Description and features
Peonies of the Paula Fey variety belong to the selection of terry varieties. The variety was bred in the United States around 1970. This peony has rather large inflorescences, consisting of five rows of corrugated petals. The petals are painted in a juicy raspberry shade, have a pleasant waxy texture that shines, while the center is yellow. In diameter, they can reach 20 centimeters.
Bushes with peonies themselves are compact, rounded, reaching a height of 75–80 centimeters. The stems are powerful, the leaves have a rich green color, they shine.
Paula Fey is an early flowering peony. Already with the arrival of the first warmth, luxurious crimson flowers will delight in the flower beds. Moreover, the flowers of this variety have a wonderful sweetish aroma, which is simply impossible to resist.
An interesting fact is that the variety has received a special award from the American Society of Peony Lovers. The lists of medalist varieties are not so long, but "Paula Fey" is present in it.
Usually, the peony reacts especially to rain and windy weather, trying to completely close.
Features of plant care
Breeding a tree peony, care and planting should contain: good watering, aeration of the soil near the bush, weeding and the addition of fertilizers.
Watering
The tree peony does not need dense watering. Depending on weather conditions and precipitation, the plant should be watered 1-2 times a month. At one time in June-July, the bush will need 6-7 liters of water. When it is absorbed, the earth needs to be loosened.
Beginning in August, watering is stopped. Weeds are removed as they emerge throughout the season.
Pruning
Before the beginning of the growth and ripening period (March - April), it is recommended to carry out pruning for a beautiful extension of life and the formation of a bush. To do this, cut off the shoots in the area of the first growth bud from the top, and the weak ones are cut by 9-12 centimeters above the ground.
Top dressing
The best food for tree peony: wood ash, mineral fertilizers with a high concentration of potassium and phosphorus, as well as bone meal, and a low one - nitrogen. It is practical to fertilize together with watering.
Autumn is the best time for organic fertilization. The bush can be framed with compost (rotted manure) - 3-5 kilograms, and then dig up the soil 11-14 centimeters deep. Fresh manure is categorically not recommended to be used; from contact with it, the roots are affected by rot.
- Preventive. After the snow melts, pour potassium permanganate around the peony (2-3 grams per five liters of water - one bush) for reliable disease prevention.
- Nitrogen-potassium for growth. After the snow has melted, it is better to apply potash and nitrogen fertilizers - 1: 1. Spread 16-21 grams of nitrogen (ammonium nitrate - 40-60 grams) and potassium (potassium salt - 16-21 grams) over the soil surface at a distance of 16-21 centimeters from the rhizome. You can replace 40-60 grams of nitrophosphate or take something like “Kemir spring / summer”. Then, dig the soil 9-11 centimeters deep and cover with a thin layer of compost. Together with water after rain or watering, the substances will go to the roots.
- Potassium phosphoric for healthy flowering. At the beginning of budding (12–16 days before flowering), liquid fertilizing with potash (40–50 grams) and phosphorus fertilizers (20–30 grams) - 2: 1 is performed. Potassium and phosphorus will provide rich flowering. Additionally, you can pour 10 liters of mullein infusion (only bushes that are older than five years) or dilute mineral fertilizers in it.
- Bloom. During the flowering of the peony or after it, 3-5 days later, repeat the potassium-phosphorus feeding.
To normalize nitrogen metabolism, it is advisable to carry out foliar feeding (spraying) with boric acid - 1 gram per 500 grams of water every 15–20 days before flowering.
Wintering
Treelike peonies cover by winter. In early October, the shoots are knitted (you cannot bend them to the soil - they are fragile!), The trunk circle is mulched with peat (straw, foliage, manure are undesirable, they favor the development of gray rot).
After the onset of stable cold weather, the plants are covered by constructing a “hut” of spruce branches; burlap or non-woven material can be used. In the spring, as soon as buds are formed, the shelter is removed: plants adapted to our conditions are not afraid of the return cold.
Transfer
It is undesirable to transplant a peony, including a self-rooted one, the bush can get sick for several years after that, and the grafted one most often dies
If, nevertheless, such a need arose, this must be done very carefully.
You should dig out a bush with a large lump of soil, rinse with water, remove dried roots, treat the sections with Maxim, sprinkle with ash and only then plant in a prepared hole. If you are planting an old, well-grown bush, it is necessary to carry out a major pruning of absolutely all old branches.
Diseases and pests
Tree peonies are relatively resistant to diseases and pests, most often only weakened bushes suffer. Gray rot is especially dangerous. Plants are sprayed with a composition of potassium permanganate (3 grams per 10 liters of water) or copper sulfate (0.6-0.7% solution), the affected stems are burned. Old bushes most often suffer from root decay, and the disease spreads when they are divided.
It is necessary to thoroughly clean the affected areas, treat the cut sites with 1% copper sulfate and throw it with crushed charcoal. To combat brown spot, unhealthy leaves are collected and destroyed, the plants are sprayed with a 1% composition of Bordeaux liquid.
How to properly plant a decorative tree peony
How and when exactly to plant a tree-like peony is a question that interests every gardener, who for the first time decided to diversify his plot with such an ornamental plant. Planting time is determined by what type of seedling was purchased:
- with a bare rhizome (i.e., with open roots);
- with a closed rhizome (growing in a container in a substrate).
Those seedlings with closed roots can be planted in the ground in both spring and autumn. When planted in spring, flowering occurs in the same season.
If the bark system is open, then such tree-like peonies, like all herbaceous ones, are planted in the soil in August - September. Only here's the bad luck: the seedlings go on sale not at this time, but in early spring or even in February. Of course, you can buy peonies at this time. In skillful hands, they will hold out until they land in the ground and take root. But plants from such seedlings most often get sick and lag behind in development, and the color appears much later. This is due to the fact that small roots are not yet formed on completely bare roots, intended for the absorption of nutrients. For their formation, the shrub must remain in the ground at low "plus" temperature indicators. Therefore, it is worth purchasing tree peonies in winter and spring with an open root system only if a very rare variety has turned up.
If, nevertheless, you bought a seedling with a bare rhizome in the spring, before planting a tree-like peony in open soil, you must follow the so-called "intermediate planting" - that is, in a container - and leave the flower until autumn:
- It is necessary to take a container, the volume of which is at least 5 liters, and the bottom has holes for water drainage, put drainage in it, and then fill it with non-acidic soil. After the seedling is placed in it.
- In the spring months, the cultivation of a tree peony seedling is recommended to be carried out on the balcony or in the basement, where the air temperature will be "positive", but close to 0 ̊С.Watering will need to be sparse, only in order to prevent the soil from drying out. The seedling should not be allowed to grow, because the suction roots will not be able to form.
- When the shoots reach a height of 15 to 20 cm, the plant should be transferred to a well-lit room, but just as cool. Growing a tree peony seedling requires the following care: watering must be kept to a minimum, and if the first leaves appear, you should immediately treat the peony with "Fevorit".
- With the arrival of the summer season, it is recommended to take the seedling out to a cool corner of the garden, but protected from drafts and direct sunlight.
- During August - September, it can be moved to a place of stable growth.
For this plant, you need to choose places protected from the wind. The optimal planting for tree peony bushes is next to conifers, it is also advantageous from an aesthetic point of view. It is performed using the following technology:
A hole for the plant must be dug 14 days before planting so that the soil settles well.
Planting pit parameters: depth - 50 cm, diameter - 40 cm, distance between several pits - from 1 to 1.5 m.
The bottom should be laid out with expanded clay, sand or gravel drainage, the optimal layer thickness of which is from 20 to 30 cm.
It is recommended to take non-acidic soil, stir in peat or compost + humus + sand (in a ratio of 1: 1: 1). The addition of 0.2 to 0.4 kg of bone meal is also allowed.
All buds that appear on the seedling must be removed. To understand how to properly prune a tree peony before planting, watch the video below.
Part of the previously prepared soil must be poured onto the drainage. If the seedling was with a closed rhizome, it is transplanted with a clod of earth, and if with an open one, the roots are carefully spread over a layer of earth and watered with 4 or 5 liters of clean water. After absorbing the liquid, the rest of the soil is poured into the pit and compacted (not very tightly). It is necessary to ensure that the root collar of the bush is located flush with the ground.
The final stage is mulching the plant using peat or humus while deepening the root collar by 4-5 cm.
You can immediately fertilize the bush by adding superphosphate to the soil mixture or liquid fertilizer to the water for irrigation. How to plant a tree peony step by step, look at the presented photos:
Diseases and pests
Peonies rarely get sick, but with weak immunity, due to mechanical and other effects, the bushes are susceptible to the development of fungal, viral diseases. Insect pests feed on parts of the plant: aphids, bronze beetle, nematodes, ants, and hop worms. Insects feed on the intercellular sap of the culture, soft parts of the plant: petals, stamens, flower roots. The greatest danger is posed by aphids and nematodes, the negative impact of which can lead to the death of a peony. Ants, beetles and other pests lead to a decrease in the decorative effect of the bush, problems of budding.
To combat insects, insecticidal preparations of a wide spectrum are used in case of mass infection of crops. At the first sign of infection, it is enough to rinse the plants with soapy water. It is also recommended to replace the topsoil to get rid of insect larvae. Periodic weeding of the soil, removal of plant parts during thickened plantings minimizes the risk of infection.
Viral infections are manifested by blurred spots on the leaf plates of various shades (ring mosaic) or by the formation of seals in the tissues of the culture, which are noticeable when the shoots are cut (Lemoine's disease). Fungal infections most often affect the outer side of the leaf plate, forming various colored plaques that contain fungal spores.
Gray rot can spread to the soil and infect the rhizome of the crop. This disease develops with lightning speed and kills the flower in 3 days.
When working with infected peony bushes, it is necessary to disinfect all tools, hands and clothes so as not to transfer fungal spores to healthy plants. The bushes are treated with direct-acting fungicidal preparations for two weeks according to the instructions. The affected parts of the plant are cleaned to healthy tissues, the infected tops are burned. Wounds are covered with resin or charcoal. If possible, it is advisable to isolate any diseased plant from other crops.
Varieties of white tree peonies
The color white is traditionally considered a symbol of purity, freshness and solemnity. It is not surprising that to see the flowering of snow-white peonies in your garden is the cherished desire of every fan of these plants. However, due to the natural characteristics of the culture, it is almost impossible to achieve absolute whiteness of the corollas.
Tree Peony Xue Ta (Snow Tower)
And yet, white tree peonies exist. The popular Chinese cultivar Xue Ta, Snow Tower, or Snow Pagoda are great examples. This is a perennial shrub that blooms for the first time at the age of 5–7 and reaches a height of 150 cm by the age of 10.
The medium-flowering plant is easily recognizable by its double flowers, reminiscent of garden roses or anemones. The petals, white at the edges, have a noticeable pinkish or peach shade at the base. Thanks to the rather stiff stems, even fully open corollas up to 16 cm in diameter do not fall and adorn a lush green bush for several days.
Tree Peony White Jade
Another variety that has attracted the attention of flower growers from time immemorial is the tree-like peony White jade depicted in the photo with snow-white semi-double flowers and a golden crown of their numerous stamens. An ancient variety called Yu Ban Bai in China, it is considered one of the whitest
However, he won love not only with a unique shade of flowers. The lotus-like flowers reach 17 cm in diameter. They are clearly visible against the background of the dark green carved foliage. Thanks to the tough peduncles, peonies look great in a bouquet. Their light sweet aroma subtly creates the mood of spring and joy.
The ancient variety, called Yu Ban Bai in China, is considered one of the whitest. However, he won love not only with a unique shade of flowers. The lotus-like flowers reach 17 cm in diameter. They are clearly visible against the background of the dark green carved foliage. Thanks to the tough peduncles, peonies look great in a bouquet. Their light, sweet aroma subtly creates the mood of spring and joy.
Treelike peony variety White Phoenix
The best varieties of tree peonies include White Phoenix or Feng Dan Bai. A plant with white or slightly pinkish flowers of a simple form is distinguished by a high growth rate and rapid maturation. Large corollas with silky petals open above the foliage before buds appear on other varieties of peony. Therefore, the variety is appreciated not only for its decorative qualities, but also as an excellent rootstock for other varieties.
Peony tree Scent Lily
The previous variety, upon first acquaintance, can be easily confused with a tree-like peony. The smell of a lily, the characteristics of the variety and the appearance of which are very close.
A tall, large plant with white, fragrant flowers will brighten any landscape. Decorative cores in golden and crimson tones give the semi-double rims a special charm and volume.
Peony Blossom Lemon Chiffon
Lemon peonies are very decorative. Their flowers are large, have an unusual shade of petals and a light aroma. For long-term flowering, optimal care is required.
The growing season, flowering and dormancy
Peony begins to grow actively in early spring after the snow melts. The bush grows green mass before or until mid-May. Then the first buds appear.
Peony flower Lemon Chiffon is extraordinarily beautiful
Flowering of the Lemon Chiffon variety usually takes place in 2 stages. The first flowers appear in late May or early June.Flowering lasts about 30 days. The second flowering wave begins in early August and lasts until September. The dormant period begins in late autumn and continues until the onset of spring.
Additional Information! The duration of the flowering of peonies depends on the air temperature and illumination. In the heat under the direct sun, the flowers quickly fall off.
Care during and after flowering
During flowering, you need to increase the watering of the bushes. The soil surface should not dry out. Top dressing during flowering is not required for the Lemon Chiffon variety. The first feeding is carried out in the spring.
Important! The frequency and intensity of watering after flowering should be reduced. Fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus are applied to the soil
This will ensure the flowering of the bush for the next year.
What to do if the peony does not bloom, possible reasons
The Lemon Chiffon variety blooms willingly. Usually there is no problem with this. But if the peony suddenly refused to bloom, the reason may be:
- growing in a shady place.
- the bush is planted too deep;
- the age of the plant is considerable.
An old plant is considered to be several decades old.
How to care?
The attractive bush "Laura Dessert", however, like many varieties of peonies, is not capricious, not picky in care. Quite durable, in one place it can please the eye for a long time
But no matter how simple a peony is to care for, it still needs attention. And in order for the bush to please the eye for more than one year, to be in order, to bloom and emit its wonderful aroma, you need to follow simple rules
Before the cold weather (for the winter), you need to cut the stems to the very soil.
In the spring-autumn period, watering, fertilizing with fertilizers is required.
You need to fertilize a peony at least 3 times per season:
- after winter, when the snow has melted, dig a hole around the flower, fill it with a weak solution of manganese;
- if sprouts are found, it is recommended to feed again (rotted manure, saltpeter);
- About 10-14 days before flowering, you need to carry out a complete complex fertilization (phosphorus, nitrogen).
Preparation of bushes for winter is mandatory. There are several steps to take.
- At the beginning of autumn, carry out a complete pruning of the plant.
- As soon as the first frosts begin, cover the bush with sawdust and dry peat. Make sure that the “cap” layer is at least 5, but not more than 15 centimeters. You can also use a wooden, plastic container, box for covering. Put dry branches on top.
While the shrub is blooming, do not forget about watering, peonies love moisture. But not stagnant water!
