Contrary to the old, deeply entrenched prejudices, peonies are among the easiest to care for flowering garden plants. However, their undisturbed development is conditioned by certain factors, especially important in the initial growing season.
Plants should first of all choose the most suitable position for them, and then - which is extremely important - plant them at the right depth. With these preconditions, wonderfully flowering perennials will grow excellently for many years in the same place, without the need to dig up and divide the carp.From the third year after planting, two doses of mineral fertilizer will be required: in spring, before starting vegetation, and in summer, after flowering. Fertilization will provide plants with nutrients necessary to strengthen their vitality.
When buying peonies whose botanical name is Paeonia, we can choose between perennial varieties and various forms of shrub-like tree peonies.Unlike perennial peonies which disappear from the surface before winter flower beds, woody shoots of tree peony do not dry out in autumn, but only shed their leaves. Magnificent, strong shrubs can reach a height of up to two meters, and in the second half of spring, their shoots develop very large, beautifully shaped flowers, even more than 20 cm in diameter, in white, yellow, pink, red and purple. The flowers of some varieties smell pleasantly.
Perennial peonies
Perennial varieties of peonies are clearly smaller than woody varieties and reach a height of 60 to 100 cm. The garden varieties of large-flowered peony Paeonia lactiflora with large flowers, densely filled with petals are known for a long time, already classic ornamental plants. Early varieties begin flowering from mid-May, mid-June at the latest.
Some of the well-known forms of Paeonia officinalis peony and hybrid varieties, well known from rural gardens, sprout flowering shoots as early as early May. In recent years, very strong perennial peonies with single or semi-double flowers, such as the 'Rosedale', 'Murillo' or 'Krinkled White' varieties, have been very popular.
Beautiful flowers are not the only value of perennial peonies. Their leaves are also attractive. The first dark red shoots appear already in early spring. Unlike many perennials, the dark green, feathery leaves remain nice until fall.
Hybrids resulting from the crossing of tree peonies and perennials form a completely unique, interesting group.Plants reach a height of about 80 cm, are very vital and develop unusually large, intensely colored flowers. Their above-ground shoots dry up completely before winter.In the early years after planting, young specimens may have flowers that differ in color and form from those of mature plants.
Secrets of growing peonies
Both tree and perennial peonies like sunny and sheltered places, with fertile, well-drained, deeply cultivated (50 cm) soil. Excessive, long-lasting moisture and alkaline substrate are deadly for peonies. Clear differences appear when planting peonies.Plant tree peonies so deep that the grafting site is about 10-15 cm below the ground in the bed.In the case of perennial peonies, for the plants to grow strongly and bloom beautifully, cover the root carp a layer of soil 3-4 cm thick.
The best period for planting peonies is the turn of VIII and IX. It is worth putting well-decomposed manure at the bottom of the hole and separating it from the roots with a layer of earth.Peonies do not like transplanting, so choose a place carefully. Heavily freezing soil can push the stumps up, so it is recommended to cover them with a tuna during the first winter.
Where to plant peonies?
The matter of taste is whether we decide to choose perennial or woody peonies.Perennial varieties create effective bedding arrangements with plants of a delicate habit, smaller flowers and leaves, such as almond, geranium or catnip.In contrast, flowering peony shrubs look very impressive as single specimens growing on in the middle of a small lawn, on the edge of a garden or right next to a lounge area.
