Peonies in terms of variety
The views on how a peony should look in the garden have changed quite a lot in two centuries. Once a peony was valued for the wealth of a double flower, and the more pretentious and full-bodied it was, the more attractive it seemed
And no matter that the stems lay down without even waiting for the rain, this unrestrained luxury of a single flower was required from him. But no culture tolerates endless repetition, even if the ideal is repeated.
The Americans managed to make popular varieties of unusual and - oh, horror! - non-double. Although ... they did not replace them, but only supplemented the established assortment.
The old "French" still do not give up their positions in the gardens. But they are almost all in bloom. Already after the Second World War, when receiving terry varieties, breeders seriously attended to the fact that the stems were strong and not bend under the weight of the flower. The peony became a full-fledged landscape plant. And there are several other requirements for a landscape plant. The correct shape, bright pure color, abundance of flowering, resistance to unfavorable weather events and diseases are needed, so that, despite the conditions of our site, it is sufficiently "tough". Just during the flowering of peonies, gusty winds with rain are not uncommon, and under such pressure, other varieties almost break into porridge. Here are a few favorites who don't care about all these passions.
Honor.
Luminous, hot pink. Simple, semi-double. Flower diameter 16 cm. Early. Very plentiful - 5-year-old bush bears up to 60 flowers. Beautiful round shape of the bush.
Paula Fay.
Semidouble. Early. An iridescent, bright pink, flower 20 cm in diameter with a scarlet tint at the base of the outer petals; outside there are light spots. Petals with a recognizable slightly crinkled texture. The aroma is pleasant.
The stamens are short, yellow. Greenish pistils with pink stigmas
A must-have in every garden, its impeccable bright glowing flowers attract the attention of everyone.
Etched Salmon.
A double flower with a diameter of 16 cm. Light pink with a slight coral shade, the edges are slightly lighter, unlike other coral, the color is stable. Stems are strong, covered with large foliage. Fragrant, medium in flowering time.
He has an unusually graceful flower constitution: a neat calyx filled with small swirling petals. The color thickens inside the flower.
The bush does not divide well, so the variety is quite rare.
White Cap.
A flower of Japanese form, with a diameter of 14 cm. Dark pink, staminodes-petalodias, when blooming, are light yellow, then turn almost white. The stems are straight. The flowering period is average.
Very strong peduncles, flowers do not fall even after heavy rain and wind. Very bright in the garden due to the contrast of the petals and the center. Visible from a long distance.
Ed Ed Rose (Red Red Rose).
Semi-double flower with a diameter of 16 cm, dark red, sparkling, with a small light stripe at the base outside. There are stamens. Pistils with red stigmas. The stems are strong. Leaves are medium green, shiny. The smell is pleasant, the flowering period is average.
Thanks to its completely "nonionic" scarlet tone and the shape of the flower, the bush really resembles a bouquet of red roses.
Cora Louise (Cora Louise).
Ito hybrid, named after the grandmother of the hybridizer. The flowers are large, semi-double, pinkish when opened, and then white with dark lavender spots at the base of the petals. The smell is light. The flowering period is average.
Very regular spherical shape of the bush. Magic Mystery Tour (Magical Mystery Tour).
Ito hybrid. The flowers are large, double, with a complex reddish-fruity tone, then ocher is "recruited" and become peach.The flowering period is average. Stems drooping slightly. An adult bush of the correct rounded shape, blooms for a very long time, up to 3 weeks, gradually revealing more and more new flowers.
Tree peonies: features
The tree peony or semi-shrub is a hybrid plant of the peony family. Although some scientists do not distinguish it as a separate species, but refer to the group of forms and varieties of hybrid origin. Most of these plants are native to China. It should be noted here that these varieties are mostly the result of the hard work of Chinese breeders.
This variety was introduced to Europe at the end of the 18th century. These plants are deciduous shrubs reaching a height of two meters. Stems are erect and thick, colored light brown. They do not die off every autumn, on the contrary, they grow every year and over time turn the plant into a huge bush shaped like a ball.
The leaves of this variety are double-pinnate, ornamental, openwork. Plants have very large flowers. Often they exceed 20 cm in diameter, which are located at the ends of the shoots and can have various colors - yellow, white, crimson, pink and even two-colored.
The peculiarity of tree peonies is also that the older the plant, the more flowers bloom on it. These peonies bloom half a month earlier than herbaceous ones, and this process lasts about three weeks. In addition, tree peonies are cold hardy. Growing them in temperate climates is not difficult. But if in your region the temperature drops too low in winter, then it is recommended to opt for special frost-resistant varieties (Peter the Great, Hoffman, Moscow University).
Japanese peonies
Japanese peonies have only recently begun to gain love in Eastern Europe. Previously, they were grown mostly in Asia, western Europe and the United States. Various varieties of Japanese-type peonies are interesting plants with modified stamens and large petals growing in one or more rows.
- "Barrington Bell" (Barrington Belle) has an average ripening period and a tall shrub 80 cm. Buds up to 21 cm in diameter, bright scarlet. In the middle, as an island, grow petal-shaped, twisted pink stamens with gold edging. The stems hold up to 4 inflorescences.
- Akron is a Japanese peony that blooms in early summer. This is an unusual variety that is resistant to winter frosts. Inflorescences of 16 cm. The stamens are yellow with a pink tint, and the petals are just pink. The bush grows up to 80 cm, not very lush, but with abundant green foliage.
- Pearl Scattering is a late peony with pale pink buds and modified dark pink stamens. The bush grows up to 70 cm. Flowers ripen throughout the bush and have an average diameter of 16 cm. The scent of this variety is very bright, like a rose.
Photo of peonies Barrington Bell, Akron, Pearl Placer
- "Velma Atkinson" is an early Japanese variety of peonies with a bush 80 cm tall. This species has carmine-pink flowers with a diameter of 18 cm. The stamens are modified, bright yellow. Center high petals fold into a kind of "tuft".
- "Mirage" is a variety of early middle ripening period. The bush grows up to a meter in height. Produces large flowers with a pronounced jasmine aroma. The petals are large, crimson in color. The stamens are the same in color, but with a golden tint.
Planting herbaceous peonies
Preliminary soil preparation is carried out several weeks or a month before planting seedlings. On high-quality fertile soil for peonies, sufficiently deep digging and applying organic fertilizers to the soil (plants do not like manure, therefore compost or leaf humus is added to the soil). But usually the soil for planting peonies needs to be improved qualitatively.
There are many options for preparing soil mixtures, each of which provides the peonies with a sufficient level of nutrition and the "correct" soil texture:
- The soil removed from the planting pits is mixed in equal proportions with compost, peat and sand, supplementing them with a standard portion of complete mineral or phosphorus-potassium fertilizers recommended by the manufacturer, and a handful of wood ash. If necessary, correct the texture of the soil with the addition of clay or sand.
- The planting pits are filled with different soil mixtures: a mixture of garden soil with sand, peat, humus, taken in equal amounts, is poured into the planting hole at half or two-thirds of the height, adding double superphosphate to them to increase the nutritional value (200-250 g, can be replaced by twice as much amount of bone meal), iron vitriol (a tablespoon is enough for a planting pit), wood ash (a few handfuls or 3-4 glasses) and potassium carbonate (half a tablespoon). To the top, the planting hole is filled with ordinary garden soil without impurities.
- The planting hole is filled on top of the drainage with a layer of a mixture of compost, humus and a double portion of mineral fertilizers 20-30 cm high, and for planting and backfilling planting holes, ordinary soil is used, to which organic fertilizers are added.
Given the size of the rhizome and the plant's dislike of root injuries, planting holes for herbaceous peonies are dug in the same way as for planting large trees and shrubs - about 60-70 cm in width and depth. On damp soils or in places where there is a risk of water stagnation, a high layer of large drainage (at least 20 cm) is laid on the bottom of the planting pits.
The planting pits are filled with the selected mixtures, allowing them to compact and settle before planting. If the preliminary preparation was not carried out on time, then when filling the planting holes, it is necessary to spill and tamp the layers in order to avoid soil shrinkage during planting.
Planting dates for peonies are limited due to the rather early flowering period and the withering away of the aerial parts for the winter. Plants are transplanted only after flowering and ripening of renewal buds and fruits, in early autumn (first and second decades of September) or at the end of August.
The distance when planting for herbaceous peonies is at least 1 m. Only this distance allows the bushes to develop freely and not bend, to form them dense, elegant and symmetrical.
Peonies do not like transplanting, therefore, being careful, careful handling of the roots when planting new bushes is the key to their health and longevity. Plants are placed on a sand cushion so that after the soil has settled, it is slightly deepened, focusing on the buds: they should be located 3-5 cm below ground level
Deeper planting will lead to both a lack of flowering and plant health problems, and a higher planting will increase the risk of freezing.
Usually, the plant is installed at the soil level or slightly higher, which, after filling the holes with soil, watering and shrinking, allows you to get the desired depth. When planting, the soil is carefully poured and compacted by hand so that there are no voids between the roots.
The planting of peonies is completed with traditional abundant watering. With the onset of stable frost, the plants must be mulched for the winter.
Rhizome of an adult peony bush. Adriana
The best varieties of Ito hybrids
The best varieties of Ito-peonies are considered yellow peonies, this is the color the author sought. Later, other varieties were bred with interesting shades. Among the best varieties, a special place is occupied by chameleons, which are able to create multi-colored buds on one bush.
Breeders warn about the peculiarity of Ito hybrids, which can be confusing for novice gardeners. The first years after planting, peonies form buds with muted, unsaturated shades, unlike those stated on the package. After the 3rd year of flowering, the colors become deeper, brighter and more unique.
Barcella
The first grade of Ito hybrids. Barcella bushes reach 1 meter, the buds have a persistent lemon-yellow hue, while they have a weak degree of doubleness. A pronounced red flash can be seen in the center of each petal.
Border Charm
Border Charm is based on the Barcella variety. The red spot located in the center is more pronounced than that of the previous variety. Differences from the parent variety:
- earlier flowering;
- semi-double;
- the height of the bush is up to 50 centimeters.
Watermelon Wine
The variety is distinguished by a simple flower shape, a tall bush (up to 85 centimeters), shades of petals (red, scarlet, burgundy). Watermelon was created in the second half of 1999 and has a pronounced floral scent.
Garden Treasure
The stem height is 1 meter. The flower type is strongly double. One bush can bloom up to 50 yellow buds at a time. Flowering is characterized as late, but abundant.
Joanna Marlene
The stem is tall and dense. The petals change color throughout the flowering period: from golden yellow to peach. The shape of the buds is semi-double.
Jubilee
Bright red, double ruby hybrid with late flowering. The bush stretches up to 1 meter, the flower diameter is 20 centimeters.
Julia Rose
A variety with an unusually beautiful shade of petals. The pink-peach color is complemented by a dark red spot in the center. Julia Rose begins to bloom later than related varieties, but provides abundant flowering and planting density.
Yellow Crown
Late variety with low bushes, they reach 50-60 centimeters. The flower belongs to the group of terry, the shade of the petals is rich lemon yellow. The diameter is 15-17 centimeters.
Kellis Memorial
Creamy yellow buds are bordered by a red-pink stripe. This makes the colors unique and unrepeatable. The bushes look like tea rose bushes from a distance. Height varies from 50 to 80 centimeters.
Copper Kettle
Leaves of a deep dark green hue are formed on the stem. The petals have a unique copper hue, because they combine red, yellow and pink-orange undertones.
Lollipop
A yellow terry flower with red stripes is the visiting card of the variety. The bush stretches up to 70 centimeters, exhibits increased frost resistance.
Magic mystery tour
A magical peony whose petals change color throughout the flowering time. At first, they have a creamy yellow shade interspersed with lilac tones, then gradually become uniformly pink. The bush grows up to 70 centimeters.
Oriental Gold
An exclusive variety, the flowers of which acquire a rich straw-yellow hue. The bushes stretch up to 90 centimeters. Planting this variety promises prolonged flowering of medium abundance.
Splendor pastel
A simple flower, devoid of terry, grows up to 20 centimeters in diameter. The shade of the petals changes during the budding period: from yellow-cream to pink. Bushes grow up to 80 centimeters.
Scarlet Heaven
The bright red flowers form on stems that are up to 70 centimeters tall. The leaves always remain rich green, do not break in the rain, and provide full soil coverage.
A hybrid with pink petals and stems up to 70 centimeters high. The diameter of the bud reaches 18-20 centimeters.
Hillary
Hilary is a chameleon hybrid. One bush can form buds of pink, yellow, cream shades. The stems are dense and tall, with dark green alternate leaves developing on each stem.
Unique
Flowers of this variety are distinguished by the brightness of the petals, they are painted in burgundy color. The diameter reaches a maximum value of 25 centimeters. The stem height is 75-80 centimeters.
White peonies
Against the background of green lawns, peonies with white petals look especially impressive. In this group, there are many varieties for any climatic region, so there are no problems with the choice.
The most famous:
- White Crane. The variety was bred by Chinese breeders and is characterized by large buds. Withstands frosts down to -40 degrees, but requires a well-lit area in the summer.Its height does not exceed a meter, and the diameter of the buds is about 15-16 cm.
- Charles White. Luxurious flowers, exuding a pleasant aroma, were first introduced to gardeners in 1951. The bushes are large in size, they are spreading, therefore they need to be installed. The first milky-colored buds are formed in the last days of May, the flowering period of the buds lasts about 3 weeks. Each flower is 17 cm in diameter and is ideal for creating bouquets.
- Anne Cousins is white. The rose-like terry variety belongs to the group with the latest flowering date. Large buds (about 20 cm in diameter) are on strong, curved stems. The height of the bush does not exceed 90 cm.
