I can't remember seeing BUDS this early. But this forenoon I was walking around comparing growth on different peonies... many of mine are still little red shoots barely out of the ground, and I discovered buds on Mons. Jules Elies, Friendship, p.mlokosewitschii, and p.anomala veitchii. No buds yet on the two fern leafs, single or double. You better believe if I think there is even a chance of frost in the next few weeks I will be out there covering those plants! But if all goes well, we will be having very early bloom for peonies this year

mlokosewitschii is loaded with buds, here is a close-up of one bud!

That is exciting, Linda!

That is wonderful!. How old is your p.mlokosewitschii? To hear that it is covered with buds, it must be a mature plant. It is so pretty, the bud and foliage.

Yes... I consider myself very fortunate to have "mloko"! It has required some patience... though it's certainly worth the waiting. I acquired it in 2004; it bloomed for the first time on May 25, 2008, with 3 beautiful blooms. 2013 was the first year to really put on a show; I didn't make any notes last year, but I am hopeful that this will be its best year. However... all those buds appearing so early, Apr. 19, worries me! Temperature here dropped below freezing 3 nights this week and while I covered it every night, the cold may have affected how well (or if) it will bloom!