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IN ALBERTA, the many varieties of this much-admired perennial are coveted by gardeners who wish to add lush, colourful blooms to their outdoor spaces. The University of Alberta has many different species of peonies across North Campus, but cultivated peony shrubs can also be found in University of Alberta Botanic Garden near Devon, Alberta, which is approximately 15 minutes south of Edmonton. Most of the considerable collection, which contains both herbaceous and tree species of peonies, was donated by Cyril M. Clarke in the late 1940s. This collection includes a number of now-rare cultivars and offers a brief overview of the history of peony cultivation in Alberta.

The images below are peonies found around Edmonton and the surrounding area. Can you recognize any of the locations?

FAST FACTS

Ants are attracted to the sugary sap excreted from peony buds, but will not affect the bloom of the plant. Gardening experts suggest hanging your blooms upside down and giving a light shake before bringing peony flowers inside your house.

Photos courtesy of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Isabel (Pi-Fen) Chueh, and Nadia Kurd.