(1838)  Page(s) 37.  
 
Paeonia Moutan (Var. Rosea Plena) Chinese Peony. Rose-coloured double variety...Paeonia Moutan. Sims' Bot. Mag. t. 1154.
This is one of the varieties of the species Moutan, introduced about the year 1794, and certainly a very splendid one. It was sent to W.H. Osborn, Esq. of Perry, near Birmingham, from the valuable and extensive collection of Earl Mountnorris...All the Moutans are hardy shrubs, which in a conservatory expand their blossoms in April and continue in bloom until the middle of May....[Peonies] appear to have been introduced into this country about fifty years ago. ..It is a native of China, and, according to the Missionaries' account, published at Paris in the year 1728, it is one of the most cherished plants of the Chinese. They are said to have cultivated it for upwards of 1400 years, and to have varieties to the number of 300, embracing all colours, even black! The generic name is derived from Paeon, a physician, who first employed one of the species in medicine; and who is said, according to the Greek legend, to have used it to cure Pluto of a would inflicted by Hercules.