Planting peonies in open ground. Optimal time

peonies different types and varieties growing in our gardens are at the time of their flowering. And although peony planting material is very expensive, many gardeners strive to replenish their collections of peonies every year with new favorite varieties.

Remember that peonies do not tolerate stagnant water, because of this their roots rot, appear. However, during the period of active growth and flowering, peonies need regular and plentiful watering.

The flowering of peony bushes will be long and especially lush if the soil in the dug planting hole is loose and fertile.
Minimum size the landing pit for the peony division is 45 x 45 x 40 cm.

For the lower layer in the pit, I make up a nutrient soil substrate: from fertile garden soil, humus and with the addition of superphosphate (100 g).
I water the soil in the planting pit, then the introduced lower layer of the substrate will settle.

I make up the top layer of the substrate from the same components, only I don’t add superphosphate to it.
When planting peonies, experts recommend adding several potassium permanganate crystals, a pack boric acid and copper sulfate.
The top light fertile layer in the planting hole should be 10–12 cm.

I carefully lower the peony division onto the lower compacted layer of the pit and fill it with earth prepared for the upper layer.
It is very important not to deepen the division when planting, otherwise the peony will not bloom for a long time. Above the upper kidney, taking into account the shrinkage of the soil, there should be no more than 5 cm of land.

For the first two years, peonies are advised to remove buds so that the young plant takes root well and gains strength.

Peonies in garden design and in a bouquet

Many gardeners like large-flowered peony varieties that are more suitable for cutting. But most often such plants have a tall bush, and heavy blooming flowers require a garter.

Now in the assortment of peonies there are many compact varieties of peonies created specifically for landscape design - with strong non-lodging stems, with light flowers of a simple or Japanese shape.

So far, for many Russian flower growers, non-double varieties of peonies, whose flowers look like blooming ones, are still unusual.
But what amazing, unusual shades in the color of the petals of the new varieties of peonies! Suffice it to recall the wonderful varieties. For example, against a light yellow background of petals with bright purple flashes, there is a burgundy spot in the center of the flower of the Pastel Splendor hybrid peony. The hybrid peony "Coral Supreme" has salmon-coral-pink flower petals, later brightening.

In the photo: peony ITO-hybrid "Pastel Splendor"; "Coral Supreme"

Of the famous varieties of herbaceous peonies, I still like everyone's favorite, the old variety "Sarah Bernard". He has a huge double flower dense, pink-lilac with lighter edges. The bush of this variety is slender and attractive, the stems are very powerful. This world-famous, masterpiece peony variety now grows in almost every garden.

The peony bush blooms for a short time; Peony flowers bloom especially quickly in hot weather. But if you choose for the garden a variety of varieties of peonies with different flowering periods, then you can admire the amazing shades of beautiful and fragrant flowers for quite a long time.

The main advantage of peonies for Siberian flower growers is their unpretentiousness and resistance to severe frosts. Peonies are easy to care for. Wonderful peonies have been growing in the garden without a transplant for many years, annually delighting gardeners with their own.

Ludmila Melentyeva (Irkutsk)
www.vsp.ru

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Despite the harsh climate Western Siberia, peonies we grow many. Better conditions for overwintering these plants where the snow falls early and deep enough. In areas with little snow, it is necessary to engage in snow retention, only then the wintering of perennials is safe. Our snow cover usually sets in by the end of the first decade of November and reaches a thickness of 18-25 cm by December. But in some years it can be 5-10, and 30- 40 cm, increasing in subsequent months to 60-95 cm. Snow usually falls on unfrozen ground, which then freezes to a depth of 18-26 cm, and in some of the most severe winters - up to 30-39 cm. Under snow 30-50 cm thick soil temperature during the winter is kept within minus 6-100, while the air cools down to minus 300 and below.

And unpretentiousness has limits

(from the magazine "Homesteading" No. 7, 2006)

Despite the harsh climate of Western Siberia, many people grow peonies in our country. The best conditions for overwintering these plants are where the snow falls early and is deep enough. In areas with little snow, it is necessary to engage in snow retention, only then the overwintering of perennials is safe.

Our snow cover usually sets in by the end of the first decade of November and reaches a thickness of 18-25 cm by December. But in some years it can be 5-10 and 30-40 cm, increasing in subsequent months to 60-95 cm. Snow usually lies on unfrozen ground, which then freezes to a depth of 18-26 cm, and in some of the most severe winters - up to 30-39 cm. Under snow 30-50 cm thick, the soil temperature during the winter is kept within minus 6-100, while the air cools down to minus 300 and below.

Soil temperature at a depth of 20 cm mainly ranges from minus 1.1 to minus 4.70, in some years from minus 5.2 to minus 8.00. But, as a rule, this temperature does not last long. The absolute minimum air temperature over the years of research ranged from minus 33.6 to 43.40. And the difference between air and soil temperatures is very significant. Studies have shown that in Western Siberia, fluctuations in air temperature cease to "respond" in the soil only with a snow thickness of 50-60 cm. But snow can "work" in the other direction. So, in March, with a sharp increase in temperature, the soil is often colder than the air for several days.

Among perennials, plants with renewal buds located on the soil surface are the least resistant, and species with buds "hidden" in the ground are more hardy. In peonies, fortunately, renewal buds are located at a depth of 5 cm and even lower.. Varieties of Chinese peony can tolerate temperatures of minus 100 for a long time. At minus 200 for 10 days, some plants die. The high winter hardiness of Chinese peony varieties is explained by their origin. The original species - milky-flowered peony - grows on open dry slopes in the Far East, Transbaikalia and Mongolia, where winters are very severe.

Significantly less winter-hardy varieties derived from medicinal peony. They freeze when the soil temperature drops below minus 100 for several days. In the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia, these plants need shelter in winters with little snow. Peonies by nature are adapted for the forest-steppe of the Ob region, where drought and dry winds are frequent in May. Since the renewal buds formed in August last year and the root tubers have a sufficient supply of water and nutrients, then at first the plants are little dependent on the weather. But still, the climate in the Novosibirsk region is more changeable, colder and drier than the climate of the places of natural growth of most species and varieties of pions. Many American hybrids and cultivars with a Japanese flower shape do not tolerate drought well., in winter without additional shelter freeze out.

Varieties have proven themselves well in our area Laura Magnusson, Red Charm, Legend of Honor, Crusaido, Goody. And here Carol, Henry Boxtos, Janice, Riward, Dutch Doo Off grow slowly, have curved shoots ( Carol), form little flowering shoots. By choosing the appropriate varieties, the flowering period of peonies can be extended up to one and a half months.

Peonies belong to unpretentious perennials, nevertheless, the key to abundant annual flowering is proper care for them. And due to their durability, these flowers are able to grow in one place up to 20 years. Peonies can tolerate light partial shade., especially at noon, but strong shading during the day, even for 2-3 hours, leads to the fact that the stems are stretched, flowering becomes inferior, scarce, sometimes the bushes die altogether. Plants do not tolerate damp, low places; here they develop poorly. The roots usually rot. Therefore, when determining a place for landing, choose one where ground water lie no closer than 1 m to the surface of the earth. In low places, peonies should be planted on elevated beds, and a drainage layer (15-20 cm) of gravel or coarse sand should be poured into the planting pits.

For peonies, good soil moisture is especially important in spring and early summer. when it goes fast growth bushes and the formation of flowers, and in the second half of summer (late July - early August), when renewal buds form. The presence of moisture during this period depends on what the flowering will be next year. In Siberia, July and early August are dry, and constant watering is required at this time. However, water should not stagnate in the soil around the plant.

A characteristic feature of peonies is the presence of a second period of intensive consumption of batteries. In addition, peonies are more active than other crops in consuming nitrogen and potassium. But the specific doses of fertilizers depend on the fertility of the soil and refilling them before planting. At proper preparation fertilizer soils begin to be applied only 2 years after planting.

The best time for planting peonies in the conditions of the Novosibirsk region is from August 20 to September 20. You can plant later, but then they do not take root, but sit in the planting hole, as if dug. Rooting will begin only in early spring. In the spring, peonies can be transplanted until the sprouts have grown more than 5 cm. Plants planted at this time grow and develop worse, especially the first two years. The selection of herbaceous peony at our zonal fruit and berry experimental station began in 1976. During this time, more than 500 seedlings have been studied, the best of them have been selected. All of them are resistant to diseases and pests, winter-hardy and drought-resistant. Flowers well tolerate all the vicissitudes of the weather. They don't burn out. The varieties I want to talk about are universal (suitable for garden and cutting).

the globe. Bush 85 cm high, close, fast growing. The average number of inflorescences per plant at the age of 2 years is 3 pcs., 3 years old - 4-5 pcs. Peduncles are strong. The flowers are located on the surface of the bush, 2-3 per peduncle, hemispherical, strongly double, lilac-pink, 16 cm in diameter, with a weak aroma. The period from the beginning of vegetation to the beginning of flowering is 53 days, from the beginning of flowering to the loss of decorativeness - 13 days. In hot, dry summers, flowering "sweeps" in just 8 days. The plant begins to bloom at the end of June. The stability of cut flowers is 9-10 days.

Red Ball. Bush 84 cm high, sprawling, rapidly growing. The average number of inflorescences per plant at the age of 2 years - 4 pcs., 3 years old - 4.6 pcs. Peduncles are strong. The flowers are located on the surface of the bush, 2-3 per peduncle, spherical, strongly double, dark red, 16 cm in diameter, the aroma is weak. From the beginning of vegetation to the beginning of flowering, 51 days pass, from the beginning of flowering to the loss of decorativeness - 13 days. Flowering begins at the end of June, mass - at the beginning of July. The stability of the cut flowers is 10 days. In very hot weather, the flowers bloom asymmetrically.

Dream. Bush 102 cm high, close, fast growing. The average number of inflorescences per plant at the age of 2 years - 3 pcs., 3 years old - 5 pcs. Peduncles are strong. The flowers are located on the surface of the bush, 2-3 per peduncle, rose-shaped, strongly double, beet-colored, 15.5 cm in diameter, the aroma is weak. From the beginning of vegetation to the beginning of flowering, 51 days pass, from the beginning of flowering to the loss of decorativeness - 13 days. Flowering begins in the middle of the third decade of June. In hot weather, the flower seems to be slightly disheveled. The stability of the cut flowers is 10 days.

In memory of Nazarova. Bush 76 cm high, close, rapidly growing, multi-stemmed, with long strong peduncles. The flowers are located on the surface of the bush, 4-5 per peduncle, rose-shaped, strongly double, white, 16 cm in diameter. The aroma is weak. From the beginning of vegetation to the beginning of flowering, 45 days pass, from the beginning of flowering to the loss of decorativeness - 10 days. Beginning of flowering June 23.

Siberian Souvenir. The bush is 85 cm high, erect, grows medium, multi-stemmed, the stems are long, strong. The flowers are located on the surface of the bush, 5-6 per peduncle, rose-shaped, strongly double, white, dense, 15 cm in diameter, medium aroma. From the beginning of the growing season to the beginning of flowering, 43 days pass, from the beginning of flowering to the loss of decorativeness - 10 days. The plant blooms on June 21.

Purple Haze. Bush 87 cm high, close, compact, fast growing, multi-stemmed, with long peduncles and large quantity flowering stems. The flowers are located on the surface of the bush, 2-3 per peduncle, rose-shaped, lilac-pink. The petals are dense, in the center of the funnel. Flower with a diameter of 15.7 cm, the aroma is weak. From the beginning of vegetation to the beginning of flowering - 43 days, from the beginning of flowering to the loss of decorativeness - 12 days. The plant blooms on June 23-25.

White Novosibirsk. Bush up to 92 cm, compact, growing rapidly. Peduncle long, strong. The flower is pink, white, medium density, 16 cm in diameter. The petals are thin, graceful, yellow stamens between the petals. The plant blooms from June 14-27 for 10 days. The aroma is weak, indefinite.

Beautiful and bright - peonies

Peony also has a second name - herbal rose. Now more than 10 thousand varieties are known, 45 species are grown in Asia and Europe, and in North America these flowers are not popular. Peonies can be found in almost every garden; they win the hearts of flower growers with their unusual carved leaves and luxurious flowers. These flowers can grow in the garden not only in middle lane, but also in severe climatic conditions of Siberia and even at home.

How to plant peonies correctly?

Choosing soil and location

Peony - photophilous plant, without direct sunlight, it can exist, but will not bloom. That is why the place should be open, located at a distance of 3-4 meters from buildings and trees that can create a shadow. Before planting peonies, carefully consider the choice of soil, this will facilitate the process and care for the peony. It should be loamy as in the photo, air and water permeable, with a slightly acidic reaction. If the soil is heavy loamy, then the root system of the plant will develop slowly and for a long time, the peony will not bloom.

Preparing for landing

Before planting a peony, the soil must be prepared. First, determine its composition, if it is heavy loamy, then upper layer mix with coarse sand, and if sandy, then clay is needed. In order for the plant to develop harmoniously and accumulate strength in the first years, apply mineral and organic fertilizers to the soil even before planting.

Landing

First, a trench is dug about 80 cm wide and 60 cm deep. There must be a drainage layer at the bottom to avoid fungal diseases and root rot. To do this, you can use small stone, brick, old stumps, etc. Manure, compost, humus, peat compost, and then mineral fertilizers are added to the top layer. Before planting, copper sulphate is added to each hole to speed up the growth and development of the root system. The soil is prepared 3 weeks before planting.

It is desirable to plant peonies from mid-August to early September, it is possible in the spring, but the adaptation period will be longer. Watch its roots and root neck: they are carefully sprinkled with earth, but in no case are they tamped. After several waterings, the earth will shrink, so it needs to be poured to the required level.

Peony care: watering and feeding

It is not necessary to regularly and abundantly water peonies, the exception is the period of budding, flowering and laying new buds. At this time, about 10-12 liters (3-4 buckets) are poured under each bush. Try to pour water around the bush, avoiding getting on the leaves and buds. After water treatment loosen the soil and remove weeds. This will help to avoid stagnation of moisture and the development of diseases.

Young plants do not need top dressing in the first year, so it is better to start from the second year with a foliar method. Since May, once a month, the leaves of each bush are watered with a solution mineral fertilizers. For adult plants, such top dressing is carried out 1 time in three weeks. For better absorption of substances, add 1 tbsp per 10 liters. shavings of soap or washing powder. You can watch a video on the care and planting of peonies, this will allow you to better understand not only how to fertilize, but also take care of the plant in general.

Adult peonies are fed from early spring, when intensive growth begins: from late April to mid-May, each owner must make two top dressings, it is better to breed horse dung in water and pour under the roots.

Removing buds

In order for the plant to develop quickly and delight with lush flowering for many years, you need to carefully monitor its buds. They can be lateral and central, the lateral ones are usually plucked out so that the central ones develop better. Experienced gardeners about 1/3 of the weakest shoots are removed, in which case the plant will put all its strength into other buds, flowering will last a whole year.

During flowering, each bush must be tied up so that it does not break under the load of heavy flowers. To do this, you can use a metal or wooden support, there should be a loop at the upper end.

In autumn, peonies begin to prepare for wintering, they are cut off, leaving only the planted buds, and they cover the ground around the bushes with peat and fallen leaves.

Reproduction of peonies

Peonies can be propagated in three ways: layering, cuttings and dividing the bushes. The easiest and most promising way is to divide the bushes. Plants transplanted in this way take root much faster and begin to bloom early.

You can divide the bushes from a peony whose age has reached 3-4 years, but the number of stems should not be less than 7, they do not grow in a bunch, but just nearby, which means that the root system is quite developed and each divided bush will have its own developed roots. Favorable breeding season - mid-August - end of September.

We follow the algorithm

• Dig up the peony bush completely, cut off the stems, their height should not exceed 10 cm, wash the roots with water and leave to dry for 10-12 hours.
• Each new bush should have at least 3 buds and a rhizome no more than 15 cm. You should not choose too large specimens, they take root poorly, and small and weak ones need special care, adapt for a long time and begin to bloom late.
• Before planting, do not forget to disinfect the roots with an infusion of garlic or a solution of potassium permanganate. All sections are processed with copper sulphate or crushed coal.
• Ready bushes are planted on a sand cushion, the soil is mulched. If buds appear in the first year, they need to be plucked, as the plant must use all its strength to grow roots. Within two years, the root system will be fully formed, peonies will begin to bloom magnificently.

Diseases and pests of herbal roses

The most common diseases are ringed mosaic and gray rot, main reason appearance - insufficient ventilation and over watering. Disease prevention during planting and caring for peonies should be carried out regularly. To do this, the owners need to loosen the soil in time, make drainage before planting, and monitor the amount of water when watering.

Gray rot affects the leaves and flowers, and the mosaic only affects the leaves, the roots remain healthy. To prevent the occurrence of these diseases or get rid of them, it is necessary to properly care for peonies, and in early spring treat with special preparations, for example, Bordeaux liquid. To get rid of ants and beetles, which often attack the plant and feed on buds, use hot water and insecticides.

How to grow a peony at home?

Peony is garden plant, but you can enjoy its flowering at home. To do this, it is better to use a loggia or a balcony - the plant will be much more comfortable there than in the living room or in the kitchen. Planting and caring for peonies at home is similar to gardening, but there are some features.

• For planting, you can use exclusively divided rhizomes, as this is not only the easiest way, but also the most reliable: peonies acclimatize faster and begin to bloom.
• Planting time can be anything, but it is better to do it in August-September, that is, as in the garden.
• In order for the flowers to develop and bloom quickly, it is better to use wooden boxes as a container for the ground, but it is necessary to treat them with an antiseptic. Do not forget to pour drainage on the bottom of the pot, and then prepare a mixture of 3 parts of garden soil, 2 each of humus and peat, 1 of river sand.
• So that the root system does not rot, diseases do not appear, add wood ash and bone meal to the soil. Watering should be moderate, check soil moisture, apply fertilizers in April - nitrogen and potassium, at the end of summer - phosphorus, and at the beginning of budding, be sure to add diluted mullein infusion to the soil.

Peonies bloom in the Urals

If you think that peonies can only be grown in the middle lane, then you are deeply mistaken. Many admirers herbal rose are engaged in planting and caring for peonies in the Urals, where it develops and blooms remarkably.

But in order to enjoy the results, you will have to carefully care for the bushes. First of all, it concerns wintering. Peonies do not have to be covered with artificial devices, grow asparagus on the site, and in the fall cover the ground next to the peonies with its dried stems. They protect from frost and hold back snow. Before the first snow, be sure to tie the bushes, otherwise the stems may break under the thickness of the snow. The rest of the care is no different.

Peonies cannot be called whimsical plants, they do not require constant care, but before planting it is important to choose the right place and prepare the ground, otherwise you may not wait for flowering. If you don't have a garden but want to enjoy peony blooms, try growing them at home.

Maryin root

Siberia and Far East are home to many species. The most valuable of them are marin root, steppe peony and Far Eastern white-flowered (milky-flowered), they have non-double, but bright numerous flowers that appear against the background of beautiful foliage, different in different species. bloom earlier garden varieties, which is important in the design of early period in addition, it is a good material for breeding work. Garden forms and varieties of peony for the most part are a herbaceous perennial rhizome plant with a height of 60 to 100 cm. The bush is large, multi-stemmed, with beautiful greenery, which has decorative look until mid September. The flowers are large, showy, can be double, semi-double and simple, with different timing and duration of flowering.

Early varieties bloom in the first decade of June, late - in early July. By the age of 5, the bush reaches its optimal sizes and has from 20 to 50 flowers and, as an exception, 150. When selecting the appropriate assortment, you can have blooming peonies on site within 40-55 days.

Steppe peonyIn addition, it is possible to increase the flowering period due to agricultural practices: using film frames, as on strawberries, you can cause earlier flowering, and when planting on shady side plot and cover the bushes with sawdust (10-15 cm), it can be delayed by 10-12 days, thereby further extending the flowering period by 15-20 days.

Peonies grow well on soil rich in organic matter with sufficient moisture, they do not like transplants and develop better in one place for 10-12 years, subject to good agricultural practices.

It is better to plant pions in pits, the size of which depends on the size of the planting material (50 × 50, 60 × 60, 70 × 70 cm), humus (8-10 kg per hole) and superphosphate (200 g) are added, mixed well with the ground , pour water and plant a “delenka” of a peony in a liquefied mass so that its buds are no deeper than 3-5 cm from the soil level after backfilling with earth.

Gardeners make the mistake of planting peonies in loose soil without taking into account its precipitation. In this case, the plant turns out to be buried, does not bloom, sometimes even grows poorly. To correct the error, you have to lift the bush with a pitchfork and pour earth into the hole or completely transplant it, violating root system. The distance between the bushes should be given 80-100 cm.

In the spring, as soon as the snow melts and the first sprouts appear, the first top dressing is carried out with a flower mixture (50-80 g / m2) and loosening to a depth of 3-5 cm. The second top dressing is given two weeks before flowering (mullein infusion with an admixture of potash and phosphate fertilizers) and the third - at the end of August only with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

With a lack of moisture, abundant watering of plants is necessary during budding, flowering and at the end of August during the secondary growth of roots. Timely watering has a beneficial effect on the overwintering of plants and their development in the coming year. After each watering, the soil is loosened or mulched.

For larger flowers, one bud should be left on the stem. For better flowering next year, in the fall, the leaves are cut off and humus mixed with wood ash and bone meal is added under each bush. Planting peonies should be carried out separately if they are in the shade of trees, the number of buds and their size are sharply reduced.

On old bushes, damage by a nematode (acne) is possible, which causes nodular swelling of the roots. Such plants should be dug up and burned, and the soil disinfected. Peony flowers can be damaged by bronze. This golden-green beetle eats away the core of the flowers. Beetles should be collected in the morning hours and burned.

Often you can see ants on the buds, they are attracted by sweet juice. The buds are sprayed with tobacco infusion, and the nearby anthill must be moved away from the bush.

Peonies propagate by dividing the bush, renewal buds, stem and root cuttings, seeds.

The division of the bush is carried out in the first half of August before the secondary growth of the roots begins or in early spring, as soon as the soil thaws. This is the most common way to propagate peonies. Uses it most of gardeners when transplanting plants to a new place. Many believe that when transplanted, peonies do not bloom for three to four years. Meanwhile, if this operation is carried out on time and carefully (damaging the roots as little as possible), peonies will bloom the next year.

To do this, you need to know that in peonies, in addition to the spring growth of roots, there is an increased growth of them a second time - in the fall, from about August 20-25. Therefore, transplanting and dividing the roots should be carried out as soon as the soil thaws and before the start of secondary root growth! It should be borne in mind that the root system of pions grows, depending on age, up to 80 cm in depth and up to 90 cm in width.

Carefully digging the bush with a shovel, lift it with a garden pitchfork, trying to damage the roots as little as possible. They are washed from the ground with water from a hose and divided, while using the knife as little as possible, separating them in places where jumpers are formed, as it were, in order to inflict less wounds.

To get the maximum number of divisions, it is better to take 4-5-year-old bushes and divide them into four to six parts, with four to five buds; you can leave one or two buds per delenka, but they begin to bloom one or two years late.

You can get peony seedlings without digging up the plant completely. To this end, the bush is cut into two parts with a shovel, one part is carefully removed from the soil and divided, as described above, and the other remains in the ground.

The cut part is sprinkled with crushed coal, the hole is covered with soil, watered - and the bush continues to bloom and develop. When transplanting old bushes to a new place, rejuvenating pruning is carried out, fleshy rhizomes are shortened, leaving roots 8-10 cm long near the renewal buds.

There is another way to get peony seedlings without digging up a bush. To do this, in the first half of August (before the start of secondary growth), the bush is carefully disentangled, part of the renewal buds with a piece of rhizome are separated from it and planted in cold nurseries at a distance of 10 × 10 cm, covered with a film, rooting occurs on the fortieth day. Then the film is removed and covered with a sheet pillow for the winter. In the spring, plants are transplanted to school or on permanent place. Such plants bloom in the third or fourth year of life.

On the principle of preserving the bush, a method of reproduction by layering is also built. Put on a peony bush in spring wooden box 25-30 cm high. As the bush grows, the buds are covered with loose earth or humus, gradually filling the box. Shoots normally grow and bloom (slightly lagging compared to free-growing bushes). Roots form at their base. In autumn, the box is removed and the rooted stems are cut off, transplanted to a permanent place. Such plants begin to bloom in the fourth or fifth year.

Tree peonies (Paeonia saffruticosa) are a group of species, natural and artificial hybrids and varieties of the genus Paeonia. It is a deciduous shrub up to 1.5 meters in height. Very decorative, thanks to spectacular, bright green, double-cut leaves and unusually beautiful, large (diameter from 12 to 25 cm) flowers. They come in plain, terry and semi-double shapes and come in a variety of colors, from snow white to almost black, including yellow and lilac.

The history of tree peony cultivation goes back over two thousand years. In the wild, the tree peony grows in the highlands of southeastern China, so the Chinese are the founders of the introduction of these plants into cultivation and subsequent selection. Around the 7th-10th century, the tree peony came to Japan, and the Japanese contributed to the development of this culture. The tree peony came to Europe only at the end of the 18th century, gained popularity in the gardens of England, France, Holland, and, of course, did not leave European breeders without work. As a result of this centuries-old work, more than 1000 tree peony varieties were created, divided into several groups:

• Chinese-European - with heavy double flowers;
• Japanese - with non-double or semi-double light and airy flowers;
• hybrids of yellow peony and Delaway peony - with yellow flowers.

There is another group of tree peonies - these are mountain peonies - the latest group created with the participation of highland species and has a number of advantages for growing in our rather harsh conditions. This is:

Increased winter hardiness;

Stronger annual growth compared to tree peonies;

Early flowering.

Tree peonies have a number of features that must be considered when growing them.

First, it is slow growth. Yes, the tree-like peony grows slowly, but every year it becomes more and more beautiful. So be patient and it will definitely be rewarded.

Secondly, it is a long-liver, in one place it can grow for more than 100 years. This must be taken into account when choosing a location.

Thirdly, he is very tenacious. If in the spring it seems to you that he is gone, frozen, dried up, the buds do not bloom, do not rush to say goodbye to him. After some time, new shoots may appear, and even with buds.

Buying a tree peony

When choosing a seedling of a tree-like peony, you should pay attention to the fact that the planting unit has 2-3 lignified shoots no more than 25 cm high, with unblown buds. In this case, the kidneys should be large enough and glossy. The roots should be well developed, ideally the length of the roots should be equal to the height of the crown.

Planting a tree peony

A place for planting a peony is chosen sunny or light partial shade, protected from the winds.

Tree peonies grow on almost any soil, but prefer permeable loam with a slightly alkaline reaction.

The best time for planting tree peonies is from mid-August to mid-September.

A pit for planting a peony is prepared in advance, in about 2-3 weeks. It should have dimensions of 80x80 and a depth of 60-70 cm. A drainage layer of 15-25 cm is poured onto the bottom of the pit, then covered with a soil mixture consisting of garden soil, humus and peat in equal proportions with the addition of ash, bone or dolomite flour, potassium sulfate and superphosphate (about one glass each).

When planting, carefully straighten the peony roots along the formed surface of the hole, and fill it with the remaining soil mixture so that the root neck is at the level of the soil, tamp and water.

But, since planting material is supplied for sale mainly in the spring, the question arises: what to do in this case? There are at least two solutions.

1. Plant the delenka in a pot with a volume of 5-6 liters, with the onset of a stable positive positive temperature, take it out into the garden and wait for a favorable time for planting, carefully transferring the plant from the pot to the prepared hole. In this case, it is important to prevent waterlogging and stagnant water during the overexposure period.
2. Landing is similar to autumn. In this case, it is advisable to choose a landing time when the danger has already passed return frosts and the heat has not set in yet.

I used both of these methods in my practice: I planted a mountain peony in spring, and a yellow-flowered one with overexposure in autumn. Both are still growing and developing.

Tree peony care

top dressing- if the peony is planted correctly, then in the first two years, feeding can be omitted. Starting from the third year, the first top dressing is carried out in the snow with nitrogen-potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. The second - before flowering with the same fertilizer composition. The third - after flowering - with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. I use fertilizer "Fertika" ("Kemira"), respectively, spring and summer.

Watering- plentiful, but not frequent. In dry weather, it is enough to water an adult bush once a week at the rate of 2-3 buckets per bush.

pruning- carried out every spring until the beginning of the growing season: dried shoots are removed, old shoots are shortened up to 10 cm. This gives the plant the opportunity to awaken adnexal buds at the base of the plant. Another pruning is carried out after flowering. In this case, it is necessary to remove the faded bud and cut the peduncle 2 buds below. Based on my own experience, I strongly recommend this operation, as it promotes further growth and abundant flowering next year.

Fig.1 Pruning a tree peony after flowering

Shelter tree peony for the winter

In Siberia, it is necessary to cover a tree peony. I cover my peonies like this: I tie the crown, wrap it with spruce branches, wrap it with covering material in several layers and tie it again. It is enough to wrap a mountain peony with a covering material.

Tree peony transplant

A tree peony transplant is very painful. Transplanted bushes are restored for a long time, sometimes for several years. If it is already necessary to transplant a healthy bush, then carefully dig it in, trying not to damage the root system, and transfer it with a clod of earth to a previously prepared hole. If the bush has signs of illness, and you want to reanimate it, then after digging up the bush, carefully rinse it under running water, inspect the roots, remove the diseased ones, treat the sections with a maroon solution of potassium permanganate, sprinkle with crushed coal and land in a prepared place.

Tree peony rejuvenation

If your peony bush has reached a mature age (20 years or more) and has begun to lose its decorative effect, then the bush can be rejuvenated by cutting it in the fall almost to the very surface of the soil. This will give impetus to the awakening of adnexal buds at the base of the shoots.

Diseases and pests of tree peonies

Tree peonies are very disease resistant. In 10 years of caring for them, I have never noticed signs of disease or pest damage. But, nevertheless, tree-like peonies can be subject to gray rot and brown spotting. In case of gray rot, it is necessary to remove damaged shoots and spray with a 6-7% solution blue vitriol or a solution of potassium permanganate (3 g per 10 liters of water). In case of brown spot disease, it is necessary to remove and burn diseased leaves and spray with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

Reproduction of tree peonies

There are 5 ways to propagate tree peonies.

1. Dividing the bush

This is the most acceptable method of reproduction; it is carried out at the same time as planting a peony, i.e. from mid-August to mid-September. It should be a 5-6 year old, healthy bush with 7 or more shoots, with a distance between them of at least 3.5 cm. weak pressure, cut the shoots to a height of 10-15 cm and dry in the shade for 2-3 hours. Then the rhizome is divided in such a way as to obtain delenki with 2-3 buds and a part of the root of at least 10 cm. The places of cut and damage are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate and sprinkled with crushed coal. The divisions obtained in this way are planted in pits prepared in advance.

2. Layering

Peony propagation by layering begins in May, before flowering. To do this, they take a strong shoot, bend it to the ground, and make an incision at the place where the shoot touches the ground. The incision is powdered with root stimulants, you can insert a small spacer. After that, the shoot is pinned to the surface of the soil, covered with a layer of earth 10-15 cm high and ensure that the earth does not dry out in this place. Roots should appear in late August - early September.

3. Cuttings

From about mid-June to early August, a tree peony can be propagated by cuttings. Semi-lignified cuttings are cut obliquely under the bud, the leaf blades are shortened by half, treated with root formation stimulants and planted in boxes with a mixture of sand and peat in equal amounts to a depth of 1.5 cm. The boxes are covered with foil and constantly watered and sprayed. At the end of September, rooted cuttings are planted in separate pots and left in the greenhouse until spring. In the spring, when the plants begin to grow, they are planted in a permanent place. Peonies bloom with this method of reproduction in the 5th year.

4. Grafting

With this method of reproduction, the roots of a grassy peony are used as a stock, you can also use horses and a tree peony. In this case, you need to monitor the appearance of root growth and remove it. This can be avoided by using your own peony roots. Harvested roots are desirable to withstand 2-3 weeks in a cool room. Cuttings with two buds are cut in early August and cut from both sides in the shape of a wedge. An incision of the same shape is made on the rootstock, the stem of the rootstock is tightly inserted, tightly wrapped polyethylene film and tie up. The prepared material is laid horizontally in a moistened layer of sawdust and placed in a cool shaded place. A month later, when the scion grows together with the stock, plant it in a greenhouse so that the lower eye is deepened by 5-7 cm. They are planted in a permanent place after 2 years.

5. Seeds

The advantage of this method is that a plant grown in this way will have increased immunity and adapt more easily to environmental conditions. It is best to sow with freshly harvested seeds. Seeds are sown in the ground in September-October. In this case, flowering occurs at 4-5 years. If the seeds have lain for several months or years, germination is sharply reduced and the seeds require stratification and even scarification. The stratification process is quite complicated, I personally do not have the patience to follow exactly all the recommendations. I myself sowed purchased seeds in the spring in open ground. From 10pcs. I have 2 seedlings appeared in the 2nd year and 1 seedling in the 3rd.

Using a tree peony

The tree-like peony is an unconditional soloist. He shows his best qualities in single plantings, especially good against the background of the lawn. You can use it in group plantings, large bushes serve well background in prefabricated flower beds. And, of course, it's a great cut.

Russian selection

And I also want to say a little about the Russian selection of tree peonies. Selection work in progress botanical garden MSU for over 30 years. During this time, more than 40 varieties of tree-like peonies have been registered, which are listed in the catalog of varieties and are recommended for use in production. This is winter-hardy varieties, they feel great not only in central Russia, but also in the Urals and Siberia.

The most popular varieties of Russian selection:

• white - Lomonosov, Moscow University, Maria, Anastasia Sosnovets;
• pale pink - Dmitry Kapinos;
• yellow - Kuindzhi, Academician Sadovnichy;
• red - Vladimir Mayakovsky;
• salmon - Irina, Marianna;
• purple-pink - Nikolai Vavilov, Yulia Drunina;
• lilac-beetroot - Peter the Great.

Below is a photo of a Mountain Peony and a Tree Peony "Yellow Bird".

Bocharova T.M.

Peonies planting and care

Peonies are impressive in size flowers, of various colors: bright red, raspberry, deep pink, white. Who wants to grow these wonderful flowers in their country house, read the article: peony planting and care in open ground. Not everyone knows that appearance peony bud depends on the variety of flower, they can be double, smooth or pompous. Peonies look very beautiful, resembling rosettes with a noticeable core.

The beginning of flowering of peonies falls on the end of May - the beginning of June. The height of the bush can reach 90 cm. Peonies are a perennial garden culture that has been pleasing the eye with its splendor for more than one year. Growing a peony (Paeonia) is not difficult, it is not capricious plant requiring no laborious maintenance.

Types and varieties of peonies

To date, more than five thousand varieties of peony are known. All species of this family are divided into herbaceous and tree-like. Tree varieties are shrubs growing up to 2 m. Herbaceous species do not require special care, they bloom for many years in a row. Basically, by the second half of July, herbaceous varieties of peonies fade. To prolong the pleasure of the sight of flowering specimens, it is necessary to plant flowers with different flowering periods.

Attention! The peony variety for planting is selected individually, depending on its future location. For planting next to a curbstone, herbaceous types are more suitable, when planting alone, tree peonies are better suited.

Tree peonies are divided into 3 varieties:

1. European ones are distinguished by large flowers with double petals of various colors - from pinkish to deep crimson. Their leaves are dense, fleshy, large in size.
2. Japanese are found terry and semi-smooth, the inflorescences are not so heavy. This variety stands out for its increased resistance to frost. This feature is due to the method of cuttings, when cuttings are grafted to the root system of herbaceous peonies. This method allows the heat-loving plant to survive the harsh natural conditions of the Russian winter.
3. Hybrids bred by crossing the Delaway and Yellow peony. This semi-shrub species is bright yellow with a prominent red mark at the base of the bud. The trunk does not branch and grows up to 2 m in height. On one branch, basically, from 3 to 5 inflorescences. Blooming flowers can reach 10 cm in diameter.

Tree varieties of peonies take root well and develop in lighted places that are not accessible to direct wind. The soil base must be selected fertilized and well permeable to moisture, preventing stagnant water. AT winter time representatives of this species should be covered with coniferous branches and board fences to prevent freezing.

Attention! The soil for planting tree peonies must have good drainage.

Nowadays, hybrid varieties obtained by repeated crossing of different varieties are becoming increasingly famous. Hybrids are unique, as they combine the properties and external qualities of herbaceous and tree types.

The result is a unique color, large flowers, good frost tolerance. Crossed species are relevant for use in decorating the landscape, because their undeniable qualities are the increased duration of flowering, a wide range of colors and a unique aroma.

The classification of herbaceous varieties is more extensive than tree-like ones. The main varieties include:

1. Maryin root (avoiding peony), which has straight-growing stems large in diameter, up to 1 m high. Enough big flowers color pink- these are the distinguishing features of this variety. Flowering occurs in May - June. Used as medicine and to decorate the territory of the garden plot.
2. Peony officinalis used to be used only for medical purposes, but in this moment widely known as beautiful flower for decor. The inflorescences have no aroma, up to 12 cm in size. The color of blossoming buds is usually dark red. This variety is distributed mainly in the middle zone of our country. Flowering begins in early June.
3. The narrow-leaved peony is an attractive decor element for unshaded areas that are not subject to increased watering. During the flowering period, they delight with beautiful raspberry buds, but already in the second half of May they fade and cease to be a decoration of the territory.
4. Peony Mlokosevich is named after the researcher who discovered this variety on the slopes Caucasus mountains in the 19th century. The unique yellow color and bluish color of the leaves makes it interesting for peony lovers. One more hallmark very slow blooming of buds is considered, which, when opened, reach 12 cm. Flowering time varies depending on the climate, but usually this occurs in May.
5. White-flowered peonies are a wide variety, which in turn is divided into a number of subspecies. These are simple, semi-double and Japanese varieties.

The most famous of the semi-double:

• Miss America - tall plant with lush white buds;
• Cytheria - flowers are medium in height, changing color during flowering, from rich burgundy at the beginning to white-pink at the end;
• Lastres - flowers with a five-row arrangement of red petals. The height of the bushes is decent and reaches 70 cm.
• Japanese white-flowered peonies are the most popular and widespread. The main varieties of this species:
• Velma Atkinson - flowers with predominantly early flowering, pink hue;
• Pearl placer - a type of later flowering and a long duration of flowering. It smells like roses;
• Karara is a variety of medium height, with a diameter of blooming flowers up to 16 cm.

It is not possible to describe all varieties of the pion family, and these are only a few of the existing five thousand. Constantly the list of varieties is replenished with newly discovered or bred ones, raising the art of breeding peonies to the rank of a certain philosophy.

Peonies exist for every taste, even the most fastidious gardener will like one for growing and decorating his site.

peonies photo

Peony planting and care in the open field

Choosing and preparing a place for planting a peony

The key to successful planting of peonies is the optimally chosen place for the flower. The area for peonies should be sufficiently lit, especially in the morning, not obscured by other garden crops.

Peonies negatively perceive strong gusts of wind, so they should be placed near the walls of buildings, fences or closed from drafts for more tall bushes or trees.

It is better if the chosen site is on a hill, because peonies do not tolerate too moist soil, and places in the lowlands are absolutely not suitable for them.

Attention! If the composition of the soil mixture on the site is not suitable for peonies, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work to improve it.

Previously, a few weeks before the transplant, the area for peonies must be prepared. It is necessary to make a recess for one and a half shovels and fill it with soil prepared from humus, peat, ordinary soil and sand, taken in the same amount. For proper growth, 0.5 liters of ash should be added to this mixture.

Peony planting time

For planting peonies in open ground, the most the right time considered early autumn. It is at this time that there are no high air temperatures, more rain, which improves the adaptation of the plant in a new place. Before the onset of cold weather, the flower will have time to strengthen thanks to active growth new root branches.

Attention! Peonies planted in spring time are more prone to disease and recover more slowly. Flowers transplanted in autumn take root better and begin to develop rapidly in spring.

If it is necessary to land in the spring, then this must be done before the air has warmed up to 10 degrees. If this condition is not met, then the plant is likely to die.

Peony care basics

Since peonies are usually grown in outdoor gardens, care rules are considered in relation to outdoor growth.

Temperature and lighting

There are no specific temperature characteristics. Each gardener chooses a variety intended for growing in his climate zone and adapted to specific temperature conditions. A suitably selected variety tolerates the temperature of its climate well and is unpretentious in adaptation.

Peonies are plants that love sunlight. Their leaves and flowers are not afraid of exposure to direct sunlight. Growth is also possible in slight shade, but periods good lighting should prevail.

Soil composition requirements

A suitable soil composition plays an important role in the proper development of a peony bush. Optimally selected soil mixture when planting beautiful flowers that will delight the eye and decorate the site.

For peonies, soil that has a slightly acidic or alkaline reaction is well suited. If the soil is clayey, then the addition of sand is required, in the case of sandy soil, humus must be added, and limestone rocks must be introduced into the soil with an acidic environment at least a year before planting the pions.

The planting process is very important in the life of the plant and requires some training from gardeners. Under the peony, it is necessary to dig a hole 70 cm deep. It must be prepared a month before planting and filled with a specially prepared soil mixture of peat, sand, humus and the necessary fertilizers. This mixture is covered with ordinary soil and left to settle. After 3-4 weeks, peonies can be planted.

Attention! Fertilizers applied to the soil should not fall directly on the root system of peonies.

Waiting for soil shrinkage is required to prevent soil from covering the transplanted pion buds.

Watering

Peonies should be watered sparingly. For these plants Negative influence provided by nearby groundwater. The soil for peonies should have good drainage and be loosened. In hot summer weather, when peonies are actively blooming, they need to be watered more often and with plenty of water. Watering should be done directly under the roots, without watering the foliage.

Frequent loosening of the soil helps to ensure optimal development and growth. In loose soil, the necessary supply of moisture is better retained, weeds and dangerous pests appear less.

top dressing

In the first year after planting additional top dressing not required. Fertilizers begin to be applied to soil mix after the plant reaches two years of age. Top dressing is carried out with urea, crystallin or any other nitrogen-containing mixture. During the period of spring and summer, it is advisable to feed the peonies 3 times:

• the first top dressing is carried out with the onset of spring by sprinkling with urea or potassium sulfate in the amount of 15 g;
• the second time peonies are fertilized with a solution of urea or superphosphate when future flowers are formed;
• the third dressing is done 2 weeks after the end of flowering to form buds for the next year.

pruning

One of the necessary procedures for growing peonies is pruning. Autumn is considered the best time for pruning. This helps to prepare the plants for a safe existence in the winter.

It is optimal to cut the bushes at the beginning of cold weather. For the winter months, shoots remain about 4 cm, covered spruce branches.

It is wrong to prune peonies immediately after flowering has ended. This will remove the buds of the next year's inflorescences. Pruning during the flowering period, the peony will lose the opportunity to bloom in a year.

Preparing a peony for winter

After rapid flowering, garden peonies must be prepared for winter period. This includes weeding and loosening the soil around the bushes.

In autumn, it is necessary to cut the leaves and stems low so that fungal diseases do not develop. In the case of severe winters, sheltering the bushes with spruce branches is required. The same procedure is carried out to protect all young individuals.

Features of planting and caring for peony in Siberia, in the north

The Siberian region and the Far East are considered the native territory for some types of peonies. The most famous of them are Maryin root, Far Eastern white-flowered and steppe peony. These cultures bloom in the conditions of Siberian nature among the first, which makes them of particular value in the formation landscape designs these territories.

The climatic conditions of the region have the following influence on the development of flowers: cold during the period of picking buds slows down blooming, subsequent heat accelerates flowering. To increase the duration of the flowering period, you need to adjust the conditions, bringing them closer to natural for certain varieties.

Peonies are unpretentious plants, some varieties of which can grow in northern climatic conditions. A prerequisite here becomes the autumn mulching of bushes.

The main variety for growing in the northern nature was the evasive peony (marin root). Its winter hardiness indicators are higher than others, which allows you to enjoy its flowers in northern nature.

Reproduction of peonies

The breeding methods for herbaceous or tree peonies have their own characteristics, but there are also the same methods for all types.

The propagation method suitable for any kind of peonies is propagation by seeds. It should be borne in mind that this method is quite lengthy, because the flowering of plants will appear on average only after 5 years. However, not all varietal peonies will retain their varietal characteristics.

The most commonly used method is the division of the bushes. This method used for tree and herbaceous varieties without exception. The separated parts of the bush usually adapt quickly and flowers appear on them already in the second year after reproduction. The division of a grassy peony is also a kind of way to rejuvenate a bush. BUT tree plants you can only divide if they have grown enough.

In addition to the basic methods, tree peonies can be propagated by cuttings and air layering. They also use the grafting of the roots of one variety onto another, including tree-like to grassy. Herbaceous varieties are propagated by root cuttings and separation of part of the plant.

Features of caring for a peony by season

Spring. The first sprouts of peonies appear early, even from under the snow. If autumn mulching of bushes was carried out, then in early April it is necessary to carefully remove the covering structure. In the first days of May, the first top dressing and preventive spraying against diseases are carried out.

Summer. Summer care includes weeding the earth around the bushes, timely watering and necessary feeding.

In autumn. Pruning of leaves, destruction of tops in case of fungal attack, or shelter with cut foliage if the plant is healthy.

In winter. Special warming is carried out if the peony is young or in severe winters. Older specimens under normal winter conditions will not require warming.

If the peonies don't bloom

A common problem when breeding peonies is the lack of flowers. This problem may have the following causes:

• excessive deepening of the kidneys during planting;
• little light and too wet soil;
• a large age of the bush, its rejuvenation by division is required;
• unsuitable composition of the soil base, acidic environment, the addition of ash or limestone is necessary;
• removal of buds during pruning in the previous year;
• insufficient amount of applied fertilizers.

The definition of the problem moment will allow to accept correct solution and improve the condition of the peony, which will definitely manifest itself in the appearance of flowers on it.

Peony pests and diseases

Growing outdoors is an increased risk for the plant to be damaged by a disease or pest. The gardener's concern is to protect peonies from these negative influences.

Main pests:

• root nematode;
• caterpillars;
• bronze.

Bronze and caterpillars are collected from flowers by hand and destroyed. Additionally, a solution of aconite is applied to the plants.

To eliminate the root nematode, a special set of fertilizers is used and replanting in the immediate vicinity of peonies of plants that the pest does not tolerate.
Chlorophos is used to control aphids.

The most unwanted diseases of peonies are caused by fungi. This is brown spotting, rust, gray rot.

Gray rot is manifested by a characteristic grayish bloom on foliage and flowers. The trunk of the bush dries up and becomes brittle, the flowers turn black. For healing, fungicides are used, with which peonies are processed.

In order to prevent the disease, the soil is loosened, the distance between individual bushes is observed, and the stems and leaves are not left at the end of pruning.

If spots are noticed on the foliage of peonies yellow color, then the plant is damaged by rust. Leaves begin to curl and dry. Eliminate the disease with the use of fungicides. In order to avoid the death of plants from brown spotting caused by a fungus, in the spring they are sprayed with infusion of celandine or Bordeaux mixture.

The peonies in the garden are magnificent. They make a great addition to any space. But it must be remembered that only proper care and maintenance of the plant will allow you to enjoy wonderful flowers for many years in a row.

Video tips: how to plant and care for peonies

Peony is one of the most amazing and beautiful ornamental plants. This flower is second only to the rose - the real queen of the garden. Peony flowers are short-lived, but they are able to fill the garden with marvelous colors and magical aromas, and give its owner unforgettable emotions.

Peony flowers are very different, they differ in color, shape and have a charming aroma. Peonies are able to grow for many years, bringing real joy to their owners with their amazing flowers.

Peony remains an adornment of any garden even after flowering: its leaves are no less beautiful and attractive.

plant homeland

This amazing flower was cultivated in China, 5 centuries before new era. They were admired by the Chinese emperors. Peony lactiflora was the first to be cultivated - a plant common in China, Siberia and Mongolia. The name of this flower comes from the name of the legendary healer Pean, who was so skilled that he healed the wounds of gods and heroes.

This flower reached Europe quite late - in the 18th century and quickly became a universal favorite. He took a worthy place in the royal gardens of Europe, hundreds of breeders began work on breeding varieties. In the 19th century, the peony crossed the Atlantic and quickly conquered the New World.

General description of the flower

Peonies are a member of the Peony family. It includes 32 species.

These are perennial plants, with a herbaceous, shrubby or semi-shrub stem, reaching a height of one meter.

Although, the tree-like peony, which is a symbol of China, grows up to two meters. Peonies have a powerful rhizome, with thickened cone-shaped roots. Large leaves of rich green color are arranged alternately. The form sheet plate- trifoliate or pinnatipartite.

Peony flowers are large, solitary. The petals form a corolla. There are five sepals, most often there are also five petals. Petals have a very rich color palette. There can be up to eight pistils, many stamens.

Complexity, whimsicality, availability of cultivation

Growing peonies does not cause much trouble, peony farming is not difficult even for not very skilled flower growers, subject to simple rules, these flowers will bring you joy for many years. This is another important reason for the wide popularity of the peony.

Breeders did not deprive the peony of their attention: today several thousand plant varieties are known, new ones are constantly appearing. There are several nuances that are important for the growth of a peony.

Planting peonies in open ground. Optimal time

Autumn- the best time for transplanting and planting peonies. In the spring, these manipulations are not recommended.

The most important thing when planting a plant is the right choice of location. Need to pay Special attention to the following:

• A peony needs at least five to six hours of intense sunlight.
• The flower does not tolerate drafts.
• It is better not to plant the plant in the lowlands.
• Don't plant the peony too deep, it won't bloom well.

Planting a flower in autumn

It is better to plant and transplant peonies in early autumn. This will give the plant enough time to prepare for winter.

Prepare planting holes. The hole should have dimensions of 60x60x60 cm. Place drainage (20 cm thick), top dressing consisting of humus, compost, lime, superphosphate and wood ash in the hole. Fill the hole to the top with a mixture of compost and earth. When the soil settles, you can start planting the plant.

In the next step, you should dig up the rhizome of the peony and this must be done very carefully. Better use a garden fork. It is necessary to dig a bush with them and extract the rhizome. Remove the soil and dry it. Then the rhizome should be divided into parts, 15 cm long, containing roots and several buds. It is recommended to lower the pieces of rhizome into a solution of potassium permanganate to destroy root rot.

Good results are obtained by dipping rhizomes in a solution of heteroauxin.

Remember, deep planting is one of the most common reasons for the lack of flowers. The upper bud should not be deeper than 3-4 cm. In the first year, the peony blooms very rarely and does not look too healthy.

Planting in the spring

Usually this plant is not planted in the spring. But if it is necessary, then it is better to do the following. Transplant the peony into a pot and place it in a cool room (in the cellar), keep the soil moist at all times. In May, plant the plant directly in a pot, and in the fall, transplant along with the ground in which the root system is located. Landing should be carried out according to the method described above.

Soil preparation and space in the garden

It is important to choose right place plant habitat, its growth depends on it. Choose a well-lit place for the flower, not far from the nearest shrub or tree. In the shade, peonies grow normally, but bloom much worse. The landing site should not be flooded with water.

peonies care

Peony is an unpretentious plant, it does not deliver to flower growers extra hassle. However, there are nuances in its cultivation, they need to be known.

Peony is able to grow on any soil, but loam (6-6.6 pH) is preferred. Peony does not like wet soils, so do not plant it in the lowlands. High humidity leads to rotting of the roots and death of the flower. If you did everything right, then the plant can not be fertilized for a whole year. Provide the plant with regular watering.

spring care

In spring, the plant needs abundant watering. You need to do it once a week, spending two buckets of water on each bush. Moisture is especially important during flower formation.

autumn care

In autumn, you should remove all withered leaves and parts of the stems and burn them, so you are guaranteed to destroy pathogens. Then it is necessary to cover each bush with ashes and leave to winter. Adult peonies do not need shelter.

Top dressing and fertilizer

In the first year after planting, it is better not to get carried away with top dressing. Then use liquid forms top dressing. In early spring, nitrogen-potassium top dressing is used, during the period of bud formation, top dressing containing phosphorus and nitrogen is used. After its completion, potassium-phosphorus top dressing is recommended, it can be continued until mid-autumn.

Watering

For a peony, you need not very frequent, but quite plentiful. It is recommended to water it once a week, but spend at least two buckets of water per bush.

Watering is extremely important during peony flowering. Insufficient watering is one of the main reasons for the lack of flowers. Water should fall under the flower bush.

illumination

Peonies are sun-loving plants, they need 6 hours of sunlight. But southern parts a garden where the plant can get burned is best avoided.

Temperature regime

Peonies are not too demanding on temperature. They are quite suitable for the climatic conditions of the temperate zone.

Peony transplant

Peonies are transplanted in early autumn. First, choose the right place for planting and prepare the hole (this has already been discussed above).

For transplantation, it is necessary to carefully dig out the rhizome of the peony, prepare a hole for it and place the plant in it. Apply enough fertilizer.

reproduction

Reproduction by dividing the bush

This method is most often used by gardeners. You need to take an adult plant that has already bloomed. Then the rhizome is carefully dug in and carefully removed from the ground. Rotten roots are removed, and the rhizome is divided into parts (the planting method is described in detail above). The ground part is almost completely cut off. Usually these works are carried out in early autumn. Cover the landing site with a layer of peat.

Propagation by root cuttings

Enough reliable way, it lies in the fact that part of the root is planted in the hole. By winter, it has time to take root and winters normally. But you will see the first flowers in a few years.

Reproduction by seeds

Peonies can be propagated by seeds. True, this does not preserve the quality of the variety. Growing peonies from seeds often used by breeders.

peonies bloom

Peony has a large single red, yellow, bright crimson or White flower. It can be terry, lush or look like a rosette. Numerous yellow stamens are clearly visible. Flowers usually appear in May or early June.

There are several groups of peonies that differ in the structure of flowers:

• Japanese. Stamens and pistils are located in the center of the flower, they form a kind of cluster (pompon).
• Non-terry. The flowers are large, two rows of petals, the leaves are corrugated.
• Semi-double. The flowers are large, the stamens are in its center, several rows of petals.
• Anemoid. The lower petals are very wide, the inner petals form a ball. It is considered a transitional form between terry and Japanese peonies.
• Terry. The flower has a spherical shape, when the petals open, a bright and colorful ball is obtained.
• Rosaceous. The flowers are large, the petals strongly resemble those of a rose.

After flowering, remove wilted flowers, and carry out another top dressing.

pruning

It is worth trimming peonies in late autumn, before the start of the first frosts, if this needs to be done earlier, leave a few leaves on the bush so that the plant can accumulate strength.

Autumn pruning is carried out almost to the level of the soil.

Preparing peonies for winter

In autumn, when the leaves turn yellow, you need to gradually reduce the intensity of watering. Newly planted plants should be covered with a layer of peat, and they will overwinter well. Peat should be removed in spring. Old plants are frost-resistant and there will be no problems with their wintering either.

Popular varieties of peonies

Breeders did a great job, today there is a large number of varieties of peonies. The variety of these flowers allows you to create amazing flower beds by arranging them with colors. different colors and size.

It is impossible to name all varieties of peonies that are deservedly popular with flower growers. Let's just give some examples.

1. Variety "Starlight". They have large, light cream-colored, anemone-shaped flowers.
2. Variety "Suzy Ku". Huge double flowers are painted in a pleasant light pink color. The leaves are small and narrow.
3. Variety "Westerner". Has white flowers medium size Japanese form. Blooms relatively late.
4. Variety "White bowl". It has medium-sized flowers, dark pink in color.
5. Variety "Amabilis". The plant has light pink flowers, the petals of which turn white at the edges during the end of flowering.

The thin-leaved peony deserves special mention - a plant that has been bred by gardeners for several decades. This peony is listed in the Red Book, but among flower growers it is at the top of popularity.

ITO hybrids are also very popular: this is the result of crossing tree-like and grass-like peonies. An excellent example of such plants is

"Coral Sunset".

Another peony that is a frequent guest of our gardens is peony bartzella. This is beautiful plant with flowers of the Japanese form, bright lemon color.

pion diseases

Gray rot

Most dangerous enemies pions are diseases caused by microscopic fungi. Here are the main ones:

• rust;
• gray rot;
• powdery mildew;
• brown spotting.

Gray rot. Appears in May, affects leaves, stem and buds. The symptom of gray mold is gray coating on plant organs. It is better to burn the affected parts. An effective remedy are copper sulfate and fungicides.

Powdery mildew. A whitish coating forms on the stems and leaves. Fungicides are used to treat the disease.

Rust. The disease is characterized by the formation of dark brown spots. The disease leads to curling and drying of the leaf plate. Fungicides are used to treat the disease.

brown spot also manifests itself in the form of specific spots on leaves, stem sections and buds. They are off-white. The disease is dangerous, leads to leaf fall. This disease is treated with fungicides.

The main problems faced by novice flower growers

Why is the peony not growing?

A flower may grow poorly due to a number of reasons: incorrect choice landing sites (little light), insufficient mineral dressing or insufficient watering. Also, unsatisfactory growth is noted in the case of transplantation without dividing the rhizome.

Why is the peony not blooming

The absence of flowers on the plant most likely indicates an improper planting of the rhizome. It's probably set too deep. Also, poor soil and lack of top dressing, poor lighting of the plant, insufficient watering during the formation of buds leads to the absence of flowers. Too old plants do not bloom.

Why does the peony not rise

The germination of peonies depends on the quality seed material, as well as the degree of soil preparation.

Tree peonies (Paeonia saffruticosa) are a group of species, natural and artificial hybrids and varieties of the genus Paeonia. It is a deciduous shrub up to 1.5 meters in height. Very decorative, thanks to spectacular, bright green, double-cut leaves and unusually beautiful, large (diameter from 12 to 25 cm) flowers. They come in plain, terry and semi-double shapes and come in a variety of colors, from snow white to almost black, including yellow and lilac.

The history of tree peony cultivation goes back over two thousand years. In the wild, the tree peony grows in the highlands of southeastern China, so the Chinese are the founders of the introduction of these plants into cultivation and subsequent selection. Around the 7th-10th century, the tree peony came to Japan, and the Japanese contributed to the development of this culture. The tree peony came to Europe only at the end of the 18th century, gained popularity in the gardens of England, France, Holland, and, of course, did not leave European breeders without work. As a result of this centuries-old work, more than 1000 tree peony varieties were created, divided into several groups:

• Chinese-European - with heavy double flowers;
• Japanese - with non-double or semi-double light and airy flowers;
• hybrids of yellow peony and Delaway peony - with yellow flowers.

There is another group of tree peonies - these are mountain peonies - the latest group created with the participation of highland species and has a number of advantages for growing in our rather harsh conditions. This is:

Increased winter hardiness;

Stronger annual growth compared to tree peonies;

Early flowering.

Tree peonies have a number of features that must be considered when growing them.

First, it is slow growth. Yes, the tree-like peony grows slowly, but every year it becomes more and more beautiful. So be patient and it will definitely be rewarded.

Secondly, it is a long-liver, in one place it can grow for more than 100 years. This must be taken into account when choosing a location.

Thirdly, he is very tenacious. If in the spring it seems to you that he is gone, frozen, dried up, the buds do not bloom, do not rush to say goodbye to him. After some time, new shoots may appear, and even with buds.

Buying a tree peony

When choosing a seedling of a tree-like peony, you should pay attention to the fact that the planting unit has 2-3 lignified shoots no more than 25 cm high, with unblown buds. In this case, the kidneys should be large enough and glossy. The roots should be well developed, ideally the length of the roots should be equal to the height of the crown.

Planting a tree peony

A place for planting a peony is chosen sunny or light partial shade, protected from the winds.

Tree peonies grow on almost any soil, but prefer permeable loam with a slightly alkaline reaction.

The best time for planting tree peonies is from mid-August to mid-September.

A pit for planting a peony is prepared in advance, in about 2-3 weeks. It should have dimensions of 80x80 and a depth of 60-70 cm. A drainage layer of 15-25 cm is poured onto the bottom of the pit, then covered with a soil mixture consisting of garden soil, humus and peat in equal proportions with the addition of ash, bone or dolomite flour, potassium sulfate and superphosphate (about one glass each).

When planting, carefully straighten the peony roots along the formed surface of the hole, and fill it with the remaining soil mixture so that the root neck is at the level of the soil, tamp and water.

But, since planting material is supplied for sale mainly in the spring, the question arises: what to do in this case? There are at least two solutions.

1. Plant the delenka in a pot with a volume of 5-6 liters, with the onset of a stable positive positive temperature, take it out into the garden and wait for a favorable time for planting, carefully transferring the plant from the pot to the prepared hole. In this case, it is important to prevent waterlogging and stagnant water during the overexposure period.
2. Landing is similar to autumn. In this case, it is advisable to choose a planting time when the danger of return frosts has already passed and a stable heat has not yet set in.

I used both of these methods in my practice: I planted a mountain peony in spring, and a yellow-flowered one with overexposure in autumn. Both are still growing and developing.

Tree peony care

top dressing- if the peony is planted correctly, then in the first two years, feeding can be omitted. Starting from the third year, the first top dressing is carried out in the snow with nitrogen-potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. The second - before flowering with the same fertilizer composition. The third - after flowering - with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. I use fertilizer "Fertika" ("Kemira"), respectively, spring and summer.

Watering- plentiful, but not frequent. In dry weather, it is enough to water an adult bush once a week at the rate of 2-3 buckets per bush.

pruning- carried out every spring until the beginning of the growing season: dried shoots are removed, old shoots are shortened up to 10 cm. This gives the plant the opportunity to awaken adnexal buds at the base of the plant. Another pruning is carried out after flowering. In this case, it is necessary to remove the faded bud and cut the peduncle 2 buds below. Based on my own experience, I strongly recommend this operation, as it promotes further growth and abundant flowering next year.

Fig.1 Pruning a tree peony after flowering

Shelter tree peony for the winter

In Siberia, it is necessary to cover a tree peony. I cover my peonies like this: I tie the crown, wrap it with spruce branches, wrap it with covering material in several layers and tie it again. It is enough to wrap a mountain peony with a covering material.

Tree peony transplant

A tree peony transplant is very painful. Transplanted bushes are restored for a long time, sometimes for several years. If it is already necessary to transplant a healthy bush, then carefully dig it in, trying not to damage the root system, and transfer it with a clod of earth to a previously prepared hole. If the bush has signs of illness, and you want to reanimate it, then after digging up the bush, carefully rinse it under running water, inspect the roots, remove the diseased ones, treat the sections with a maroon solution of potassium permanganate, sprinkle with crushed coal and land in a prepared place.

Tree peony rejuvenation

If your peony bush has reached a mature age (20 years or more) and has begun to lose its decorative effect, then the bush can be rejuvenated by cutting it in the fall almost to the very surface of the soil. This will give impetus to the awakening of adnexal buds at the base of the shoots.

Diseases and pests of tree peonies

Tree peonies are very disease resistant. In 10 years of caring for them, I have never noticed signs of disease or pest damage. But, nevertheless, tree-like peonies can be subject to gray rot and brown spotting. In case of gray rot, it is necessary to remove the damaged shoots and spray them with a 6-7% solution of copper sulfate or a solution of potassium permanganate (3 g per 10 liters of water). In case of brown spot disease, it is necessary to remove and burn diseased leaves and spray with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

Reproduction of tree peonies

There are 5 ways to propagate tree peonies.

1. Dividing the bush

This is the most acceptable method of reproduction; it is carried out at the same time as planting a peony, i.e. from mid-August to mid-September. It should be a 5-6 year old, healthy bush with 7 or more shoots, with a distance between them of at least 3.5 cm. The bush is carefully dug up, the ground is washed off with a stream of water with low pressure, the shoots are cut to a height of 10-15 cm and dried in the shade for 2-3 hours. Then the rhizome is divided in such a way as to obtain delenki with 2-3 buds and a part of the root of at least 10 cm. The places of cut and damage are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate and sprinkled with crushed coal. The divisions obtained in this way are planted in pits prepared in advance.

2. Layering

Peony propagation by layering begins in May, before flowering. To do this, they take a strong shoot, bend it to the ground, and make an incision at the place where the shoot touches the ground. The incision is powdered with root stimulants, you can insert a small spacer. After that, the shoot is pinned to the surface of the soil, covered with a layer of earth 10-15 cm high and ensure that the earth does not dry out in this place. Roots should appear in late August - early September.

3. Cuttings

From about mid-June to early August, a tree peony can be propagated by cuttings. Semi-lignified cuttings are cut obliquely under the bud, the leaf blades are shortened by half, treated with root formation stimulants and planted in boxes with a mixture of sand and peat in equal amounts to a depth of 1.5 cm. The boxes are covered with foil and constantly watered and sprayed. At the end of September, rooted cuttings are planted in separate pots and left in the greenhouse until spring. In the spring, when the plants begin to grow, they are planted in a permanent place. Peonies bloom with this method of reproduction in the 5th year.

4. Grafting

With this method of reproduction, the roots of a grassy peony are used as a stock, you can also use horses and a tree peony. In this case, you need to monitor the appearance of root growth and remove it. This can be avoided by using your own peony roots. Harvested roots are desirable to withstand 2-3 weeks in a cool room. Cuttings with two buds are cut in early August and cut from both sides in the shape of a wedge. An incision of the same shape is made on the rootstock, the stem of the rootstock is firmly inserted, tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and tied. The prepared material is laid horizontally in a moistened layer of sawdust and placed in a cool shaded place. A month later, when the scion grows together with the stock, plant it in a greenhouse so that the lower eye is deepened by 5-7 cm. They are planted in a permanent place after 2 years.

5. Seeds

The advantage of this method is that a plant grown in this way will have increased immunity and adapt more easily to environmental conditions. It is best to sow with freshly harvested seeds. Seeds are sown in the ground in September-October. In this case, flowering occurs at 4-5 years. If the seeds have lain for several months or years, germination is sharply reduced and the seeds require stratification and even scarification. The stratification process is quite complicated, I personally do not have the patience to follow exactly all the recommendations. I myself sowed purchased seeds in the spring in open ground. From 10pcs. I have 2 seedlings appeared in the 2nd year and 1 seedling in the 3rd.

Using a tree peony

The tree-like peony is an unconditional soloist. He shows his best qualities in single plantings, especially good against the background of the lawn. You can also use it in group plantings, large bushes serve perfectly as a background in prefabricated flower beds. And, of course, it's a great cut.

Russian selection

And I also want to say a little about the Russian selection of tree peonies. Selection work has been carried out by the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University for more than 30 years. During this time, more than 40 varieties of tree-like peonies have been registered, which are listed in the catalog of varieties and are recommended for use in production. These are winter-hardy varieties, they feel great not only in central Russia, but also in the Urals and Siberia.

The most popular varieties of Russian selection:

• white - Lomonosov, Moscow University, Maria, Anastasia Sosnovets;
• pale pink - Dmitry Kapinos;
• yellow - Kuindzhi, Academician Sadovnichy;
• red - Vladimir Mayakovsky;
• salmon - Irina, Marianna;
• purple-pink - Nikolai Vavilov, Yulia Drunina;
• lilac-beetroot - Peter the Great.

Below is a photo of a Mountain Peony and a Tree Peony "Yellow Bird".