Variety Origin: ‘Sonoma Sun’ is an Itoh hybrid peony variety. It was bred by American breeder Irene Tolomeo, first flowered in 1994, and was registered with the American Peony Society in 1996.
Core Characteristics: The flower color is rosy yellow upon opening, turning to a pure, bright yellow the next day. Small red flares are present at the petal bases, and occasional magenta petaloids appear. It features yellow anthers and filaments. The foliage is deep green, with neat leaf shape and resilient texture. Flower stems are thick and strong with good flexibility, requiring no additional support to carry the flower weight. Pedicels are long, making it suitable for cut flower applications.
Cultivation Performance: Extremely strong cold hardiness, tolerating -30°C, allowing outdoor overwintering in northern regions. Suited for planting in full sun or partial shade environments, adapting to most temperate garden settings. Broad soil requirements; can be planted in any fertile, well-drained soil. Maintenance is simple. It has broad scenario adaptability, suitable for in-ground garden planting, massing in flower beds, and cut flower cultivation. Division propagation is recommended in autumn or winter.
‘Sonoma Sun’ is a bright yellow Itoh peony variety combining ornamental value and practicality. It features the unique beauty of color change and possesses advantages like vigorous growth and strong adaptability.
