Benjamin Franklin?
A: Just like the real Benjamin Franklin, this paeonia is a natural phenomenon with plenty of ‘electrifying’ qualities. The breeders of this peony admired the personality and spirit of Franklin and thus named this electrifying variety after him. Now, isn’t that a story to tell at your garden party?
13. What’s the time frame for this bunch of red peonies?
A: Benjamin Franklin peonies bloom in midseason and are some of the old favorites for late spring display. Its long-lasting, double peony blooms captivate interest from every angle, providing a show-stopping performance that will last late into the season. What a flamboyant timekeeper, eh?
14. Will the Benjamin Franklin peony stand tall even in harsh conditions?
A: Sure thing! This tough character peony is resistant to both deer and tough weather conditions. Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, this Ben Franklin keeps standing upright, waving its wiry stems in the wind. So, brace yourself, this red peony will stand tall and bright, making your garden’s resilience the talk of the town.