ROSALIND ELSIE FRANKLIN (Bill Seidl), Manitowoc, Wisconsin, July 9, 1996. Seedling #SH-158. Parentage (SH-35; Golden Era x Chinese Dragon) x Zephyrus. Hybrid tree peony, first bloomed 1992. Light pink shading darker to rose burgundy flares, filaments, sheath and carpel tips. Similar to Shintenchi but a shade lighter. 6" flowers are single, the 10- 15 petals waved, ruffled and crimped; pleasantly fragrant. 10% of the pollen is well formed and potent on other hybrid t.p.'s. No seed as yet. Blossoms are held upright on stems, but barely above foliage. Compact plant habit: 32" high x 40" wide. Reliable, having bloomed after -23° and -28°F. Winters. Grafts easily: 100% takes (12/12) in 1996. Named in honor of the English researcher (1920-1958, London) whose work in molecular biology helped in the discovery of the double helical structure of the DNA molecule in 1953 for which three male peers received the Nobel Prize in 1962. (It is not awarded posthumously).

Rosalind Elsie Franklin. Seidl. 1996. Advanced generation lutea hybrid. Large round pink double to semi-double flowers with excellent form and carriage. One of the premier pollen parents available for hybridizing. Parent of many of the best new advanced generation lutea hybrids. Plants are fairly low growing and mounded. Stunning flowers are carried in an upward and outward facing display. Easy to grow and propagate. Plants may also produce seed sparingly. (Golden Era x Chinese Dragon) x Zephyrus.