This tenebrous, dark maroon-red single will reward you with bloom after bloom of delectable darkness. Saunders thought very highly of this “grand black single” and wrote that it was the “most beautiful dark red single there is”. One of the darkest peonies in its time, it certainly has not lost that appeal today. The single flowers remain upright and have an extraordinary glossy finish. The ring of stamens appears tightly controlled and is held close to the flower due to short filaments, and closer inspection reveals they are a beautiful red. Petals are somewhat crinkled and have a duality in margins that can be entirely smooth or at times fringed. Foliage is dark green and narrow. A very distinct peony that is very rewarding to grow. Of great value to collectors. Bred by Professor A.P. Saunders, highly regarded as one of the most important peony hybridizers.