Description
Thin-leaved peony is often also called narrow-leaved peony or crow
The plant is perennial, herbaceous and attracts attention not so much with bright large red flowers, as with unusually decorative peculiar leaves. Despite the fact that the plant has practically disappeared in natural habitat, from year to year it becomes more and more popular among flower growers.
A peony bush grows to a height of about 0.5-0.6 m. By the time it blooms, it is covered with numerous buds with bright red flowers about 9-10 cm in diameter. The leaves of the plant are numerous and thin. Some gardeners note the similarity of peony leaves with fern leaves. But a special, incomparable charm is given to the plant by a very delicate, but persistent aroma.
It is characteristic that the flowering of all the buds begins at almost the same time, so the flowering bush of the thin-leaved peony looks like a large colorful bouquet. Flowering lasts for 1-2 weeks, but even after its end, Voronets bushes remain a worthy decoration of any flower bed due to their unusual leaves.
Description - what the flower looks like
Peony is a stunning flowering herbaceous perennial, dwarf shrub or shrub with a very attractive appearance. Even wild types of peonies are distinguished by lush and long flowering. The genus includes about 40 plant species.
Plants have tough, upright shoots, on which are alternately large, repeatedly dissected green leaves on long, petioles. In the autumn months, in some species, the foliage can be colored in crimson shades. In herbaceous plants, the foliage dies off during the winter months, and in tree-like plants it remains green even under the snow.
On the tops of the shoots during the flowering period, one (less often 2 - 3) large bud is formed with numerous petals painted in white, pink, red or yellow shades.
In diameter, the flowers can reach from 5 to 30 cm. Currently, litter with simple buds, with double rows of petals and terry plants are bred.
During the flowering period, the air around these bushes is filled with a very pleasant aroma. After flowering in place of the bud, fruits are formed - many-leafed with seeds.
Height. Depending on the species and litter, the height of the plant can vary from 40 to 120 cm.
Healing properties
Narrow-leaved peony, which is usually grown for decorative purposes, is also used to treat a number of diseases. Its diuretic, antispasmodic and sedative effect has been known in folk medicine for a long time. Peony rhizome is used to prepare various home remedies that are used to treat gout, anemia, and nervous diseases. The decoction of the root also helps with pain in the heart, stones in the bladder and kidneys, concussion.
It should be remembered that when using funds based on this plant, it is very important to observe the dosage, since in the roots of the peony there is an increased content of a poisonous substance called neonin. Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor before use.
Mid-early varieties of peony varieties with photos and names
Below are the varieties of peonies with photos and descriptions, blooming from June 10 to 15.
"Duchess de Nemours". One of the first garden varieties. The bush is up to 1 m high. The buds are white, in the center with a greenish-yellow tint, with a diameter of 19 cm. The flower has the smell of lilies of the valley, straight long stems. The leaves are large, dissected.Grows well in any soil. Very hardy. Looks great in a flowerbed, in group plantings, looks very beautiful in a single planting.
"Mirage". The bush is high, reaches 110 cm, very beautiful. The buds are of the Japanese type, light crimson in color, the stamens are modified, the same color with gold. The petals are large, elliptical in shape. The flower is 13cm in diameter and has a strong jasmine scent. The stems are strong, highly branching, the leaves are dark green. Excellent park variety.
Miss America. The height of the bush is up to 80 cm. When blooming, the buds are pink, then they turn white with 6 rows of petals and bright yellow stamens. 25 cm in diameter, sturdy stem. The variety is winter-hardy, does not need additional shelter. Grows well in open space where there is a lot of light. Do not plant in an area where groundwater rises high, otherwise the roots will rot. It is recommended to plant at a distance from buildings and bushes to reduce shading.
Bridle Shower. Herbaceous variety. In height, the bush can reach from 85 to 100 cm. The buds are terry, white, in the center are cream-colored petals, knocked down into a dense ball. There are 2 rows of outer petals. The first flowers may have a pink blush. Diameter - 20 cm. The leaves are rather large, shiny, bright green in color. Stems are strong, strong, reddish in color, on which there are 4 buds. The flower has a pleasant, but weak scent.
Description and popular varieties
The peony growing in natural conditions is called Voronets. Nowadays, there are more than 20 representatives of herbaceous and shrub peonies. Wild representatives: evading peony (Maryin's root) and Wittmann's peony. The steppe peony grows in the Voronezh region. Its graceful stem is covered with thin leaves, and a bright flower flaunts in the center.
Through the labor of breeders, a terry peony was bred. It does not produce seeds and reproduces only by dividing the root. Reproduction is carried out in August, when the plant has a dormant period. Fragments of the rhizome take root with difficulty, so planting material is expensive.
Hybrid varieties:
- An eaglet with red flowers and dissected leaves reaches a height of 60 cm.
- Airlie Scout with cherry blossoms and small dark green leaves.
- Tiny Tim has a regular bush shape and fast-blooming semi-double flowers.
It is often used when decorating flower beds in conjunction with flax, cereals and broom shrubs. A narrow-leaved peony becomes an adornment of alpine hills, looks spectacular near stones.
Gardeners recommend creating group plantings from early and late varieties of peony, so that the flower bed is blooming throughout the summer.
Thin-leaved peony (Paeonia tenuifolia) - what kind of plant
This flower, rare in domestic gardens, deserves close attention and wide distribution.
Brief description and characteristics:
- Perennial.
- The height of the bush is 40-50 cm.
- Flowering is one-time.
- Flower diameter up to 7-9 cm.
In natural habitat
- The color of the outer petals is bright red, crimson, dark cherry with a satin sheen. Anthers are yellow, threads are purple. A wild species has 10-12 petals arranged in one to three rows, a double form (Rubra Plena) is found.
- The smell is subtle, pleasant.
- Very early flowering (late May-early June).
- Frost-resistant, can grow in climatic zones 2-8 (up to minus 45 degrees).
Other names
In different regions and among local residents, there are other names for this plant:
- narrow-leaved peony,
- peony holly,
- fern-leaved peony,
- black peony,
Peony fruits
- Voronet,
- Funnel (according to the color of the seeds),
- Zelenika,
- Red lazoric,
- Azure flower,
- Fringed peony.
Advantages and disadvantages of the view
The species is distinguished by very bright flowers and decorative foliage. It blooms at the same time as tulips, after flowering it retains its decorative effect.Unpretentious and almost never sick. Greenery can be used to decorate bouquets. In one place it grows up to 15 years.
Poisonous, attracts ants and aphids. Loses its attractiveness in the second half of summer. Blooms only for 4-5 years.
Use in landscape design
The species is used both on monoculture beds and as part of large rock gardens, among stones, against the background of talus, in mixborders. Interesting for creating steppe areas, where it can be combined with cereals, flax, saxifrage and wormwood.
Attention! Thin-leaved peony is very interesting for breeders for breeding new varieties.
Landing in open ground
Peonies are planted in late August and early September.
Spring planting is carried out only when urgently needed.
Landing is carried out in pre-prepared grooves (60/80), placing them at a distance of about a meter.
- A drainage layer is laid on the bottom of the recesses.
- On top of the drainage - a soil mixture of leafy earth, humus and rotted manure with the addition of dolomite flour (400 g per bush). An alternative option is to use a mixture of garden or peat soil, taken in equal quantities, with any complex mineral fertilizer and ash.
- A small mound is formed from the soil mixture, on top of which a rhizome is placed. Sprinkle over the roots with garden soil. Renewal buds are left on the surface or slightly (2-3 cm) deepened.
Loosening and mulching
Regular loosening and mulching helps to retain soil moisture, oxygenate the soil and prevent weeds.
When growing narrow-leaved peonies, the soil under the shoots is loosened carefully and shallowly, only 5-7 cm. Mulching is carried out after watering, using humus or peat
Mulching is carried out after watering using humus or peat.
In the fall, after lodging shoots, they are cut off at the root. In areas with frosty and little snowy winters, sprinkle on top with peat or foliage.
Seed reproduction
Seed material is purchased in the store or harvested independently, picking the fruits before they open. Voronets seeds quickly lose their germination and therefore, before sowing, they are stored in the refrigerator, placed in a paper bag.
Sowing is carried out in the first half of September, in open ground, on the growing beds, choosing areas with light loose soil. Seedlings will appear in the spring. The plants that have grown over the summer and matured by the fall are transplanted to a permanent place. Flowering will begin in the 4th or 5th year.
Seed propagation is quite laborious and time-consuming, therefore it is rarely used.
Vegetative propagation of peonies
Vegetative propagation, carried out by dividing the rhizome, will allow young plants to bloom already in the current season.
Adult (from 5 years old) strongly overgrown bushes are subject to division.
- in late August or early September, the peony is dug up,
- the roots are carefully examined, removing all deformed, rotten or doubtful areas,
- the rhizome is divided into parts (delenki), each of which should have 2-3 buds,
- the delenki are planted in a new permanent place.
The method is good not only for reproduction, but also as a rejuvenating procedure.
Description of the species
The thin-leaved peony, from the Latin paeonia tenuifolia, is considered an endangered species. It is rarely found in nature, it is listed in the Red Book of Russia. In the places where the flower from the Red Book is growing, a special regime of nature management has been introduced: construction, plowing of land, grazing, etc., are prohibited. Scientists are trying to preserve the peony in nature by these methods.
The raven was popular in the 60s and 70s of the last century. After some time, it was supplanted by numerous varieties of garden peonies, and the raven was undeservedly forgotten. Now paeonia tenuifolia is highly prized in Western Europe, the USA and Canada and is considered one of the most expensive and valuable specimens. In Russia, not many flower growers know about the existence of this type of peonies.There are many legends about the appearance of the thin-leaved peony and its healing properties.
Narrow-leaved peony is a perennial wild plant from the peony family. Blooms early, in early May. The buds bloom at the same time and bloom for several days. Lush bush, spreading, 40-50 cm in height, blooms profusely. The flowers are bright red or burgundy, large 7-9 cm, have a pleasant smell and satin tint, bright yellow stamens are located inside.
Flowers are honey plants. The leaves are light green, dissected (like a fern or pine needles). After the bush has faded, it will decorate the garden all season with its unusual leaves. A narrow-leaved peony with full double flowers is even less common in nature. It has a much longer flowering period, about two weeks.
Peony's natural habitat is meadows, steppes, forest edges, rocky slopes. In nature, paeonia tenuifolia grows in the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Ukraine, Iraq, China, Afghanistan, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan.
Peculiarities
Tree peonies are deciduous shrubs that often grow up to 1.5-2 meters. Plants are characterized by erect, pale brown stems that grow thicker and stronger every year.
Cirrus leaves have an openwork shape and look very unusual. Flowers are located at the ends of the shoots and reach a diameter of 12-20 cm. They are of double, semi-double and simple type and have a very wide color palette. The color of the flowers can be very different, ranging from bright white to pale green, blue and purple shades.
Moreover, among the huge variety of varieties, there are also very interesting two-tone specimens. The petals of these colors have a gradient, when one shade smoothly passes into another. A characteristic feature of tree peonies is the increase in the number of flowers over time. As a result, an adult bush is a bright blooming ball, which often becomes the main decoration of a summer cottage.
At the same time, 70 flowers can be present on one bush, while the flowering phase of each of them is from 8 to 10 days. Due to the large volume of the bush, the peony is recommended to be planted separately from other garden species or at some distance from them.
Diseases and pests
In general, the tree peony is a sturdy plant and has good resistance to many ailments. Therefore, most flower problems are due to mistakes in care and poor growing conditions. Below are the most common ones, as well as possible causes of their occurrence and methods of elimination.
Gray rot
If a grayish bloom appeared on the leaves of the peony, and the young and strong stems began to wither and soften sharply, then the matter is most likely in the appearance of gray rot - a dangerous fungal disease. The disease appears as a result of an excess of humidity against the background of a lack of sunlight and heat and is characteristic of a damp and cold summer.
Ring mosaic
The appearance of stripes and rings on the leaf blades of a peony indicates the onset of a viral disease - a ring-shaped mosaic. The lesions are yellow or greenish in color and bring more trouble from an aesthetic point of view: the disease does not greatly affect the growth and development of the bush, but it can spoil its decorative appearance. The stripes and rings begin to dry out and crack over time, giving the peony an unhealthy and unkempt look.
Rust
The appearance of rust is dangerous for the plant in that the bush is affected quite quickly and all foliage can dry out in almost a couple of days. The first signs of the disease are brown-purple spots, after which the leaf blades quickly curl and dry out. The causes of the disease are often too thick plant density and poor ventilation of the bush.
Treatment consists in the immediate removal of the infected parts and their destruction. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to timely loosen the soil near the bush, remove the weeds growing nearby and thin out neighboring plants. Also, in early spring, before the first leaves appear, it is recommended to treat the ground around the peony with a nitrophene solution, diluting 200 g of the drug in 10 liters of water.
Of the pests, aphids and leafworm caterpillars attack the tree peony more often than others. To destroy aphids, the bush is sprayed with any of the available pyrethroids, and with an invasion of caterpillars, chlorophos.
Care for peony thin-leaved in the open field
Although the narrow-leaved peony cannot be called a whimsical plant, it still requires minimal care and attention. Correct cultivation technique ensures that the plant retains its decorative effect and will delight with bright, spectacular flowers from year to year.
- Watering is carried out as the top layer of the soil dries up, but you should not allow the formation of a crust. On average, it is necessary to moisten the soil in drought at a frequency of 3-4 times a week. The amount of water for irrigation should not be large - observe moderation so that the root system does not suffer from stagnant moisture,
- Loosening of the soil is necessary for good aeration of the root system, and this manipulation is carried out carefully. Near a bush, it is recommended to deepen the tool no more than 5-7 cm, and at a distance of 20-25 cm from the bush, the depth can be increased to 10-15 cm. Be sure to loosen the soil after rains or watering,
- Mulching is an optional maintenance measure, but it can be used to successfully control weeds and prevent the rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil. It is best to use peat or humus as mulch, sprinkling them in a thin layer on the ground around the bush,
- Fertilization contributes to the correct development of the perennial, as well as better and more abundant flowering. However, if the soil was fed directly during planting, then during the first years the seedlings will not need additional nutrition. Beginning in the third year, fertilize the fine-leaved peony as follows:
- in the spring - 50 g of urea and ammonium nitrate (under a bush), saltpeter or carbide (50-60 g).
- in summer and autumn - mineral formulations with a high content of phosphorus and potassium according to the instructions on the package,
Transplanting a thin-leaved peony is not often required - about once every 5 years. This is due to the fact that the plant grows very slowly. It is best to do garden work in the fall, when the perennial root system is forming. In order for the bush to endure the change of "residence" painlessly, remove it together with the earthen lump and move it to a new bed.
The narrow-leaved peony is a fairly resistant plant to pests and diseases, but it can suffer from fungal diseases due to disturbed watering. There is also a risk of damaging bushes by caterpillars or aphids at the beginning of the growing season. Ash, dolomite flour, mineral dressings with a high content of copper and calcium are excellent prophylactic agents for possible ailments.
Reproduction and planting
In its natural environment, the thin-leaved peony can grow in meadows, rocky slopes, in forest-steppe and steppe. Gardeners use this plant to create rock gardens, flower beds and rocky hills. Indoor clivia flower and home care
Narrow-leaved peonies thrive in spacious and well-lit areas. But shaded areas will not harm the plant. It is impossible to name a specific area where the raven grows best. Sometimes it blooms magnificently in the sun, and it also happens that in the shade the plant shows even better results. This culture rather needs an integrated and most competent approach to care and planting in open soil.
There are no problems with breeding a narrow-leaved peony. For this purpose, you can use:
- dividing the bush;
- in a seed way.
It is only important to choose the right place and time for planting a perennial plant. It is advisable to collect the seed material before opening the seed boxes.
Seeds need to be wrapped in paper and placed in the refrigerator. Planting should be done as quickly as possible, otherwise the seeds will lose their germination. It is better to sow this variety of peonies in late autumn in loose and light soil. The first shoots can be seen in early spring.
Dividing planting can be carried out in late August or early autumn. By this time, the root system of the flower has time to get stronger and gain strength. Vertical layers must be planted at intervals of 55-70 cm. This breeding technology is used in rare cases, but still has the right to life.
Poppy flower: description, color and features of the plant
Outdoor cultivation
If you plan to plant a thin-leaved peony with root cuttings, they are bought in a garden center or an agricultural company
When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the material: the tuber should be elastic without signs of rot. Seedlings of any kind are suitable for open ground, since the plant is resistant to frost
Site selection and soil preparation
The Voronet plant has a short flowering period, therefore, special attention should be paid to the preparation of the planting site in order to observe the beauty of its flowers for a longer time. It is preferable to choose a shaded area without drafts.
Advice:
- The ideal place is an alpine slide in the corner of the site.
- The plant is hygrophilous and grows well in lowland areas.
- The soil should be nutritious, neutral or alkaline.
- A good place where bindweed, nettles and quinoa grow.
- It is not recommended to plant a peony near trees, since the soil under them is depleted.
Landing technology
It is best to plant a raven flower in open ground at the end of August. A planting pit with a depth of 70 cm and a width of 60 cm is prepared in advance on the site.A drainage layer (broken brick, gravel) with a thickness of 15 cm is laid on its bottom, since the plant does not like stagnant water.
Then a layer of nutrient soil mixture 20 cm thick is poured: humus (10 l), wood ash (2 tbsp. L.), Superphosphate (100 g), potassium sulfate (50 g). Garden soil is poured over it.
The places of the cuts at the cuttings are sprinkled with wood ash to prevent decay. Then they are buried into the soil by 10 cm and covered with humus.
To protect fragile seedlings, they are covered with plastic bottles for a period of two years.
Care Tips
In the first two years, the soil near the stalk of a young peony is loosened after rain to a depth of 7 cm. Thanks to this procedure, the top layer of the soil absorbs air, which delays the evaporation of moisture from deep layers.
Watering mode:
- Once a week, 4 buckets of water are poured under each bush.
- Abundant watering is required for the plant during budding in spring and early summer.
- Shallow ditches are made around the bushes at a distance of 10 cm and water is poured into them.
- In hot weather, peonies are watered daily.
In order for the plant to gain a thick green mass in the early years, you need to cut off the buds. In the third year, it will delight you with abundant flowering. Pea-sized side buds should also be removed.
Nitrogen in large quantities has a harmful effect on the plant: it lodges and is affected by fungal diseases. Therefore, potassium and phosphorus should prevail in dressings.
Fertilization instructions:
- In the third year after planting, the bush is fed with ammonium nitrate and urea (50 g per plant).
- Complex mineral fertilizers are applied in the summer during the flowering period, in the fall they are watered with potash and phosphorus solutions.
- The amount of fertilizer for the old bush is increased by 1.5 times.
- Mullein is used for feeding, but make sure that it does not fall on the roots.
Pests and diseases
Flower petals are eaten by bronze beetles, ants and caterpillars. To scare them away, the bushes are sprayed with an insecticide or infusion of hellebore. Nematodes live on roots.For the purpose of prevention, plant tops are burned, and the soil is dug up when mineral fertilizers are applied.
Peony diseases:
- The soil around the plant is weeded and loosened in a timely manner, and in early spring it is sprayed with a fungicide. If appropriate measures are not taken, the plant is affected by gray mold.
- When brown spot appears on the leaves, the plant is sprayed with Bordeaux liquid. If the bush is in disrepair, it is better to dig it up and destroy it.
- When a white bloom appears on the leaf plates, the peony is sprayed with a solution containing 10 liters of water, 200 g of green soap and 20 g of copper sulfate.
To protect the heart peony from diseases, it must be planted away from trees and shrubs.
Preparation before planting in open ground
If you want to admire narrow-leaved peonies not only in the photo, but also in your own garden, you should take care of purchasing high-quality planting material. You can find viable seedlings in nurseries or trusted sellers. Be sure to check the tubers for any damage - rot, fungal diseases, cuts.
Choosing a landing site
Since the thin-leaved peony has a short flowering period, choosing the right place to plant it will prolong its budding. It is best if the area is slightly shaded, with diffused light. Since the plant does not tolerate drafts, it is better to plant the bushes in beds protected from the wind.
Close proximity to trees is undesirable - planting a seedling in a near-stem circle will negatively affect its health. The thing is that the developed root system of trees takes all the nutrients and moisture from the soil, therefore, the Voronet often dies in such conditions.
The narrow-leaved peony belongs to moisture-loving plants, so at this point it is also worth paying attention during planting. Choose a site in the lowland or provide the bush with high-quality watering - for such care it will thank you with healthy, beautiful leaves and lush flowering
How to prepare the soil
The thin-leaved peony does not have special requirements for the soil, however, for lush flowering, it is still better to plant seedlings in loamy soil with a large amount of nutrients
You should also pay attention to other points:
- The reaction of the soil should be neutral or slightly alkaline. It is easy to identify by weeds - quinoa, bindweed or nettle grow in areas with the indicated soil,
- Suitable for this variety of peony and chernozems with a high content of calcium carbonate,
- Be sure to take good care of soil drainage before planting shrubs,
- Acidic soil is not suitable for growing narrow-leaved peony. If there is no way to find another place for planting, lime, wood ash or mineral fertilizers (100 g of superphosphate and 50 g of potassium sulfate) must be added to the soil to neutralize acidity.
Be sure to carefully prepare the site before direct planting. To do this, the soil is dug up, all the weeds are removed along with the rhizomes, the large breasts of the earth are broken until the beds are completely leveled.