The Gold and Silver Medals

Exceptional peonies have long been recognized by the American Peony Society by way of awarding medals and certificates. In this scheme of things the Gold Medal has always been considered the ultimate accolade, but as the Society and the interest in peonies has evolved, so to have the criteria by which these medals were awarded. Beauty is always expected in a plant awarded a society's highest honor but it is no longer the overriding factor that it once was.

Today, the Gold Medal peony is chosen by the Society's Board of Directors at their annual meeting. The modern criteria emphasize qualities important to most of the peony growing public. The candidate must be readily available. This doesn't mean you're likely to find it at your local garden center, but that it is generally available from specialist peony nurseries. The peony should be a dependable performer, being able to tolerate the vagaries of the weather from year to year and also do well in most areas where peonies can be grown. It should be a good garden performer capable of standing up to the weather without the constant need of mechanical support. Good plant habit and good foliage throughout the growing season, even when not in bloom, are also considerations. The selection should be reasonably priced bearing in mind that what is a reasonable for GARDEN TREASURE would be entirely unreasonable for DO TELL.

Silver Medals were also awarded from time to time. These were all for seedling peonies shown at the annual exhibitions. These awards were not often bestowed, and the practice was discontinued after 1969.

APS Gold Medal Recipients