Edgars Bite
Country:
Latvia
Short biography:
I am 42 years old, married. My wife works with me in our gardening and breeding work. We both love working with plants and soil, and everything related to it.
More information:
Peony hybridizers series
How did you first get involved in peony hybridizing?
I started my first hybridization with dahlias about 25 years ago. I have also hybridized daylilies and lilies. The first peony crosses were made 20 years ago. Currently I have stuck with peonies because I like their longevity and the development of color forms.
What was your starting material for your hybridizing?
At that time, there were very few peony varieties available in Latvia. I acquired some from collectors in Latvia. Then later I acquired varieties from the Klems nursery in America, as well as the Adelmans and Hollingsworth peony nurseries. After some time, also some interesting peony varieties from European growers.
What are your goals in hybridizing peonies?
I work with herbaceous peonies. My goal in hybridizing peonies is first and foremost to make them healthy and beautiful garden plants. Of course, the colors, scents, height and everything else that can make a peony the queen of the garden.
Do you mostly depend on open pollination or do you mostly make controlled crosses?
| 100% open | 50/50 | 100% controlled |
How large is your hybridizing program?
I mostly do my crosses in the open field. Sometimes I just collect seeds from plants I like. This is greatly influenced by the weather. There are years when the seed harvest is very good, but there are years, like this year, when there are minimal ones. Every year I select an average of 100 – 150 seedlings for further observation. During the season I select about 3 – 5 of the best ones, which I give a name to. I do the selection and hybridization with my inner feeling and heart. 🙂
Do you have any plants in the market?
Yes, our plants are available on the market. We grow them ourselves and sell them through our website www.madaras.lv
Can you describe a few of your plants that you consider the best or most beautiful and which are available now?
`Vēja Fraka` Novelty flower form. Cactus dahlia, spider flower form. Semi double. Purple red flowers. Each flowers like is very original. Yellow, bright pollen. Good substance. Mid
`Avenes Sniegā` – Plate on its large ball of petals. Double flowers. Soft pink flowers. Flowers center white. Very fragrant, like lemon. The inner part of the flower becomes whiter day by day, reminiscent of raspberries in the snow. Strong stems.
`Vasaras Atspulgs` – Very clean and green foliage until autumn. Long-lasting, bud phase as the flower blooms. Flowers very variable to full double flower to single flowers on the plant. Petals wavy, wrinkled. At the end of flowering, the flowers acquire a creamy white. The rain does not damage the flowers. Strong plant habit
`Šampanieša Dzirksts` – One of our new varieties that we are especially looking forward to flowering! This peony also teaches great patience, because it flowers very slowly from the bud phase to the flower. A great tulip flower form that remains for a very long time. Double, creamy white, pastel flowers with a light champagne tint throughout the flowers. The colors tone has a slight peachy taste. Light fragrance. Beautiful, wide, thick foliage. Strong, sturdy stems. Flowering time – early to mid.
Within your current seedlings, what are the most promising ones?
Every year, the best seedling is surpassed by something even better, more interesting, and different. It’s a never-ending process.
Are you in contact or working together with other peony hybridizers?
I haven’t collaborated with others. The season is short and tight.
Do you have unregistered plants that are not good enough to introduce but have something ‘special’?
It can be said that there are none. There are those that remain from year to year, but there is no goal in multiplying and spreading them.
Do you know the American Peony Society (APS)? Are some of your plants registered with them? Do you have any suggestions?
Yes, I am a member. This year I submitted my first plants for registration. I think they are doing a good job and keep it up!
Name a few peony varieties from other hybridizers which you especially like?
I really like Klehms peonies and Michael Miely. `Flying Pink Saucer`, `Dark Chocolate`, `Golden Angel`, `Pink Spritzer, `Walküre`, `Rose Knospe`, `Marcella` (Lins). I like the overall look of the bushes, the size of the flowers, they have a special charm.
Final question. Any remarks or suggestions you may have…
Interesting questions that made me take a closer look at my work. May luck be with you and may the peonies always surprise you with something new and interesting!
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