It is a tree peony. There are many different species and hybrids and I don't know enough about them to give you further details.

Thank you Resin, I really appreciate your help! I thought they might be, but all the pictures I see of Mugos never seem to have long branches like that -- so I was a bit confused. Do you think it would be okay to plant them as close to our brick foundation as the person in the photos has? Thanks again for helping me to identify! Rich

I would not think of growing it in ground in our location which is Zone 5. I am not saying that it is impossible but the efforts required to insulate it from extreme cold is prohibitive. Some experts in NJ try different ways of covering the plants from cold and others just take a chance in Zone 6. Some day I may try in the ground but just to see if the roots will survive (and shoot later from groun) because I am sure the wood above the ground will not survive in Zone 5 winter here. Also, if you are keeping plants in pots and take them to safety in the winter then there is no concern for the plant hardiness and your main concern is early/late ripening i.e. before the frost.

Did you save seeds? I would really like to grow it here in southeastern Germany and Austria. We might change seeds then, since Iôve breeded some very interesting Cucurbita varieties for British climate too. If youôd like, please write to: ludwig.ammer@gmail.com