Willmottiae X Macrophylla

One of the most beautiful and distinguished of peony species is willmottiae, from western China. Its large, elegantly-formed leaves, presented horizontally in three's, are of a deep bronze, and of so dull a finish as to have a "bloom" like the grape. Against and above these, float flowers of an absolute and indescribable whiteness; this plant is unmistakably among the bluebloods of the garden world. It should be far more widely grown. Alas, where to obtain it?

Two plants reached Clinton in 1917 from the English nursery of Allgrove, and were used in a number of crosses. Of the cross with macrophylla, one, Silver Dawn, was introduced. It is a lovely white and the name describes it well, but is it lovelier than willmottiae?