'Sarah Bernhardt'

Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt' named after the French stage and early film actress, and was referred to as "the most famous actress the world has ever known" She made her fame on the stages of France in 1870, at the beginning of the Belle Epoque period and was soon in demand in Europe and the Americas.

The Peony has long been popular in the gardens of China, Japan, Asia, Europe and America. For the Chinese the peony was an important flower in art, during the 'Five Dynasties' (907-60BC) flower paintings became a recognised branch of art. In the 3rd century BC the Peony appeared in jade carvings in temples.

The peony is very important in healing, and yet, as with many other plants, too much brings disastrous results. Its a plant ruled by the sun and yet, as folklore would have it, created by the moon.

Personally, I just wish the sun would come out and help this flower to open up. She's been in a tight bud for about 4 weeks now...one thing for sure, she doesn't like all the rain and wind we have had over the past few days!