Hi - I have only the short dark maroon stems
emerging with what seems to be foliage....
BUT - is this a bud on the stem!!!
Is this normal???
Thanks - tina_2

Here is a link that might be useful:

Tina,
The bloom bud is more evident in the photo in the peony bud link

Yes that is a definitely bloom bud, and yes it looks fairly normal to me. I assume this plant is very young.

Leon

Hi peonyman/ Leon - Yes, the plant is new
- a white peony just received and planted
last fall. I am, just getting into peonies.
I will post a pic. when it blooms!!!!
Thank you, so much! tina_2

ps. Would it, be considered a herbaceous peony or???

Hi! I am referring to my intersectional peonies acting like "tree peonies" in that last year's growth has survived! I read that Plant Delights Nursery mentioned that the new growth starts from the ground. Thus it seems odd that my peonies look like they have retained last year's shoots. Just wondering if anyone has observed the same thing on their intersectionals?
Thanks! Jim

Many intersectionals will retain a woody stem however I have never had them do more than just put out a bud which has then died. Watch it and if that stem does progress well report back on type of foliage etc. Some people have been trying to graft those buds with various success.

I have aprox.60 or so Intersectionals and last year someone told me to leave a foot or so in case new buds would grow. On there come spring. And sure enough this spring I did get some buds , I will see what happens. Iit must be the tree peonie parentage.