Peony Breeder  

Listing last updated on Tue May 2025

Niigata
Japan

Mr. Sinzaemon Tanaka's work on the hybridization of Tree-Paeonies is much admired, and his name will be long remembered as that pf a great raiser of Tree-Paeonies. Mr. Tanaka commenced raising varieties in 1894, after he learned the method from the Rono Zasshi (then a leading agricultural journal in Japan). Since then, after many difficulties and failures, he has raised nearly two-hundred-and-fifty varieties. The following are a few of the best he has raised: Hakuo, Haku-Unryo, Nagoya-Jo, Hoo-Jo, Kanyo-Kiu, Kinpai and Godaishu. 
He is now 81 years old, but his enthusiasm is unabated; indeed he works with undiminished energy and interest, raising and cultivating with his own hands. He is very tranquil regarding rewards—the work is his great interest.
Source: The Gardeners' Chronicle, August 17, 1929, p. 131 [photo, p.122]