Peony Gloire de Charles Gombault

Paeonia lactiflora "Gloire de Charles Gombault". A lovely scented variety, with multiple side buds and a perfect bomb form. The heart of the flowers consists of numerous cream and pink petals creating a perfect dome shape. Guard petals are a deep pink. The dark green foliage is healthy and the long stems are strong. Together they and bring a floriferous tribute to Charles Gombault. 

The name Gloire de Charles Gombault always puzzled me, because the records show that Charles Gombault was also the hybridizer in 1866. To be introduced by Auguste Dessert in 1896 and officially registered with the APS in 1928. 

Stepping back in time one Charles Gombault stands out. His father is a glazier painter and is mother a seamstress merchant. He is born in the rue de l’Horloge à Dinan, a quaint merchant street in the city of Dinan in Brittany France. As a young man of 18 he enlists in the army in 1866 and makes it thru the ranks to sergeant. In 1870 war is declared on France. After a fierce battle he is captured and taken prison. He evades twice but gets captured at the last minute. After a scuffle with his guards while back in prison he is sentenced to death given the chance to write a last letter to his parents at the age of twenty-three.