Peonies planting and care outdoors in siberia

Maryin root

Siberia and the Far East are home to many species. The most valuable of them are Maryin root, steppe peony and Far Eastern white-flowered (milky-flowered), they have non-double, but bright numerous flowers that appear against the background of beautiful foliage, different in different species. They bloom earlier than garden varieties, which is important in the design in the early period, in addition, it is a good material for breeding work. Garden forms and varieties of peony for the most part represent a herbaceous perennial rhizomatous plant with a height of 60 to 100 cm. The bush is large, multi-stemmed, with beautiful greenery, which has a decorative appearance until mid-September. The flowers are large, showy, can be double, semi-double and simple, with different terms and duration of flowering.

Early varieties bloom in early June, late ones - in early July. By the age of 5, the bush reaches its optimal size and has from 20 to 50 flowers and, as an exception, 150. If you select the appropriate assortment, you can have flowering peonies on the site for 40-55 days.

Steppe peony In addition, you can increase the flowering period due to agrotechnical methods: using film frames, as on strawberries, you can cause earlier flowering, and when planting on the shady side of the site and covering the bushes with sawdust (10-15 cm), it can be delayed by 10— 12 days, thereby further extending the flowering period by 15-20 days.

Peonies grow well on soil rich in organic matter with sufficient moisture, do not like transplants and develop better in one place for 10-12 years, provided good agricultural technology.

Planting peonies is best done in pits, the size of which depends on the size of the planting material (50 × 50, 60 × 60, 70 × 70 cm), add humus (8-10 kg per hole) and superphosphate (200 g), mix well with the ground , pour water into the liquefied mass and plant a "cut" of peony so that its buds are not deeper than 3-5 cm from the soil level after backfilling with earth.

Gardeners make the mistake of planting peonies in loose soil without taking into account its precipitation. In this case, the plant turns out to be buried, does not bloom, sometimes even grows poorly. To correct the error, you have to lift the bush with a pitchfork and pour it into the hole of the earth or completely transplant, violating the root system. The distance between the bushes should be 80-100 cm.

In the spring, as soon as the snow melts and the first shoots appear, they carry out the first feeding with a flower mixture (50-80 g / m2) and loosening to a depth of 3-5 cm.The second top dressing is given two weeks before flowering (mullein infusion with an admixture of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers) and the third - at the end of August only with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

With a lack of moisture, abundant watering of plants is necessary during budding, flowering and at the end of August with secondary root growth. Timely watering has a beneficial effect on the overwintering of plants and their development next year. After each watering, the soil is loosened or mulched.

For larger flowers, one bud should be left on the stem. For better flowering next year, in the fall, the leaves are cut off and humus mixed with wood ash and bone meal is added under each bush. Planting peonies should be carried out separately, if they are in the shade of trees, the number of buds and their size are sharply reduced.

On older bushes, damage from a nematode (eel) is possible, which causes nodular swelling of the roots. Such plants should be dug up and burned, and the soil should be disinfected. Peony flowers can be damaged by bronze. This golden-green beetle eats away at the core of the flowers. Beetles should be collected in the morning and burned.

Often you can see ants on the buds, they are attracted by the sweet juice. The buds are sprayed with tobacco infusion, and the nearby anthill must be moved from the bush.

Peonies reproduce by dividing the bush, renewal buds, stem and root cuttings, seeds.

The division of the bush is carried out in the first half of August before the beginning of the secondary growth of roots or in early spring, as soon as the soil thaws. This is the most common breeding method for peonies. Most gardeners use it when transplanting plants to a new place. Many people believe that when transplanted, peonies do not bloom for three to four years. Meanwhile, if this operation is carried out on time and carefully (damage the roots as little as possible), the peonies will bloom the next year.

To do this, you need to know that in peonies, in addition to the spring growth of the roots, their increased growth occurs a second time - in the fall, from about August 20-25. Therefore, replanting and dividing roots should be carried out as soon as the soil thaws and before the beginning of the secondary growth of roots! It should be borne in mind that the root system of peonies grows depending on age up to 80 cm in depth and up to 90 cm in width.

Carefully digging in the bush with a shovel, they lift it with a garden pitchfork, trying to damage the roots as little as possible. They are washed from the ground with water from a hose and division is carried out, while you need to use a knife as little as possible, separating them in places where bridges are formed in order to inflict less wounds.

To obtain the maximum number of divisions, it is better to take 4-5-year-old bushes and divide them into four to six parts, with four to five buds; you can leave one or two buds on the plot, but they begin to bloom with a delay of one or two years.

You can get seedlings of peonies without digging up the plant completely. To this end, the bush is cut with a shovel into two parts, one part is carefully removed from the soil and divided, as described above, and the other remains in the ground.

The cut part is sprinkled with crushed coal, the hole is covered with soil, watered with water - and the bush continues to bloom and develop. When transplanting old bushes to a new place, rejuvenating pruning is carried out, fleshy rhizomes are shortened, leaving roots 8-10 cm long near the buds of renewal.

There is another way to get peony seedlings without digging a bush. To do this, in the first half of August (before the onset of secondary growth), the bush is carefully unpacked, part of the renewal buds with a piece of rhizome is separated from it and planted in cold nurseries at a distance of 10 × 10 cm, covered with a film, rooting occurs on the fortieth day. Then the film is removed and covered with a sheet pillow for the winter. In the spring, plants are transplanted to school or to a permanent place. Such plants bloom in the third or fourth year of life.

The method of reproduction by layering is also built on the principle of preserving the bush. A wooden box 25-30 cm high is placed on a peony bush in the spring. As the bush grows, the buds are covered with loose earth or humus, gradually filling the box. Shoots grow and bloom normally (somewhat lagging in comparison with free-growing bushes). Roots are formed at their base. In the fall, the box is removed and the rooted stems are cut off, transplanted to a permanent place. Such plants begin to bloom in the fourth or fifth year.

Tree peonies (Paeonia saffruticosa) are a group of species, natural and artificial hybrids and varieties of the genus Peony (Paeonia). It is a deciduous shrub up to 1.5 meters in height. Very decorative, thanks to the spectacular, bright green, double-dissected leaves and unusually beautiful, large (12 to 25 cm in diameter) flowers. They come in simple, double and semi-double shapes and in various colors: from snow-white to almost black, including yellow and purple.

The history of cultivation of the tree peony has more than two thousand years. In the wild, the tree peony grows in the highlands of southeastern China, therefore the Chinese are the ancestors of the introduction of these plants into culture and subsequent selection. Around the 7th-10th centuries, the tree peony comes to Japan, and the Japanese contribute to the development of this culture. The tree peony came to Europe only at the end of the 18th century, gained popularity in the gardens of England, France, Holland and, of course, did not leave European breeders without work. As a result of this centuries-old work, more than 1000 varieties of tree peony have been created, which are subdivided into several groups:

• Sino-European - with heavy double flowers;
• Japanese - with non-double or semi-double light and airy flowers;
• hybrids of yellow peony and Delaway peony - with yellow flowers.

There is another group of tree peonies - mountain peonies - the newest group created with the participation of alpine species and has a number of advantages for growing in our rather harsh conditions. This is:

- increased winter hardiness;

- Stronger annual growth in comparison with tree peonies;

- early flowering.

Tree peonies have a number of features that must be taken into account when growing them.

The first is slow growth. Yes, the tree-like peony grows slowly, but every year it becomes more and more beautiful. So be patient and it will definitely be rewarded.

Secondly, it is a long-liver, in one place it can grow for more than 100 years. This must be taken into account when choosing a location.

Thirdly, it is very tenacious. If in the spring it seems to you that he is gone, frozen, dried up, the buds do not bloom, do not rush to say goodbye to him. After some time, new shoots may appear, and even with buds.

Buying a tree peony

When choosing a tree peony seedling, you should pay attention to the fact that the planting unit has 2-3 lignified shoots no more than 25 cm high, with unblown buds. In this case, the buds should be large enough and glossy. The roots should be well developed, ideally the length of the roots should be equal to the height of the crown.

Planting a tree peony

A place for planting peonies is chosen sunny or light partial shade, protected from the winds.

Tree peonies grow on almost any soil, but prefer permeable loams with a weakly alkaline reaction

The best time to plant tree peonies is from mid-August to mid-September.

A pit for planting a peony is prepared in advance, in about 2-3 weeks. It should have dimensions of 80x80 and a depth of 60-70 cm.A drainage layer of 15-25 cm is poured at the bottom of the pit, then it is covered with a soil mixture consisting of garden soil, humus and peat in equal proportions with the addition of ash, bone or dolomite flour, potassium sulfate and superphosphate (about one glass each).

When planting, gently straighten the roots of the peony over the formed surface of the fossa, and fill it with the remaining soil mixture so that the root collar is at the level of the soil, tamp and water.

But, since planting material is supplied for sale mainly in the spring, the question arises: what to do in this case? There are at least two solutions.

1. Plant the cut in a pot with a volume of 5-6 liters, with the onset of a stable positive temperature, take it out into the garden and wait for a favorable time for planting, carefully transferring the plant from the pot to the prepared hole. In this case, it is important to prevent waterlogging and stagnation of water during the period of overexposure.
2. Plant in the same way as in autumn. In this case, it is advisable to choose a planting time when the danger of recurrent frosts has already passed and a steady heat has not yet come.

In my practice, I used both of these methods: the mountain peony was planted in the spring, and the yellow-flowered peony was overexposed in the fall. Both are still growing and developing.

Tree peony care

Top dressing - if the peony is planted correctly, then in the first two years, feeding can be omitted. Starting from the third year, the first top dressing is carried out on the snow with nitrogen-potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. The second - before flowering with the same fertilizer composition. The third - after flowering - phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. I use fertilizer "Fertika" ("Kemira"), respectively, spring and summer.

Watering - plentiful, but not frequent. In dry weather, an adult bush should be watered once a week at the rate of 2-3 buckets per bush.

Pruning - held every spring until the beginning of the growing season: dried shoots are removed, old shoots are shortened by 10 cm. This gives the plant the opportunity to awaken the adventitious buds at the base of the plant. Another pruning is done after flowering. In this case, it is necessary to remove the faded bud and cut the peduncle 2 buds below. Based on my own experience, I strongly recommend this operation, as it contributes to further growth and abundant flowering next year.

Fig. 1 Pruning a tree peony after flowering

Shelter of a tree peony for the winter

In Siberia, it is necessary to cover the tree peony. I cover my peonies like this: I tie the crown, cover it with spruce branches, wrap it with covering material in several layers and tie it again. It is enough just to wrap a mountain peony with a covering material.

Tree peony transplant

A tree peony transplant is very painful. Transplanted bushes take a long time to recover, sometimes over several years. If there is a need to transplant a healthy bush, then carefully dig in it, trying not to damage the root system, and transfer it with a lump of earth to a prepared hole. If the bush has signs of illness, and you want to reanimate it, then after digging the bush, gently rinse it under running water, inspect the roots, remove the diseased, process the sections with a dark burgundy solution of potassium permanganate, sprinkle with crushed coal and plant in a prepared place.

Tree peony rejuvenation

If your peony bush has reached a mature age (20 years or more) and began to lose its decorative effect, then the bush can be rejuvenated by cutting it in the fall almost to the very surface of the soil. This will give an impetus to the awakening of the adventitious buds at the base of the shoots.

Diseases and pests of tree peonies

Tree peonies are very resistant to disease. In 10 years of caring for them, I have never noticed signs of illness or pest damage. But, nevertheless, tree peonies can be subject to gray rot and brown spot disease. In case of a disease with gray rot, it is necessary to remove the damaged shoots and spray with a 6-7% solution of copper sulfate or a solution of potassium permanganate (3 g per 10 l of water). In case of brown spot disease, it is necessary to remove and burn diseased leaves and spray with a 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid.

Reproduction of tree peonies

There are 5 ways to reproduce tree peonies.

1. By dividing the bush

This is the most acceptable breeding method, carried out at the same time as planting a peony, i.e. from mid-August to mid-September.It should be a 5-6 year old, healthy bush with 7 or more shoots, with a distance of at least 3.5 cm between them.The bush is carefully dug up, washed off the ground with a stream of water with a weak pressure, the shoots are cut to a height of 10-15 cm and wither in the shade for 2-3 hours. Then the rhizome is divided in such a way as to obtain divisions with 2-3 buds and a part of the root of at least 10 cm. Places of cut and damage are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate and sprinkled with crushed coal. The divisions obtained in this way are planted in pits prepared in advance.

2. Layers

Peony propagation by layering begins in May, before flowering. To do this, take a strong shoot, bend it to the ground, and make an incision at the point of contact of the shoot with the ground. The incision is powdered with rooting stimulants, a small spacer can be inserted. After that, the shoot is pinned to the surface of the soil, covered with a layer of earth 10-15 cm high and made sure that the earth does not dry out in this place. The roots should appear in late August - early September.

3. Cuttings

From about mid-June to early August, the tree-like peony can be propagated by cuttings. Semi-lignified cuttings are cut obliquely under the bud, the leaf blades are shortened by half, treated with root formation stimulants and planted in boxes with a mixture of sand and peat in equal amounts to a depth of 1.5 cm.The boxes are covered with foil and constantly watered and sprayed. At the end of September, rooted cuttings are planted in separate pots and left in a greenhouse until spring. In the spring, when the plants start to grow, they are planted in a permanent place. Peonies bloom with this method of reproduction in the 5th year.

4. Vaccination

With this method of reproduction, the roots of a herbaceous peony are used as a stock, horses and a tree peony can also be used. In this case, you need to monitor the appearance of root growth and remove it. This can be avoided by using your own peony roots. It is advisable to keep the harvested roots for 2-3 weeks in a cool room. Cuttings with two buds are cut in early August and cut from both sides in a wedge shape. An incision of the same shape is made on the rootstock, the rootstock stalk is tightly inserted, tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and tied. The prepared material is laid horizontally in a moistened layer of sawdust and placed in a cool, shaded place. A month later, when the scion grows together with the stock, plant it in a greenhouse so that the lower peephole is 5-7 cm deep. It is planted in a permanent place after 2 years.

5. Seeds

The advantage of this method is that the plant grown in this way will have increased immunity and more easily adapt to environmental conditions. It is best to sow with freshly harvested seeds. Seeds are sown in the ground in September-October. In this case, flowering occurs in 4-5 years. If the seeds lay for several months or years, the germination rate decreases sharply and the seeds require stratification and even scarification. The stratification process is quite complicated, personally I will not have the patience to follow all the recommendations exactly. I myself sowed purchased seeds in the spring in open ground. Of 10pcs. I had 2 seedlings in the 2nd year and 1 seedling in the 3rd.

Using the tree peony

The tree peony is an unconditional soloist. He shows his best qualities in single plantings, especially good against the background of the lawn. You can also use it in group plantings, large bushes perfectly serve as a background in prefabricated flower beds. And, of course, it's a great cut.

Russian selection

And I would also like to say a little about the Russian selection of tree peonies. Breeding work has been carried out by the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University for over 30 years. During this time, more than 40 varieties of tree peonies have been registered, which are included in the catalog of varieties and are recommended for use in production.These are winter-hardy varieties, they feel great not only in central Russia, but also in the Urals and Siberia.

The most popular varieties of Russian selection:

• white - Lomonosov, Moscow University, Maria, Anastasia Sosnovets;
• pale pink - Dmitry Kapinos;
• yellow - Kuindzhi, Academician Sadovnichy;
• red - Vladimir Mayakovsky;
• salmon - Irina, Marianna;
• purple-pink - Nikolay Vavilov, Yulia Drunina;
• lilac-beetroot - Peter the Great.

Below is a photo of Mountain Peony and Tree Peony "Yellow Bird".

  

  

  

BOCHAROVA T.M.

Peonies planting and care

Peonies are flowers of impressive size, of various colors: bright red, crimson, deep pink, white. Who wants to grow these wonderful flowers in their country house, read the article: peony planting and care in the open field. Not everyone knows that the appearance of a peony bud depends on the type of flower; they can be double, smooth or pompous. Peonies look very beautiful, resembling rosettes with a noticeable core.

The beginning of flowering of peonies falls on the end of May - beginning of June. The height of the bush can reach 90 cm. Peonies are a perennial garden culture that delights the eye with its splendor for more than one year. It is not difficult to grow a peony (Paeonia), it is not a capricious plant that does not require laborious maintenance.

Types and varieties of peonies

To date, more than five thousand varieties of peony are known. All species of this family are divided into herbaceous and arboreal. Treelike varieties are shrubs that grow up to 2 m. Herbaceous species do not require special care, they bloom for many years in a row. Basically, by the second half of July, herbaceous varieties of peonies fade. To prolong the enjoyment of the flowering specimen, it is necessary to plant flowers with different flowering times.

Attention! The variety of peony for planting is selected individually, depending on its future location. For planting next to the curb, herbaceous types are more appropriate; when planting alone, tree peonies are better suited.

Tree peonies are classified into 3 varieties:

1. European ones are distinguished by large flowers with double petals of various colors - from pinkish to deep crimson. Their leaves are dense, fleshy, large in size.
2. Japanese are double and semi-smooth, inflorescences are not so heavy. This variety stands out for its increased resistance to frost. This feature is due to the method of cuttings, when cuttings are grafted to the root system of herbaceous peonies. This method allows the thermophilic plant to survive the harsh natural conditions of the Russian winter.
3. Hybrids bred by crossing Delaway and Yellow peony. This semi-shrub species has a bright yellow hue with a prominent red mark at the base of the bud. The trunk does not branch and grows up to 2 m in height. On one branch, basically, from 3 to 5 inflorescences. The blossoming flowers can be up to 10 cm in diameter.

Tree varieties of peonies take root well and develop in illuminated places that are not accessible to direct wind. The soil base must be selected fertilized and well permeable to moisture, avoiding stagnation of water. In winter, representatives of this species should be covered with coniferous branches and barriers from boards, in order to avoid freezing.

Attention! The soil for planting tree peonies must have good drainage.

Nowadays, hybrid varieties obtained by repeated crossing of various varieties are becoming increasingly famous. Hybrids are unique, as they combine the properties and external qualities of herbaceous and tree-like types.

The result is a unique color, large flowers, good frost tolerance.Crossed species are relevant for use in landscape decoration, because their indisputable qualities are the increased duration of flowering, a wide range of colors and a unique aroma.

The classification of herbaceous varieties is more extensive than tree varieties. The main varieties include:

1. Maryin's root (evading peony), having large upright stems in diameter, up to 1 m high. Sufficiently large pink flowers are the distinctive features of this variety. Flowering occurs in May - June. It is used as a medicine and to decorate the territory of a garden plot.
2. The medicinal peony used to be used only for medicinal purposes, but now it is widely known as a beautiful flower for decoration. The inflorescence has no aroma, the size is up to 12 cm. The color of blossoming buds is usually dark red. This variety is widespread, mainly in the middle zone of our country. Flowering begins in early June.
3. The narrow-leaved peony is an attractive decorative element for unshaded areas that are not subject to increased watering. During the flowering period, they delight with beautiful raspberry buds, but already in the second half of May they fade and cease to be a decoration of the territory.
4. Peony Mlokosevich is named after the researcher who discovered this variety on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in the 19th century. The unique yellow color and bluish color of the leaves makes it interesting for lovers of peonies. Another distinctive feature is the very slow blooming of the buds, which, when opened, reach 12 cm.The flowering time varies depending on the climate, but this usually occurs in May.
5. White-flowered peonies are a wide variety, which in turn is divided into a number of subspecies. These are simple, semi-double and Japanese varieties.

The most famous of the semi-double:

• Miss America is a tall plant with lush white buds;
• Cytheria - flowers of medium height, changing color during flowering, from deep burgundy at the beginning to white-pink at the end;
• Lastres - flowers with a five-row arrangement of red petals. The height of the bushes is decent and reaches 70 cm.
• Japanese white-flowered peonies are the most popular and widespread. The main varieties of this species:
• Velma Atkinson - flowers with predominantly early flowering, pink tint;
• Pearl placer is a type of later flowering and long duration of flowering. It smells like roses;
• Karara is a medium-sized variety with a diameter of blossoming flowers up to 16 cm.

It is not possible to describe all the varieties of the peony family, and these are only a few of the existing five thousand. The list of varieties is constantly replenished with newly discovered or bred, raising the art of breeding peonies to the rank of a certain philosophy.

Peonies exist for every taste, even the most fastidious gardener will like one for growing and decorating his site.

Photo peonies

Peony planting and care in the open field

Choosing and preparing a place for planting a peony

The key to a successful planting of peonies is the optimal location for the flower. The area for peonies should be sufficiently lit, especially in the morning, not shaded by other garden crops.

Peonies negatively perceive strong gusts of wind, so they should be placed near the walls of buildings, fences, or protected from drafts by higher shrubs or trees.

It is better if the selected site is located on a hill, because peonies do not tolerate too moist soil, and places in the lowland are categorically not suitable for them.

Attention! If the composition of the soil mixture on the site is not suitable for peonies, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work to improve it.

Previously, a few weeks before the transplant, the area for peonies must be prepared. It is necessary to make a depression for one and a half shovels and fill it with soil prepared from humus, peat, ordinary soil and sand, taken in the same amount.For proper growth, 0.5 liters of ash should be added to this mixture.

Peony planting time

For planting peonies in open ground, early autumn is considered the most suitable time. It is at this time that there are no large values ​​of air temperature, more rains, which improves the adaptation of the plant in a new place. Before the onset of cold weather, the flower will have time to strengthen due to the active growth of new branches of the roots.

Attention! Peonies planted in spring are more susceptible to disease and recover more slowly. Flowers transplanted in autumn take root better and begin to develop rapidly in spring.

If it is necessary to plant in the spring, then this must be done before the air has time to warm up to 10 degrees. If this condition is not met, then the probability of plant death is high.

Peony care basics

Since peonies are usually grown in outdoor gardens, the rules of care are considered in relation to growing outdoors.

Temperature and lighting

There are no specific temperature characteristics. Each grower chooses a variety designed to grow in his climatic zone and adapted to specific temperature conditions. Accordingly, the selected variety tolerates the temperature of its climate well and is unpretentious to adaptation.

Peonies are plants that love sunlight. Their leaves and flowers are not afraid of exposure to direct sunlight. Growth is possible in light shade, but periods of good lighting should prevail.

Requirements for the composition of the soil

An important role in the proper development of the peony bush is played by a suitable soil composition. An optimally selected soil mixture when planting is a guarantee of beautiful flowers that will delight the eye and decorate the site.

For peonies, a soil that has a slightly acidic or alkaline reaction is well suited. If the soil is clayey, then the addition of sand is required, in the case of sandy soil, humus must be added, and limestone rocks must be introduced into the soil with an acidic environment at least a year before planting the peonies.

The planting process is very important in the life of the plant and requires some preparation from the gardeners. Under the peony, you need to dig a hole 70 cm deep. It should be prepared a month before planting and filled with a specially prepared soil mixture of peat, sand, humus and the necessary fertilizers. This mixture is filled with ordinary soil and left to settle. After 3-4 weeks, peonies can be planted.

Attention! Fertilizers applied to the soil should not fall directly on the root system of the peonies.

Waiting for soil shrinkage is required to prevent the buds of the transplanted peonies from covering with soil.

Watering

Peonies should be watered sparingly. These plants are adversely affected by nearby groundwater. The soil for peonies should have good drainage and be loosened. In hot summer weather, when peonies are actively blooming, they need to be watered more often and with plenty of water. Watering should be done directly under the roots, without watering the foliage.

Frequent loosening of the soil helps to ensure optimal development and growth. In loose soil, the necessary moisture reserve is better retained, weeds and dangerous pests appear less.

Top dressing

In the first year after planting, additional feeding is not required. Fertilizers begin to be applied to the soil mixture after the plant reaches two years of age. Top dressing is carried out with urea, crystalline or any other nitrogen-containing mixture. During the period of spring and summer, it is advisable to feed peonies 3 times:

• the first feeding is carried out with the onset of spring, sprinkling with carbamide or potassium sulfate in an amount of 15 grams;
• the second time, peonies are fertilized with a solution of urea or superphosphate, when future flowers are formed;
• the third feeding is done 2 weeks after the end of flowering to form buds for the next year.

Pruning

One of the necessary procedures for growing peonies is pruning. The best time for pruning is autumn. This helps prepare the plants for a safe existence during the winter.

It is optimal to cut the bushes at the beginning of cold weather. For the winter months, shoots of about 4 cm remain, covered with spruce branches.

It is wrong to prune peonies immediately after flowering. This will remove the buds of the inflorescences that were laid for the next year. Pruning during the flowering period, the peony will lose the opportunity to bloom in a year.

Preparing a peony for winter

After a vigorous flowering, garden peonies must be prepared for the winter period. This includes weeding and loosening the soil around the bushes.

In autumn, it is necessary to cut the leaves and stems low so that fungal diseases do not develop. In case of severe winters, the shrubs need to be covered with spruce branches. The same procedure is carried out to protect all juveniles.

Features of planting and caring for peonies in Siberia, in the north

The Siberian region and the Far East are considered the native territory for some species of peonies. The most famous of them are Maryin root, Far Eastern white-flowered peony and steppe. These cultures are among the first to bloom in the conditions of Siberian nature, which gives them special value in the formation of landscape designs of these territories.

The climatic conditions of the region have the following influence on the development of flowers: cold weather during the period of budding slows down blooming, the subsequent heat accelerates flowering. To increase the duration of the flowering period, it is necessary to adjust the conditions, bringing them closer to natural for certain varieties.

Peonies are unpretentious plants, some varieties of which can grow in northern climatic conditions. Autumn mulching of the bushes becomes a prerequisite here.

The main cultivar for cultivation in northern nature has become the evading peony (Maryin root). His winter hardiness indicators are higher than those of others, which allows him to enjoy his flowers in northern nature.

Reproduction of peonies

The breeding methods of herbaceous or treelike peonies have their own characteristics, but there are also the same methods for all types.

A propagation method suitable for any type of peony is by seed propagation. It should be borne in mind that this method is quite long, because the flowering of plants will appear on average only after 5 years. However, not all varietal peonies will retain their varietal characteristics.

The most commonly used method is the division of the bushes. This method is used for tree and herbaceous varieties without exception. The separated parts of the bush usually quickly adapt and flowers appear on them already in the second year after breeding. Dividing a herbaceous peony is also a kind of way to rejuvenate a bush. And tree-like plants can be divided only if they have grown enough.

In addition to the basic methods, tree peonies can be propagated by cuttings and air layers. They also use grafting of the roots of one variety on another, including tree-like on herbaceous. Herbaceous varieties are propagated by cuttings of roots and separation of a part of the plant.

Peony care features by seasons

In the spring. The first sprouts of peonies appear early, even from under the snow. If the autumn mulching of the bushes was carried out, then at the beginning of April it is necessary to carefully remove the covering structure. In the first days of May, the first feeding and preventive spraying against diseases are carried out.

Summer. Summer care includes weeding the land around the bushes, timely watering and the necessary fertilizing.

In the autumn. Pruning leaves, destroying the tops in case of fungal infection, or shelter with cut foliage if the plant is healthy.

In winter. Special warming is carried out if the peony is young or in severe winters.Older specimens will not require insulation under normal winter conditions.

If peonies don't bloom

A common problem when breeding peonies is the lack of flowers. This problem may have the following reasons:

• excessive deepening of the kidneys during planting;
• little light and too wet soil;
• a large age of the bush, its rejuvenation is required by division;
• unsuitable composition of the soil base, acidic environment, it is necessary to add ash or limestone;
• removal of the kidneys during pruning in the previous year;
• insufficient amount of applied fertilizers.

Determining the problem moment will allow you to make the right decision and improve the condition of the peony, which will certainly manifest itself in the appearance of flowers on it.

Peony pests and diseases

Growing outdoors is an increased risk for the plant to be damaged by disease or pest. The care of the gardener becomes the protection of peonies from these negative influences.

The main pests:

• aphid;
• root nematode;
• caterpillars;
• bronze.

Bronze and caterpillars are collected from flowers by hand and destroyed. Additionally, a solution of aconite is applied to the plants.

To eliminate the root nematode, a special set of fertilizers is used and replanting in the immediate vicinity of the peonies of plants that the pest does not tolerate.
Chlorophos is used to combat aphids.

The most undesirable diseases of peonies are caused by fungi. This is brown spot, rust, gray rot.

Gray rot is a characteristic grayish bloom on foliage and flowers. The trunk of the bush dries up and becomes brittle, the flowers turn black. For healing, fungicides are used with which peonies are processed.

In order to prevent the disease, the soil is loosened, the distance between the individual bushes is observed, the stems and leaves are not left at the end of the pruning.

If yellow spots are seen on the foliage of the peonies, then the plant is damaged by rust. The leaves begin to curl and dry. Eliminate the disease by using fungicides. In order to avoid the death of plants from brown spot caused by a fungus, in the spring they are sprayed with celandine infusion or Bordeaux liquid.

The peonies in the garden are gorgeous. They become a wonderful decoration for any site. But it must be remembered that only the right care and maintenance of the plant will allow you to enjoy wonderful flowers for many years in a row.

Video tips: how to properly plant and care for peonies

Peony is one of the most amazing and beautiful ornamental plants. This flower is second only to the rose - the real queen of the garden. Peony flowers are short-lived, but they are able to fill the garden with marvelous colors and magical aromas, and give its owner unforgettable emotions.

Peony flowers are very different, they differ in color, shape and have a fascinating aroma. Peonies are able to grow for many years, bringing real joy to their owners with their amazing flowers.

The peony remains an adornment of any garden even after flowering: its leaves are no less beautiful and attractive.

Homeland of the plant

This amazing flower was cultivated in China as early as 5th century BC. Chinese emperors admired him. The first was cultivated Peony lactobacillus - a plant common in China, Siberia and Mongolia. The name of this flower comes from the name of the legendary healer Pean, who was so skillful that he healed the wounds of gods and heroes.

This flower arrived in Europe quite late - in the 18th century and quickly became a universal favorite. It took its rightful place in the royal gardens of Europe, hundreds of breeders began work on breeding varieties. In the 19th century, the peony crossed the Atlantic and quickly conquered the New World.

General description of the flower

Peonies are a member of the Peony family. It includes 32 species.

These are perennial plants, with a herbaceous, shrub or semi-shrub stem, reaching a height of one meter.

Although, the tree-like peony, which is the symbol of China, grows up to two meters. Peonies have a powerful rhizome, with thickened cone-shaped roots. Large leaves of rich green color are arranged alternately. The shape of the leaf plate is trifoliate or pinnately divided.

Peony flowers are large, single. The petals form a corolla. There are five sepals, most often the petals are also five. The petals have a very rich color palette. There can be up to eight pistils, many stamens.

Complexity, whimsicality, availability of cultivation

Growing peonies does not cause much trouble, the agricultural technology of peonies is not difficult even for not too skillful gardeners, if you follow simple rules, these flowers will bring you joy for many years. This is another important reason for the widespread popularity of the peony.

The breeders did not deprive the peony of their attention: today several thousand varieties of the plant are known, new ones are constantly appearing. There are several nuances that are important for the growth of a peony.

Planting peonies in the open field. Optimal time

Autumn - the best time for transplanting and planting peonies. In the spring, these manipulations are not recommended.

The most important thing when planting a plant is choosing the right place. Pay particular attention to the following:

• A peony needs at least five to six hours of intense sunlight.
• The flower does not tolerate drafts.
• It is better not to plant the plant in the lowlands.
• Do not plant the peony too deep, it will bloom poorly.

Planting a flower in the fall

It is better to plant and transplant peonies in early autumn. This will give the plant plenty of time to prepare for winter.

Prepare planting holes. The hole should be 60x60x60 cm in size. Put drainage (20 cm thick) in the hole, top dressing consisting of humus, compost, lime, superphosphate and wood ash. Fill the hole with a mixture of compost and soil. When the soil settles, you can start planting the plant.

In the next step, you should dig out the rhizome of the peony and this must be done very carefully. Better to use a garden pitchfork. You need to dig a bush with them and remove the rhizome. Remove the soil and dry it. Then the rhizome should be divided into 15 cm long pieces containing roots and several buds. It is recommended to dip the rhizome pieces into a potassium permanganate solution to destroy root rot.

Good results are obtained by dipping rhizomes in a solution of heteroauxin.

Remember, deep planting is one of the most common reasons for the lack of flowers. The upper bud should not be deeper than 3-4 cm. In the first year, the peony blooms very rarely and does not look very healthy.

Planting in spring

Usually this plant is not planted in spring. But if it is necessary, then it is better to proceed as follows. Transplant the peony into a pot and place it in a cool room (cellar), keeping the soil moist at all times. In May, plant the plant directly in the pot, and in the fall, transplant along with the soil in which the root system is located. Planting should be done as described above.

Soil preparation and gardening

It is important to choose the right habitat for the plant, its growth depends on it. Find a well-lit place for the flower, not far from the nearest shrub or tree. Peonies grow normally in the shade, but bloom much worse. The landing site should not be flooded with water.

Peony care

Peony is an unpretentious plant, it does not cause unnecessary trouble for flower growers. However, there are nuances when growing it, you need to know them.

The peony can grow on any soil, but loam (6-6.6 pH) gives preference. The peony does not like wet soils, so do not plant it in lowlands. High humidity leads to root rot and death of the flower. If you did everything correctly, then the plant can not be fertilized for a whole year. Water the plant regularly.

Spring care

In the spring, the plant needs abundant watering.You need to do it once a week, spending two buckets of water for each bush. Moisture is especially important during flower formation.

Autumn care

In the fall, you should remove all dead leaves and parts of the stems and burn them, so you are guaranteed to destroy pathogens. Then you need to cover each bush with ash and leave to winter. Adult peonies do not need shelter.

Top dressing and fertilization

In the first year after planting, it is better not to get carried away with top dressing. Then use liquid forms of dressings. At the beginning of spring, nitrogen-potassium fertilizing is used, during the period of bud formation, fertilizing containing phosphorus and nitrogen is used. After its completion, potassium-phosphorus feeding is recommended, it can be continued until mid-autumn.

Watering

For a peony, you need not very frequent, but quite abundant. It is recommended to water it once a week, but spend at least two buckets of water per bush.

Watering is extremely important during peony flowering. Insufficient watering is one of the main reasons for the lack of flowers. The water should fall under the flower bush.

Illumination

Peonies are sun-loving plants, they need 6 hours of sunshine. But the southern parts of the garden, where the plant can get burned, is best avoided.

Temperature regime

Peonies are not too demanding on temperature. The climatic conditions of the temperate zone are quite suitable for them.

Peony transplant

Peonies are transplanted in early autumn. First, choose the right place for planting and prepare the hole (this has already been described above).

For transplanting, you must carefully dig out the rhizome of the peony, prepare a hole for it and place the plant in it. Apply enough fertilizer.

Transplanting flowers in spring is not recommended.

Reproduction

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Florists use this method most often. You need to take an adult plant that has already bloomed. Then the rhizome is carefully dug in and carefully removed from the ground. Rotten roots are removed, and the rhizome is divided into parts (the planting method is described in detail above). The ground part is almost completely cut off. Usually this work is done in early autumn. Cover the planting site with a layer of peat.

Propagation by root cuttings

Quite a reliable way, it consists in the fact that part of the root is planted in the hole. By winter, she manages to take root and hibernate normally. But you will see the first flowers in a few years.

Seed propagation

Peonies can be propagated by seed. True, this does not preserve the quality of the variety. Growing peonies from seeds more often used by breeders.

Blooming peonies

The peony has a large single red, yellow, bright crimson or white flower. It can be terry, fluffy, or rosette-like. Yellow numerous stamens are clearly visible. Flowers usually appear in May or early June.

There are several groups of peonies that differ in the structure of flowers:

• Japanese. The stamens and pistils are located in the center of the flower, they form a kind of cluster (pompon).
• Non-double. The flowers are large, with two rows of petals, the leaves are corrugated.
• Semi-double. The flowers are large, the stamens are in its center, several rows of petals.
• Anemoid. The lower petals are very wide, the inner petals form a ball. It is considered a transitional form between double and Japanese peonies.
• Terry. The flower has a spherical shape, when the petals open, a bright and colorful ball is obtained.
• Rosy. The flowers are large, the petals strongly resemble rose petals.

After the end of flowering, remove the wilted flowers, and carry out the next top dressing.

Pruning

It is worth pruning peonies in late autumn, before the onset of the first frosts, if this needs to be done earlier, leave a few leaves on the bush so that the plant can accumulate strength.

Autumn pruning is carried out almost to the ground level.

Preparing peonies for winter

In the fall, when the leaves turn yellow, you need to gradually reduce the intensity of watering.Newly planted plants should be covered with a layer of peat and they will winter well. Peat should be removed in spring. Old plants are frost-resistant and there will be no problems with their wintering either.

Popular varieties of peonies

The breeders have done a great job, today there are a large number of varieties of peonies. The variety of these colors allows you to create amazing flower gardens, combining them with flowers of different colors and sizes.

It is impossible to name all varieties of peonies that are deservedly popular with flower growers. Here are just a few examples.

1. Variety "Starlight". They have large flowers of light cream color, anemic shape.
2. Variety "Suzy Ku". Huge double flowers are painted in a pleasant light pink color. The leaves are small, narrow.
3. Variety "Westerner". It has white flowers of medium size in Japanese form. Blooms relatively late.
4. Variety "White bowl". It has medium-sized flowers, dark pink in color.
5. Variety "Amabilis". The plant has light pink flowers, the petals of which turn white at the edges when flowering ends.

The fine-leaved peony deserves special mention - a plant that has been cultivated by gardeners for several decades. This peony is listed in the Red Book, but among flower growers it is at the top of its popularity.

ITO hybrids are also very popular: this is the result of crossing tree and herbaceous peonies. An excellent example of such plants is

Coral Sunset.

Another peony that is a frequent visitor to our gardens ispeony bartzella... This is a beautiful plant with Japanese-shaped flowers, bright lemon color.

Diseases of peonies

Gray rot

The most dangerous enemies of peonies are diseases caused by microscopic fungi. Here are the main ones:

• rust;
• gray rot;
• powdery mildew;
• brown spot.

Gray rot. Appears in May, infects leaves, stems and buds. A symptom of gray rot is a gray coating on the organs of the plant. It is better to burn the affected parts. Copper sulfate and fungicides are effective remedies.

Powdery mildew. A whitish bloom forms on the stems and leaves. Fungicides are used to treat the disease.

Rust. The disease is characterized by the formation of dark brown spots. The disease leads to twisting and drying of the leaf plate. Fungicides are used to treat the disease.

Brown spot also manifests itself in the form of specific spots on the leaves, areas of the stem and buds. They are off-white in color. The disease is dangerous, leading to leaf fall. This disease is treated with fungicides.

The main problems faced by novice growers

Why does not the peony grow

A flower can grow poorly due to a number of reasons: the wrong choice of planting site (little light), insufficient mineral feeding or insufficient watering. Also, unsatisfactory growth is noted in the case of transplantation without dividing the rhizome.

Why does not the peony bloom

The absence of flowers on the plant, most likely, indicates an improper planting of the rhizome. It is probably set too deep. Also, poor soil and a lack of feeding, poor lighting of the plant, insufficient watering during the period of bud formation leads to a lack of flowers. Plants that are too old do not bloom.

Why does the peony not rise

The germination of peonies depends on the quality of the seed, as well as the degree of soil preparation.