Peonies, whose species differ in bud color and shape, are able to impress with their variety even the most sophisticated gardeners. They are one of the most beloved plants that are used for landscaping personal plots and cottages. In the world today, there are up to 5,000 different varieties. Moreover, every year breeders display more and more new ones.
Peony: plant description
This is a herbaceous perennial plant of the peony family. Slightly less common are tree-like shrubs and shrubs. Plant height - 30-150 cm. All types of peonies are appreciated for their beautiful appearance. The bushes are covered with large and luxurious flowers, the beauty of which is successfully emphasized by juicy green leaves. Peonies can become an ornament of absolutely any site. All varieties of peonies are used for single and group planting in mixboders and lawns. In addition, they are grown for cutting.
Grassy peonies
These are perennial plants with powerful bushes with many erect, simple stems. Height - 60-120 cm.
Grassy species of peonies differ among themselves by the type of flowers, the height and shape of the bush, the time of flowering, the presence or absence of aroma, the color and shape of the leaves, the stability of peduncles.
The aroma of peonies is quite diverse. Many varieties resemble the smell of roses, lily of the valley, lemon, lilac, linden, honey or jasmine. Milky-flowered peonies have a pleasant aroma, from which many peony hybrids inherited it. There are varieties with a pungent, unpleasant odor (for example, plants with coral flowers). Medicinal varieties have no smell.
Early peonies bloom from the beginning to mid-June, medium - in the second half of June. The flowering of late peonies is from June 28 to July 10.
Depending on the structure of the flowers, the grassy peony is divided into five groups:
- Non-double (simple), having 5 or more petals located in one row.
- Terry (pink, semi-pink, spherical, crown-shaped varieties of peonies).
- Half Terry.
- Anemone.
- Japanese
The color of the buds can be of various shades: red, white, pink, yellow, purple, ruby, etc.
Types of Grassy Peonies
The most important for floriculture are such types of peonies, striking in a variety of colors and shapes:
- Peony Thin-leaved. His homeland is Asia Minor, Central Europe and the Balkans. Plants have a height of 20-60 cm. The bush is very beautiful in shape, slightly sprawling. Leaves are strongly dissected, openwork. The flowers are simple, not very large (10 cm in diameter), raspberry colored. In the middle are yellow anthers. The fragrance is very delicate. The flowering period is April-May.
- Herbaceous medicinal peony , whose homeland is Southern Europe. The height of the bush reaches 70-80 cm. The plant has dissected leaves growing from the ground itself. The flowers are dark red, ruby color, odorless, diameter 9-13 cm. Blooms in summer, early June.
- Peony Wittmann. Homeland - Abkhazia, Western Transcaucasia. A bush up to 80 cm tall with double or triple-foliate leaves densely pubescent from below. Flowers are single, yellow-white or yellow, in diameter of 8-10 cm. Stamens are yellow. Peony blooms in May.
- Peony Mlokosevich. Homeland - Eastern Transcaucasia. Height is up to 100 cm. Leaves of the plant are twice triple. The flowers are pale yellow or yellow, wide open, diameter 10-12 cm. Flowering occurs in May.
- Peony Milky-flowered. Homeland - Mongolia, Siberia, China. Height 60-120 cm, stems from below bare, no leaves. Above the leaves are two or more flowers with a diameter of 8-10 cm, with white petals and golden stamens. Milky-flowered peony blooms from mid-June.
Depending on the height of the bush, there are:
• undersized peonies - up to 60 cm;
• medium-sized - 65-80 cm;
• high - 80-150 cm.
The most common varieties of grassy peonies:
- A la Maud - a white flower (diameter up to 21 cm), in the center of which a pompom made of bright yellow stamens. Flowering is plentiful. Peony bush erect, height 80 cm. Early variety. On the stem there are up to 7 buds.
- Nancy is a peachy pink flower (up to 17 cm in diameter), very beautiful. The bush is erect, quite compact, densely leafy, up to 80 cm high. Early variety.
- Aritina Nosen Glory - lilac-pink flower (diameter up to 20 cm). The bush is quite beautiful, height is up to 70 cm, leaves and stems are light green. The variety is super early.
- America - a flower up to 21 cm in diameter, dark red, with bright yellow stamens collected in the form of a pompom. The bush has a pretty beautiful shape, compact, its height is up to 75 cm. Up to 4 buds can be on each stem. The variety belongs to the early.
Growing
Grassy varieties in one flowerbed without a transplant can grow up to 20 years. Caring for peonies is not too complicated, as they are famous for their unpretentiousness. They have been cultivated for many years around the world. Flowering time varies depending on the variety. To extend the flowering period, several different plants are planted on the flower beds at once, due to which it is possible to decorate the site for 1.5-2 months.
Terry grassy peonies
This is one of the most common and popular groups of peonies, which include:
- Crowned peonies , whose flower has 3 tiers. Middle and lower consist of wide and large petals arranged in a row. The highlight of such peonies is a crown of small petals, which are collected in a ring. As a rule, all tiers of such flowers differ in their hue. A distinctive feature of the variety is large buds (20 cm in diameter). The main part of them has a cream or pink tint of different intensities. Such peonies, the names of the varieties of which sound very aristocratic (Raspberry Sand, Top Brass, Duchesse De Nemours), are considered the most popular.
- Spherical . Round peony buds. Bushes are most often medium-sized (up to 100 cm tall). The aroma of flowers is pleasant. The most popular varieties of this group are Monsieur Julie Ely, Alexander Dumas, Red Charm, Pink Cameo.
- Half-shaped peonies. In the center of the flower many stamens are collected. The most popular varieties: Ballerina, Goody, Illinia Bell.
- Pinkish . The flowers in their shape resemble roses. The varieties are successful: Henry Boxtos, Mrs. Roosevelt, Solange.
- Japanese peonies , in which flowers (in diameter of 20 cm) are distinguished by tenderness, elegance and lightness. Petals are collected in 1-2 rows. Narrow stamens are located in the center of the buds, the color of which may differ from the tone of the petals. The bushes are medium-sized and quite compact. White flowers - Boo Ti, Christine, Lotus Queen. Pink peonies - Kinsui, Largo, Westerner, Neon, Velma Atkinson, Rosellet; red flowers for varieties Charles Burgess, Barrington Bell, Nippon Parada, Akron, dark red for Hot Chokolet, Chokolet Soulger, Walter Maines. Japanese peonies are today considered the most fashionable.
- Anemone-shaped peonies are distinguished by the presence of wide lower petals and short central, collected in the shape of a ball. The size of the flowers is 14-16 cm in diameter. The buds are plain or in two shades. Anemone-like species of peonies have compact, medium-tall bushes. Florists are very fond of such varieties as Snow Mountain, Ruth Clay, Rhapsody. Flowers belong to the transitional form from Japanese to terry peonies.
Half Terry Peonies
These varieties are distinguished by smaller large flowers and rather compact bushes. The most popular peonies are Miss America, Sable, Cyteria, Lassers.
The flowers have several rows of petals (from 3 to 7) and many stamens. They can be located both in the center of the flower, in its middle part, and interspersed with petals. The flowers are usually large, but light, rounded petals. Currently, semi-double varieties have become very popular.
Tree peonies
Florists in our country prefer to grow herbaceous varieties. But recently, tree peonies, which have been cultivated for many years in Asian countries, have begun to gain popularity. Flowers are very diverse and beautiful. Today, breeders have bred more than 500 different species of such plants.
Tree peonies are perennials with lignified shoots. Every year, the bush grows more and more. For successful wintering of plants, it is necessary to reliably cover them with suitable materials, such as wood shavings, reeds, fallen leaves, spruce branches. Tree peonies in such conditions can survive even very frosty winters.
Variety of tree peonies
Plants are divided into 3 main groups:
- Sino-European peonies with double flowers . This group is distinguished by its large and heavy buds of a wide variety of colors. Due to the severity of the flowers, the stems can droop, so the bush often requires additional support, which reduces the decorative qualities of plants.
- Hybrid peonies Yellow and Delaway , thanks to the bright yellow buds, are very popular.
- Japanese tree-like terry and semi-double varieties adorn light buds. Bushes of plants of compact form. Popular varieties of domestic selection: Smolin, August, Moscow University, Hoffmann, Maria, Anastasia Sosnovets, Marianna, Vladimir Novikov, Vadim Tikhomirov, Stefan, Peter the Great, Vorobyevsky, Sergey Uspensky.
The acquisition of peonies for planting
Planting stock of tree-like varieties of peonies is more expensive than grassy ones. This is due primarily to the fact that its cultivation requires much more effort and time. On sale you can find non-zoned seedlings of peonies that are brought from abroad. When buying them, flower growers risk losing all the bushes after harsh winters. That is why it is recommended to give preference to domestic, more cold-resistant varieties. The most popular seedlings of peonies of foreign selection: Green jade, Gold placer, Midday heat, striking beauty and splendor of flowers, however, they are not cold-resistant. It is better to give preference to novice flower growers grassy and tree-like peonies of domestic selection, such as, for example, Hoffmann, Peter the Great, Tatyana, Vorobyevsky, Muse.
The best varieties for a personal plot
Among the many different varieties of peonies there are those that are popular all over the world, for example:
- pink peonies - Sarah Bernhardt, Princess Margaret, Livingston, Natalie, Goody, Cornelia Shaylor, Neon;
- white peonies - George Nichols;
- red flowers - Helen Cowley, Red Rose, Red Grace, Diana Parks;
- peonies with dark pink outer petals and a cream center - White Cap;
- terry yellow peony - Bartzella.
Fragrant Varieties
Such flowers attract not only with their decorative qualities, but also with an amazing aroma. These include: Corinne Versan, Lunar River, Casablanca, Cora Stubs, Karina, Emily Olson, Edens Perfume, Mikado, Neon, Nancy Nora, Vogue, Postilion, Filomena, Pink Partfate, America, Sarah Bernhardt, Coral Sunset, Peace, Mr. Ed, Tom Eckhard.
ITO hybrids
The highest demand for today is the IT-hybrid of peonies. This group of flowers is named after a Japanese scientist who first received seedlings by crossing milk-flowered grassy and yellow tree-shaped peonies. The best among this group is the Coral Sunset variety, which has beautiful coral flowers. On sale there are new varieties of chameleon peonies, which differ in their ability to change the shade of flowers depending on its stage of blooming. The best varieties:
- cherry-pink flower, through time orange-peach - Julia Rose;
- yellow peony with red-violet spray - Lollipop;
- red-yellow-orange peony - Koper Kate;
- dark pink peony, later becoming cream - Hilary.
Planting peonies
Plants in one place have been growing for many years, so they must be provided with everything necessary. Landing is done in a sunny or slightly shaded place. A planting pit is dug up with a size of 70x70 cm. A layer of soil with compost or manure is laid on the bottom.
You can also add superphosphate (100 g), potassium salt or calimagnesia (50-100 g), and add lime (100-200 g) to acidic soil. For good and healthy growth, copper sulfate (1-2 tablespoons) is added.
A favorable time for planting or transplanting plants is from late August to early September. It is also permissible to transplant a grassy and tree-like peony in the spring before the awakening of the buds.
The secret of planting is not to deepen the buds too much: from this the plant can stop blooming. The kidneys should be 3-5 cm from the surface of the soil.
Care
Peony care is quite simple. It consists in regular loosening and weeding. In May, peony (a description of the varieties above) is fed. Cutting is not difficult, but you need to remember that for good flowering next year, half of the green leaves should remain on the bush.
The most laborious work is the transplantation of well-rooted peony bushes, as well as their division. This lesson will require brute masculine strength. The soil around the plants is carefully loosened with a pitchfork. Far-reaching roots are cut with a sharp shovel, a peony bush is widely dug.
Breeding
Tree-like varieties of peonies propagate by grafting, cuttings or seeds, but all these methods in beginning gardeners can give disappointing results. It is better to dwell on the traditional division of the bushes.
Disease
On acidic and moist soils, peonies are often affected by diseases such as gray rot, fusarium, wilt (sudden wilting of stems). Rust or powdery mildew may appear on the leaves.
The price of planting material
The cost of peonies depends primarily on which group they belong to (grassy or tree-like). In addition, the shape, size and color of the flowers affect the price. The cost may vary depending on the degree of prevalence of the plant. The newest varieties are usually the most expensive.