Help identifying plant (pictures)

[royalmuskoka]

Hi there,

We moved into our house last Autumn and so this Spring we've been having fun figuring out just exactly what is planted in our front garden. I am having problems identifying this plant, although it seems very distinctive (so I should be able to figure it out). Can anyone help? All I know is that it's not peony (or if it is, it's very different to others in the garden). I took these photos this morning. The leaves have opened up a lot in the last few days and there are now visible flower buds too. Thanks!

[veggiechicken]

Looks like Peony to me You'll soon know when those buds open!!

[rustylady]

Looks like a peony to me Peony: herbaceous / Royal Horticultural Society

[Scarlet]

My vote goes for a Peony too!

[royalmuskoka]

It'll be so frustrating if it is, as I've spent a while trying to figure it out. It's confusing, as I also have peony shoots like these (below) in the garden. I didn't know there were peonies with such green shoots (they've been green the entire time, since sprouting about a month ago).

[veggiechicken]

I don't have any with red shoots

[royalmuskoka]

Oh, weird! They are most likely peonies then. Thanks everyone! I must just have two different varieties. I'll have to identify them once they flower!

[veggiechicken]

Put some photos up of the flowers - just to satisfy my curiosity

[royalmuskoka]

Will do!

[Nicos]

My pink peonies have reddish/brown shoots if that's a help?

....and for the record...I think it's a peony too!

[Thelma Sanders]

My pale pink ones have all green shoots

Does it just depend how red the flowers are - how red the shoots are?

[rustylady]

What makes you think the plants with the red shoots are peonies?

[royalmuskoka]

Because they were in bloom when we came to view the house last Spring, so I know those ones are peonies. Also, the red shoots are typified by the descriptions/pictures of peonies in all my gardening books - and many sites online.

I first guessed the green shoots might also be peonies, but then got very confused as I couldn't find any descriptions/pictures to match. But it seems they must be...!

[mothhawk]

My pale pink ones have all green shoots

Does it just depend how red the flowers are - how red the shoots are?

No, I have a white peony that has shoots redder than my pink peony, (which is a Sarah Bernhardt). Can't remember what the white one is, but it does throw up the occasional flower with a bit of red on a petal or two.

[WendyC]

I have a red peony and it has red shoots just like your picture. The leaves turn green as they open. I would also agree with the general opinion that the green ones are peonies too.