How to properly plant and care for herbaceous peonies. Herbaceous peony: planting and care in open ground Herbaceous peonies planting and care

In the spring, when we arrive at the dacha in April-May and walk around the area, we observe the development of peony sprouts. At first they are small, reddish, plump, and energetically make their way up from the buds located underground. Then their rapid growth begins. After all, in a relatively short time, an herbaceous peony should have time to break out of the ground, develop a massive bush with many stems and produce buds. Soon these buds turn into very large fragrant flowers.
Some varieties of peonies have huge flowers reaching a diameter of 20 cm or more.

Herbaceous peonies in our gardens generally fade by the beginning of July.
To admire the flowering of peonies for as long as possible, you should select varieties with different flowering periods.

I have been interested in herbaceous peonies for a long time and have collected a collection of them at the dacha..

Conditions for growing healthy and beautiful peonies

The herbaceous peony is an unpretentious plant that can delight gardeners with its beautiful appearance.
What can we do to ensure the good health and beautiful blooms of these magnificent perennials for many years to come?

The herbaceous peony should be planted in such a way that there is a small layer of soil above the buds (from two to five centimeters). Otherwise, if the peonies are deeply buried, they will not bloom, and if they are planted shallowly, the buds located close to the surface of the earth may freeze out in winter.

It is advisable to cover peonies planted in autumn before the first wintering.

Features of caring for young peonies

In the next gardening season, first-year peonies continue to develop a strong root system, so they cannot yet form a large bush with abundant foliage. The main thing is that their sprouts successfully reach the surface in the spring and grow in the summer.

In the first year of life, young peonies do not need to be fertilized, but they require regular watering and loosening.

If the bushes of herbaceous peonies form the rudiments of buds, then these buds should be cut off as early as possible. Young peonies do not need to be allowed to bloom to ensure the best development of roots - in the future this will lead to the formation of a strong, abundantly flowering bush.

In the second year of life, peonies already need to be fed (with the same fertilizers as adult bushes, but in smaller quantities).
In the second year of a peony's life, I usually leave only one bud on the bush to see the flower, tearing off the remaining buds to ensure further active development of the root system.

In the second half of summer, herbaceous peonies, although they no longer bloom, remain decorative. Peony bushes continue to need care. At this time, buds are formed in the underground part of the plant, from which new shoots will appear next season.
You need to continue to water the plants and carefully loosen the soil around the bushes, preventing them from growing near the peonies.

Recently, seedlings of herbaceous peonies in pots have appeared on sale. These are first-year peonies, their divisions were planted in pots in the fall, and plants have been sold since the beginning of summer.

Peonies - a luxurious garden decoration

Herbaceous peonies make a stunning addition to any garden - they are resilient, luxurious and long lasting.

Lushly blooming peonies leave no one indifferent, delighting with their charm, exquisite forms and wonderful aroma.

Some herbaceous peonies successfully set seeds in the summer - the left seed pods look impressive on the bushes.

Peony bushes are attractive throughout the gardening season. The beautiful dark green foliage of peonies turns reddish or golden in late summer.

The Chinese are sure that the cultivation of these flowers is patronized by the Gods themselves. Peonies: planting and care in open ground - how to do it correctly.

Description: varieties and varieties of peony

The familiar luxurious peonies with a magnificent aroma bloom in the spring. Blooms usually coincide with school graduations. The last school hours are saturated with sadness and the piercing, intoxicating aroma of these beautiful plants.

Famous flowers belong to herbaceous varieties, which are further subdivided:

Evading peonies - Maryin root belongs to this group.
Medicinal peonies. Varieties of this group of species include subshrubs and Lemoine peonies, which belong to tree peonies.
White-flowered (double and non-double forms, Japanese, anemone).
Terry (crown, rose-shaped, spherical, hemispherical, etc.).

Herbaceous peonies

Growing herbaceous peonies is not difficult: perennial plants can survive without replanting for over 20 years.

Important! A correctly chosen place for planting peonies is the key to prolific flowering of perennial bushes.

Modern herbaceous peonies have been bred by breeders in a wide variety of shapes and colors. There are over 5,000 varieties of this crop. Typically the height of the plant is from 0.3 to 1.5 m. The diameter of the flower varies slightly among different honeycomb species. The color of the petals of herbaceous peonies comes in all shades of pink, white, and burgundy-red.

The appearance of the bush, even without flowers, already serves as a decoration for the site. The leaves of peonies are lush green on long petioles and form lush, spreading bushes that look great both in individual plantings and in landscape design compositions.

The following types of peonies are successfully used for outdoor landscaping:

Vitman - the petals are yellowish in color;
Milky-flowered peony - white petals; the middle part of the flower is open; stamens yellow;

Medicinal peony - ruby red petals;
Thin-leaved peony - dark red petals with shades;
Maryin root is a flower with dark purple petals.

There is a classification of herbaceous peonies according to the height of the bush, which includes 4 groups: low (height up to 60 cm); medium (up to 80 cm); tall (up to 1 m); giants (up to 1.5 m).

In addition, herbaceous peonies differ in the duration and timing of flowering: early; medium, medium-late; late varieties. Planting peonies of different flowering periods on the site will allow you to have plants blooming for 2 months.

Peony flowers differ not only in shape, shade of petals, flowering time, but even in the shape of the stamens.

Tree peonies

A special group of plants are tree peonies. These plants are widespread in eastern countries - China and Japan. In recent years, this species has begun to be cultivated in our country when grown in open ground.

Unlike herbaceous peonies, tree varieties do not have dying shoots. The height of a tree peony bush can reach 2 m.

Decorative tree peonies are divided into 3 groups:

Plants with double flowers (Chinese-European varieties). These peonies have a wide range of petal colors. The buds are double, the flowers are heavy. When peonies of this group bloom profusely, the plant droops under the weight of the buds, so the installation of supporting supports is often required: this somewhat reduces the decorative value of the bush.

Hybrid yellow and Delaway peonies. Peonies belonging to this group are widely used in landscape design. This is due to the fact that the flowers are colored yellow, a rare color for peonies. Bright flowers combined with openwork foliage serve as decoration for garden areas.

Japanese varietal peonies (with double and semi-double flowers). These plants with light flowers of different shades are gaining more and more popularity when arranging flower beds.

Tree peonies grow slower than herbaceous peonies, so the price of planting material is somewhat more expensive.

Currently, breeders have developed a large number of varietal tree peonies that are capable of not only blooming beautifully, but also withstanding harsh Russian winters.

Planting a plant

Planting peonies in open ground is most favorable in early autumn. During the growing season, the peonies have become stronger, the plant has formed many new roots, which increases the chances of the bushes taking root.

Replanting peonies in the fall. An open, sunny place is suitable for peonies. Considering that the plant develops in one place for many years, sufficient distance should be provided between the bushes. Wetlands or places with high groundwater levels are not suitable for planting crops.

The plant is planted in a pre-prepared hole. To do this, you need to select garden soil to a depth of 1-2 shovels. The hole needs to be filled with a fertile soil mixture: peat, humus, turf soil and sand are mixed in equal parts. Add 1 cup of double superphosphate, 0.5 liters of ash and iron sulfate (1 tablespoon) to the mixture for planting peonies.

For better survival of peony bushes, it is necessary to treat the plant roots with a special clay mash, which consists of natural clay, 2 heteroauxin tablets and copper sulfate. Liquid clay dough is mixed into which the root system of peony divisions is dipped when planted in open ground. This operation increases the survival rate of young peony plants in a new location.

Important! Peony roots are very fragile. It is necessary to replant plants with a high degree of caution.

Young plants are not buried - the upper buds are covered with soil to a depth of only 3-5 cm. The first watering of the planted sections should be plentiful. The top of the planting hole is mulched with peat chips or garden soil - it is important to maintain soil moisture for better root survival.

Planting peonies in spring– will not cause problems if you follow the rules.
There is an opinion that planting peonies in open ground in the spring is associated with great difficulties and failures. Plants that have begun to grow suffer longer, and the transplanted plants often die.

Important! Spring replanting of the crop should be planned as early as possible. Replanting peonies in spring should be done in early April, immediately after the snow melts.

Before planting, holes are dug, the depth of which is at least 70 cm, and the diameter is over 0.5 m. Drainage made of fine crushed stone and coarse sand is laid at the bottom of the hole. The pit is filled with a fertile nutrient mixture with the addition of fertilizers. The plant is dug up with a clod of earth and placed strictly vertically in the hole. The upper buds are not allowed to be covered with soil at a distance of more than 10 cm.

If you follow the rules of spring transplantation, the plants begin to grow together, grow well in the summer and begin to bloom the next year.

Plant care

Nowadays you can find a wide variety of peonies. There are approximately 480 varieties and hybrids that occur in a wide variety of forms. The peony first appeared in China, where other varieties of semi-shrub plants were subsequently bred. Over time, Japan also learned to grow luxurious shrubs.

By the end of the 18th century, this amazing flower began to be popular in Europe. Many lovers began to use the plant to decorate their home areas. Nowadays, it is much easier to grow a flower and any gardener can do this business.

Description and characteristics

Garden peonies

In nature, these plants have the form of a deciduous subshrub, the height of which can vary from 1.3 to 2 meters, with straight light brownish thick shoots. After some time, the shoots become more massive and stable, which allows them to acquire a hemispherical shape.

Mature plants have beautiful patterned leaves, and their flowers can vary from 13 to 22 cm in diameter. This allows us to consider the inflorescences to be gigantic, larger than the diameter of some plates.

Each species is different from each other, and this can be seen by the beautiful color of the flowers and the unusual shape of the bush.

You can find yellow, crimson, white or pink shades of the color palette. In addition, they have differences in color structure.

This is how simple, double and semi-double peonies are found. There are also hybrids that have flowers of two different shades.

Common varieties of peonies:

Peonies are classified as herbaceous plant varieties. As a rule, their height varies from 0.3 to 1.5 m. All flowers differ in their diameter, which depends on the type of plant.

So they can be divided into:

Evading peonies. These include Maryin root.
Medicinal peonies, including semi-shrub samples and peonies of the Lemoine variety, belonging to the tree subspecies.
White-flowered. This species includes both super double and fluffy and simple non-double flowers, as well as Japanese and anemone-like plants.
Terry peonies. They have many types, including rose-shaped, crown-shaped, spherical and others.

Popular varieties of herbaceous peony

Herbaceous peonies are classified depending on how tall the bush they are. The following groups of plants are distinguished:

Low peonies, not exceeding 60 cm in height.
Medium plants, the bush of which reaches 80 cm.
Tall bushes, no higher than 1 meter.
Giants, about 1.5 m high.

Also, these plants are usually divided according to the timing and duration of flowering into:

The earliest
Average in flowering
Mid-late
The latest varieties

Tree peonies care and cultivation

These characteristics differ from their predecessors, primarily in that their shoots do not die off. Therefore, they need to be preserved especially carefully in winter. Such bushes are able to reach a height of human height and higher - up to 2 meters.

This type of plant is divided into three groups:

Peonies with double flowers. As a rule, they are Chinese-European varieties. You can find bushes with a wide variety of petal colors. The buds of this variety are double, and the flowers are quite heavy. If the plant blooms profusely, it bends slightly due to the weight of the growing buds. That is why it needs some kind of support to help cope with the swelling buds.
Hybrid yellow peonies and Delaway. This variety is very popular for use in landscape design, because they have a rare and unusual yellow color. Rich flowers and patterned leaves will easily decorate any garden.
Japanese varietal peonies have both double and semi-double flowers. A plant that has light flowers of a wide variety of shades. Serve as an excellent decoration for a flower garden.

The most famous and popular varieties of tree peonies

Which are widely in demand in the plant market of the Moscow region and Leningrad region

Two-tone peony

Growing in open ground

Hybrid peonies

The most suitable place for planting flowers is a hill that is well illuminated by the sun. You should not plant your pet near a fence or the walls of any buildings, as they need free space.

In open ground It is best to plant peonies in early autumn. During the growing season, already strong bushes were able to acquire young roots, which significantly increases their survival rate in a new place.

It is not worth planting bushes in the spring, as this will lead to longer rooting, and sometimes to their death. Those samples that were able to take root after spring planting, as a rule, have weaker roots and often get sick.

If you want to plant peonies without waiting for autumn, then it is best to do this no later than the end of April.

All about peonies: planting and care

An open, well-lit place, protected from piercing winds, is suitable for these plants. Since the bush has been for many years will develop in the same space, do not forget to take into account the distance between bushes when planting in groups. If the selected location is swampy or has a high groundwater level, then under no circumstances should you plant a bush there.

You should prepare a hole in advance about 1-2 shovels deep. In order for the plant to develop well, it is necessary to create a drainage layer. You will need crushed brick, gravel or coarse sand, which is poured into a 30 cm layer at the bottom of the hole.

How to plant peonies in spring video review:

What kind of soil is needed?

The pit must be filled with a special mixture, for which the following are used in equal parts:

humus
sand
turf land

All necessary components must be thoroughly mixed.

The following must be added to the created soil mixture where the peony is planted:

1 cup double superphosphate
0.5 liters of ash
1 tbsp. spoon of iron sulfate

Placement in the pit

After which it is worth pouring a small mound, and the seedling is placed in the hole. You should definitely straighten the roots, pointing them down and filling the bush with the remaining soil. The growth point should be deepened by about 5-10 cm.

If you do not want to make a mistake with the planting depth, then use a stick or planting board. It should be placed across the dug hole and the appropriate length should be measured. If you plant the bush too deep, it will become a weaker, constantly sick plant with scanty flowers.

For proper transplantation you need:

Be as careful as possible to avoid damage to the root system. The bush must be removed along with part of the soil, which is removed with water.
Don't forget to inspect the roots of the plant, as any parts that have become rotten or damaged must be carefully cut off.
The places where the cut was made must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate, then dry them a little and apply a small amount of charcoal powder.

Watering

How to water

After the pet has been planted, it must be watered abundantly, using 10 liters of water for each bush. After watering the bush so heavily, the soil around it will settle, so you definitely need to fill the resulting hole with soil, mulching it with straw or peat.

Active growth of peonies begins in spring, as well as the emergence of buds, so it should be watered abundantly. You must use at least 10 liters of water at a time. Until the end of summer you need to water the plant every ten days.

In early August, tree peonies need much less watering. But they need loosening of the soil, which is done every two days after watering, after the top layer has dried out a little.

How to fertilize

If, when planting a plant, the necessary nutrients, then they will not need any additional feeding in the next 3 years.

If the necessary technologies were not followed when planting the plant, then the pewonia will have to be fed in the first year of their active growth.

Bushes planted in April need to be fed:

Mullein solution, maintaining a ratio of 1 to 10
Don't forget to add 200 g of superphosphate
300 g wood ash.
If it is not possible to create such complementary food, then you can fertilize the growing bush with nitrophoska (100g/m2).
The second feeding should be used in May.
The third time it is necessary to fertilize in mid-June and for this purpose preparations containing phosphorus and potassium are used.

Types of peonies

Older plants that have had flowers and plants for several years now need different feeding.

In the spring they will need nitrogen and potassium. As a rule, ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate (60g/m2) are used, which are scattered around each peony.
The second feeding is carried out during the birth of buds and, as a rule, is used for it complex fertilizer, which is Kemira - a generalist or Agricola.
As soon as flowering ends, peonies should be watered with a solution phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. To avoid harming the plants, do not overfeed.

Support

Peduncles usually have not one bud, but several at once, so the side ones should be removed, which will allow you to grow larger flowers. Often the stems of the plant cannot cope with the large blooming flowers and begin to bend down. Therefore, you should provide the bush with reliable support that will hold the stems without allowing them to fall apart.

Proper pruning of peonies

One of the mandatory procedures that must be carried out with tree-like flowers is pruning.

When carrying out it, it is worth removing only those branches that have been damaged or dried out. Old shoots are shortened by no more than 10 cm, not forgetting to leave 3-4 leaves on them.

This rule should also be followed when cutting flowers, leaving the stem with several leaves. This way, the accumulated microelements will pass through the branches to the root system, making it healthier

In China, there is anti-aging pruning, which is carried out once every 10 years. The essence of this procedure is that after cutting the shoots of the plant to the base, the formation of young buds begins.

How to care for tree peony in autumn

The first step is preparing for the winter, and in order for everything to end safely, you need to follow some steps:

Do not apply fertilizers after August
Do not prune; this does not apply to damaged or diseased branches.
Mulch the root area with leaves, straw or compost, whichever is most appropriate.
As soon as the snow begins to melt, remove the mulch; if compost was used, distribute it evenly around.

Reproduction

As a rule, this plant is bred in the following ways:

Dividing the root.

To use this method, it should be taken into account that the most suitable age for dividing the rhizome is a bush that is more than 5 years old.

Propagation using cuttings.

Propagation of a tree-like plant using this method is carried out in mid-summer. To use this method, you will need a healthy bush, from which you need to cut a semi-lignified shoot that has one bud and a leaf. Before you start planting the cutting in the ground, be sure to shorten its leaf by half. The planting mixture needed for planting consists of peat and sand. Once it is ready, immerse the cutting no more than 2 cm.

To speed up the rooting of cuttings, they should be placed in a container, covered with film or glass. Having made your choice at this stage, you should constantly ventilate and water the cuttings. They need to be grown in this way for 2.5 months, after which they are transplanted into individual pots, where they will grow until spring. As soon as you notice the growth of a tree peony, be sure to find a permanent place for it.

Using layering to propagate peonies.

This method helps get a young plant as quickly as possible. To carry out the procedure, you will need the strongest mature shoot with several buds. It is necessary to root the cuttings in damp moss, soil or sand. Sometimes you need to use special greenhouses.

Grafting as a method of reproduction.

Used for breeding rare, expensive varieties of tree plants.

Seeds

This method is most often used to develop new varieties of peonies, as well as for painstaking breeding work.

Diseases and pests that most often affect

If you do not follow all the necessary rules, then this plant will suffer from various diseases and pests.

Most often they are affected fungal viral diseases, including: rust, gray rot, ring mosaic and leaf spot.

To prevent fungal diseases of peonies, it is worth treating them with fungicides.

More effective will be early spring spraying of the bush, which uses the well-known Bordeaux mixture or systemic fungicides.

To avoid leaf mosaics treat the flowers with a preparation called “Alirin”.
To avoid gray rot Copper sulfate (100g per bucket of water) used in April or October will help.
In order to save the bushes from powdery mildew it is necessary to spray them with colloidal sulfur, dissolving 40 g of the substance in 10 liters of water.
escape from rust Fungicide Topaz or Bordeaux mixture will help (dilute 100 g of concentrate in 10 liters of water).

Pests that attack bushes are: aphids, bronze beetles, beetles, horse nematodes and caterpillars. In order to fight them you will need copper and iron sulfate, green soap, karbofos, actellik, fufanon and other drugs.

It is best to deal with beetles and caterpillars manually, inspecting each plant.

Application in landscape design

Before planting peonies in open ground, do not forget to take into account that this is a perennial bush and the perennial plants growing nearby must match its color. Other plants grown close to peonies should not oppress the beauties and interfere with the development and formation of its root system.

Which are just beginning to grow when the peonies have bloomed, will be an ideal continuation of the floral design in the flowerbed.

The most suitable neighbors for peonies are. But remember that this type of plant does not like constant sunlight, so peonies should be planted in the eastern side of shaded areas.

Peonies for beginners videos:

If peony planted correctly, in one place this plant will grow and bloom profusely for more than 50 years. Of all the types of peonies, herbaceous ones are the longest-living, so it is especially important to choose the right place for them and follow the agricultural cultivation techniques.

Planting herbaceous peony

Peonies do not grow in low places with stagnant water: the rhizome rots and the plant dies. Also, peony bushes should be planted at a distance of 2 meters from the foundation of the house, since the heat emanating from the wall in summer leads to overheating of the rhizome. For bushes, choose a sunny place where there are no drafts. Peonies do not tolerate neighbors, since the roots of this plant extend to the side almost a meter.

Loam is the optimal soil for peonies, although the plant grows quite well in any soil. Heavy soil is lightened by adding sand, peat, and humus. If the area has sandy soil, humus, peat, and clay are added to the planting hole. Peat soils are not suitable for growing herbaceous peonies; they need to be enriched with organic fertilizers and ash. If groundwater is located close to the surface, a drainage layer of broken brick, gravel or coarse sand should be poured onto the bottom of the planting hole.

When planting a peony, you need to pay attention to the depth of its planting. The top bud of the bush should be 3-5 cm below the surface of the ground. If the planting depth is not correct, peony flowering will be sparse.

It is not recommended to plant peonies in the spring, since the buds are very fragile and they wake up very early. Therefore, they are often injured during transplantation. It is best to plant herbaceous peonies in the fall, from late August to mid-September. If the weather does not allow replanting the peony division within this time frame, you can wait until the end of October. But the plant may not have time to take root before the onset of frost.

How to plant herbaceous peony?

The soil needs to be dug up to a depth of 70 cm. This is done so that the peony root system actively grows in loose soil. Be sure to pour a drainage layer at the bottom of the planting hole, then a layer of soil, to which compost, manure and fertilizers are first added. The pit is prepared a month before the peony division is transplanted. The flower bud should be no deeper than 3 cm so that the shoot grows unhindered and produces lush flowering.

After planting, the peony bush must be watered. When planting several bushes, you need to maintain a distance between them - at least a meter.

Caring for herbaceous peony

A planted peony bush should be covered with sand or peat for the winter for 2 years to prevent the rhizome from freezing. In subsequent years, the bush will not need shelter.

Basic care for herbaceous peonies comes down to weeding, periodic loosening of the soil and watering. In the first year, the peony bush is not fed. From the third year, when the first buds appear, fertilizers are applied. When adding compost and fertilizers, you need to make sure that they do not get on the shoots, otherwise bacterial diseases may develop. If flower stalks appear in the first year of planting, it is better to remove them so that the bush can fully develop.

If the variety of herbaceous peony is tall, be sure to provide support for heavy peduncles. To obtain large buds, it is necessary to leave one bud on each peduncle, cutting off the side ones. peonies are often cut to make a bouquet. In this case, you need to leave part of the stem, which should have 2-3 leaves. Also, some flowers are always left on the bush. In this case, next year the peony will bloom magnificently.

As for watering, this important aspect of caring for your herbaceous peony should not be ignored. The fact is that if there is a lack of rain or watering, the bush will subsequently produce weak flower buds and one cannot expect abundant flowering next year. If you rarely visit the site and the weather is dry, it is recommended to water the soil under the bush, loosen it and mulch it with a thick layer of any material: bark, chopped straw, mown grass, etc.

After flowering, seed boxes form on the peduncles, which are removed so that the plant does not expend energy on their maturation. With the onset of autumn, peony leaves begin to turn yellow and wither. The above-ground part should be carefully cut off with pruning shears and burned.

Part 1. Herbaceous peonies - all-time favorites
Part 2. Features of growing herbaceous peonies

Even the best varieties of herbaceous peonies are one of the most unpretentious and persistent beautiful flowering perennials. Even inexperienced gardeners can grow them, and the requirements for the conditions for growing peonies are quite modest.

Conditions required for herbaceous peonies
Planting herbaceous peonies
Humidity requirements and watering
Wintering herbaceous peonies
Pest and disease control

Peony milky-flowered in the gardenConditions required for herbaceous peonies

The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing a place to plant a herbaceous peony is a sufficient amount of light. All herbaceous peonies are sun-loving plants, but can tolerate light shade at midday. Insufficient lighting affects the quantity and quality of flowers, so it is better to place herbaceous peonies in well-lit places. In the shade, these perennials do not bloom at all, but they always retain the attractiveness of the bush.

Herbaceous peonies like sheltered and warm places. New varieties have increased shoot resistance and do not lie down under the weight of the inflorescences, but even they should be placed on areas protected from active drafts. It is worth remembering that, like roses, peonies need to ensure free air circulation around the bushes. Peonies are placed away from large plants, buildings, and small architectural objects - so that the plants grow and breathe freely.

It is better to select soil for peonies from among fertile and well-developed substrates. Loams are best suited for these perennials - loose, fertile, fresh (or at least not too dry). Herbaceous peonies prefer a slightly alkaline or neutral reaction (optimal pH value is from 6 to 6.5).

Plants can tolerate slightly acidic, but not extremely acidic soil, the reaction of which can be corrected in advance by adding lime. Peonies do not tolerate dampness; areas with high groundwater levels, lowlands, and places where there is a risk of water stagnation in the spring are not suitable for them. Compacted soils are not suitable for this perennial.

Planting herbaceous peonies

Preliminary soil preparation is carried out several weeks or a month before planting the seedlings. On high-quality fertile soil for peonies, deep digging and adding organic fertilizers to the soil are sufficient (plants do not like manure, so compost or leaf humus is added to the soil). But usually the soil for planting peonies needs to be qualitatively improved.

There are many options for preparing soil mixtures, each of which provides peonies with a sufficient level of nutrition and the “correct” soil texture:

The soil removed from the planting holes is mixed in equal proportions with compost, peat and sand, supplemented with the standard portion of complete mineral or phosphorus-potassium fertilizers recommended by the manufacturer, and a handful of wood ash. If necessary, adjust the soil texture by adding clay or sand.
Planting holes are filled with different soil mixtures: a mixture of garden soil with sand, peat, humus, taken in equal quantities, is poured into the planting hole half or two-thirds of the height, adding double superphosphate (200-250 g, can be replaced with twice as much) to increase nutritional value. amount of bone meal), iron sulfate (a tablespoon is enough for the planting hole), wood ash (several handfuls or 3-4 cups) and potassium carbonate (half a tablespoon). The planting hole is filled to the top with ordinary garden soil without impurities.
The planting hole is filled on top of the drainage with a layer of a mixture of compost, humus and a double portion of mineral fertilizers to a height of 20-30 cm, and for planting and filling the planting holes, ordinary soil is used, to which organic fertilizers are added.

Taking into account the size of the rhizome and the plant’s dislike for root injuries, planting holes for herbaceous peonies are dug in the same way as for planting large trees and shrubs - about 60-70 cm in width and depth. On damp soils or in places where there is a risk of water stagnation, a high layer of coarse drainage (at least 20 cm) is laid at the bottom of the planting holes.

Planting holes are filled with selected mixtures, allowing them to compact and settle before planting. If the preliminary preparation was not carried out on time, then when filling the planting holes it is necessary to spill and compact the layers to avoid shrinkage of the soil during planting.

Planting time for peonies is limited due to the rather early flowering period and the death of above-ground parts for the winter. Plants are replanted only after flowering and ripening of renewal buds and fruits, in early autumn (the first and second decades of September) or at the end of August.

The planting distance for herbaceous peonies is at least 1 m. Only this distance allows the bushes to develop freely and not bend, to form them thick, elegant and symmetrical.

Peonies do not like replanting, so being careful and carefully handling the roots when planting new bushes is the key to their health and longevity. The plants are placed on a sand cushion so that after the soil shrinks, it is slightly buried, focusing on the buds: they should be located 3-5 cm below the ground level. More deepening will lead to a lack of flowering and problems with the health of the plant, and a higher planting will increase the risk of freezing.

Typically, the plant is installed at soil level or slightly higher, which, after filling the holes with soil, watering and settling, allows you to achieve the desired depth. When planting, the soil is carefully topped up and compacted by hand so that there are no voids left between the roots.

Planting of peonies is completed with traditional abundant watering. With the onset of persistent frost, the plants must be mulched for the winter.

Rhizome of an adult peony bush. © AdrianaHumidity requirements and watering

Herbaceous peonies are quite stable and unpretentious, requiring minimal watering during the flowering period.

In fact, there are only two mandatory waterings:

at the end of June, watering allows peonies to form high-quality renewal buds;
at the end of August, watering stimulates the growth of strong adventitious roots.

But if possible, you can not limit yourself to just two waterings. Watering at the stage of budding and flowering, as well as during the period of active leaf growth, allows you to get more impressive and lush flowering bushes. Watering is carried out only during droughts, compensating for insufficient natural precipitation.

The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging or stagnation of water, so one maintenance watering per week is sufficient. After flowering, peonies do not need to be watered, but these additional procedures allow you to preserve the attractive greenery longer. The main thing is not to overdo it.

When carrying out any watering for herbaceous peonies, it is important to make sure that the soil is soaked to the full depth of the roots. Typically, for each bush you need to use not the standard 10 liters, but 2-3 buckets of water. Peonies are watered only in the evening, on days with high night temperatures, not with cold water. You can simplify watering by additionally laying communications for “spot” watering at the root or creating watering holes.

Rejuvenation, pruning and tying up bushes

Herbaceous peonies are durable and can delight for decades, but due to thickening and growth, the quality of their flowering usually deteriorates with age, and it begins to suffer on bushes older than 7-10 years. It is better to divide bushes of varietal herbaceous peonies regularly, once every 5-8 years. The division of bushes is carried out only in late summer or early autumn.

Varieties of peonies with unstable shoots, as well as bushes growing in open areas, with the beginning of flowering under the weight of the heads without timely garter, quickly fall apart and lose their attractiveness. Luxurious flowers lying on the soil are not the most pleasant sight. Therefore, at the beginning of the growth of peduncles and at the budding stage, peonies are tied up so as to prevent the branches from bending, bending, or breaking.

There are special supports on sale that are installed on the bush, but you can tie the peonies to simple pegs installed along the perimeter of the bush, wrapping the bush with soft twine or cords in a circular manner at the budding stage and raising the circle as the flowers bloom and the peduncles grow.

Support for holding the peony bush from falling apart. © sherisilver

Removing flowers from peonies is carried out in different ways, depending on whether the flowers are cut into bouquets or left on the bush to reveal their full decorative effect:

The branches are cut for bouquets before they bloom, after the outer petals have been painted in the color characteristic of the variety - in simple and semi-double varieties, or after opening and bending the lower petals - in densely double varieties. From any herbaceous peony, no more than half of all flowers can be removed, because pruning all shoots leads to disruption of the process of laying renewing buds. Flowers with stalks up to 40 cm long are cut off, making sure to leave a shoot with 2-3 leaves in the bush. Peonies are cut early in the morning, only on fine days, immediately placing the flowers in cool water. For bouquets, cuts are renewed under water.
To obtain larger and better flowers, you can remove the side buds, leaving only the central one on each shoot.
Fading flowers are cut off after they begin to shed their petals. You cannot leave wilted flowers on the bush, as this greatly increases the risk of spreading diseases and infecting the plant. If you want to let the seeds ripen, then leave 1-2 of the first flowers on the bush, removing the rest. Faded flower stalks are not cut down to the base, but the leafy part of the shoots is left for the formation of buds.
On new peony bushes, it is not advisable to allow flowering for the first two years after planting in order to form a powerful rhizome and strong regeneration buds.

Pre-winter pruning of peonies is a mandatory measure. But you shouldn’t do it too early. It is better to postpone pruning peony bushes until the onset of stable frosts. All above-ground parts of the plants are removed, leaving stumps 3-4 cm above the renewal buds, almost at soil level. All cut parts of herbaceous peonies are burned, not left on the site and not used for composting. It is advisable to sprinkle the remains of the bush with wood ash to prevent the spread of diseases.

Fertilizing for herbaceous peonies

In order for a plant to please with a large number of flowers and fully demonstrate its varietal properties, it is necessary to regularly replenish the level of nutrients in the soil. Herbaceous peonies are fed according to the standard method for all beautiful flowering plants, adding three feedings per season:

At the beginning of active growth. For the first feeding, it is preferable to use nitrogen fertilizers to stimulate rapid growth of shoots and leaves.
At the budding stage. For the second feeding, complete mineral fertilizers are used in standard quantities.
At the peak of flowering. This feeding can be replaced by two procedures - at the beginning of the first flowers blooming and at the end of flowering. For these fertilizing, it is preferable to use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

If herbaceous peonies are grown for cutting or varieties with unknown winter hardiness are grown, then instead of classical fertilizing, you can fertilize at the beginning of growth with nitrogen or complete fertilizers, in June - with organic or complete mineral fertilizers, and in September - with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.

Spraying with growth regulators and foliar feeding has a beneficial effect on the beauty of inflorescences and the general condition of plants. Such procedures are carried out only in the summer and no more than once a month. Young plants respond especially well to foliar feeding.

Young bush of herbaceous peony. © proflowers

In addition to basic care procedures, it is worth including several more agricultural techniques in the care program for herbaceous peonies:

mulching the soil, with the obligatory renewal of the mulch layer in the spring (it is advisable to use organic fertilizers or a mixture of soil and organic matter in a layer of up to 10 cm);
weeding, regular weed removal;
loosening the soil to maintain its permeability, which is preferably carried out after each watering or heavy rainfall.

Wintering herbaceous peonies

Despite the fact that garden peonies are considered winter-hardy plants, do not forget that their renewal buds are located high and are not protected by a sufficient layer of soil. Peonies overwinter well only under snow, so it is better to take timely measures and create a light shelter that guarantees successful wintering even during snowless periods.

Preheating is very dangerous for peonies, so leaves or straw are not used for covering. It is best to create a thick layer of peat or compost mulch (minimum 5-7 cm) over the bushes pruned for the winter. But such shelter is considered mandatory only for young and varietal peonies, the acclimatization of which (in the past) is unknown. Plants purchased from local nurseries do not need to be covered at all when they are mature.

In the spring, there is no need to rush to remove the mulch layer: the shelter is removed only after reddish sprouts appear and shoots begin to develop. The procedure for removing the cover must be carried out carefully, because young shoots are very fragile. After removing the cover, the soil around the bush must be loosened.

Pruning peonies for the winter. © CherylPest and disease control

Gray rot is especially common on herbaceous peonies, which is considered the main reason for the loss of these herbaceous perennials. The slightest deviation in soil characteristics towards compaction, acidity or excess nitrogen sharply increases the risk of damage to bushes. But besides gray rot, common diseases of garden plants are not so rare on herbaceous peonies - from spotting to stem and root rot, powdery mildew and even rust.

For unstable varieties of herbaceous peonies, the most reliable way to avoid problems is timely and regular prevention. Annual treatment with a solution of copper sulfate (for rust - bodro mixture, for powdery mildew - colloidal sulfur) or a systemic fungicide is sufficient to protect plants from infection. Fighting infected bushes is a long process and not always successful. To cope with this problem, systemic fungicide treatments and preventive treatments in early spring are necessary later.

Pests on herbaceous peonies are less common. But aphids, mites and thrips can cause no less harm than diseases. It is better to control insect pests with systemic insecticides with the frequency and concentration recommended by the manufacturer.

Propagation of herbaceous peonies

Like any other peonies, varieties of herbaceous peonies can be propagated both by seed and by vegetative methods.

The easiest way to obtain offspring of herbaceous peonies, which completely retain all the characteristics of the original plant, is by rejuvenating the bushes and planning separation. Only those herbaceous peonies are divided that have developed at least 7 full-fledged shoots and have had full flowering for several years.

The optimal time for division coincides with the time of planting - from the second half of August to the end of September. Before you start digging, you should cut off all the shoots of the plant, leaving not very short, about 15 cm long, stumps on all stems.

Dividing a herbaceous peony bush. © Adriana

The procedure itself is slightly complicated by the fragility of the peony root system:

The bushes are dug up very carefully, with a large ball of earth, trying not to damage young and old roots. It is best to remove the bush by first digging around a wide radius, and then removing a very large earthen lump.
Depending on the condition of the soil, it is carefully shaken off or washed off with a gentle stream of water, exposing the rhizome for inspection. After removing the main soil, the bush is carefully examined and left to dry for several hours.
The dried bush is divided with a sharp knife or other sharp instrument so that each part contains at least 2-3 shoots, 3 renewal buds and strong new roots (the optimal size of the separated rhizome is about 10-15 cm). Both large and small divisions, as well as entire bushes, do not take root well and require careful care.
Each division is inspected, removing damaged areas of roots. All cuts and breaks on the plant must be treated with ash or special preparations for treating wounds. Before planting, it is better to soak the plants in solutions of fungicides and then rooting stimulants, but such treatment is not considered mandatory. Soaking is carried out before trimming.
Planting cuttings of herbaceous peonies is carried out according to the same rules as planting peonies in general. Plants separated at the end of summer take root well and grow actively, but they will bloom only in the second or third year after transplantation (even if the bushes produce flowers in the first or second year, it is better to prevent them from blooming in order to get larger and more abundant ones already in the third year flowers).

Herbaceous peonies can also be propagated by another vegetative method - by root cuttings or separate stems with buds and roots. Small pieces of rhizome with one dormant bud at the base of a single shoot are separated from the bushes. It is better to carry out this procedure not in early autumn, but in July, immediately shortening the shoot to 2 - 3 leaves.

Seedlings are rooted like ordinary cuttings in seedling beds (without a cover, but with constant care). For the winter, the plants are covered with a thick layer of mulch, and then the peonies are grown for several years, obtaining flowering plants only in the fifth year after rooting.

Propagation by seeds is a method that is used only in the selection of herbaceous peonies and is very rarely used in private gardens (unlike tree-like counterparts and species plants). But if you want to try your hand at breeding new peonies, then it is better to sow before winter. Peonies will bloom only in the fourth or fifth year.

First part of the material: Herbaceous peonies are an all-time favorite

The Chinese are sure that the cultivation of these flowers is patronized by the Gods themselves. Peonies: planting and care in open ground - how to do it correctly.

Description: varieties and varieties of peony

Maryin root

Famous flowers belong to herbaceous varieties, which are further subdivided:

Evading peonies - Maryin root belongs to this group.
Medicinal peonies. Varieties of this group of species include subshrubs and Lemoine peonies, which belong to tree peonies.
White-flowered (double and non-double forms, Japanese, anemone).
Terry (crown, rose-shaped, spherical, hemispherical, etc.).

Herbaceous peonies

Peonies of unusual cream color

Growing herbaceous peonies is not difficult: perennial plants can survive without replanting for over 20 years.

Important! A correctly chosen place for planting peonies is the key to prolific flowering of perennial bushes.

The following types of peonies are successfully used for outdoor landscaping:

Vitman - the petals are yellowish in color;
Milky-flowered peony - white petals; the middle part of the flower is open; stamens yellow;

Milky-flowered peony

Medicinal peony - ruby red petals;
Thin-leaved peony - dark red petals with shades;
Maryin root is a flower with dark purple petals.

There is a classification of herbaceous peonies according to the height of the bush, which includes 4 groups: low (height up to 60 cm); medium (up to 80 cm); tall (up to 1 m); giants (up to 1.5 m).

Peony flowers differ not only in shape, shade of petals, flowering time, but even in the shape of the stamens.

Tree peonies

tree peony

Unlike herbaceous peonies, tree varieties do not have dying shoots. The height of a tree peony bush can reach 2 m.

Decorative tree peonies are divided into 3 groups:

Plants with double flowers (Chinese-European varieties). These peonies have a wide range of petal colors. The buds are double, the flowers are heavy. When peonies of this group bloom profusely, the plant droops under the weight of the buds, so the installation of supporting supports is often required: this somewhat reduces the decorative value of the bush.

Terry peony

Hybrid yellow and Delaway peonies. Peonies belonging to this group are widely used in landscape design. This is due to the fact that the flowers are colored yellow, a rare color for peonies. Bright flowers combined with openwork foliage serve as decoration for garden areas.

Hybrid yellow peony

Japanese varietal peonies (with double and semi-double flowers). These plants with light flowers of different shades are gaining more and more popularity when arranging flower beds.

Japanese terry peonies

Tree peonies grow slower than herbaceous peonies, so the price of planting material is somewhat more expensive.

Currently, breeders have developed a large number of varietal tree peonies that are capable of not only blooming beautifully, but also withstanding harsh Russian winters.

Planting a plant

Planting a peony bush in a permanent place

Important! Peony roots are very fragile. It is necessary to replant plants with a high degree of caution.

Important! Spring replanting of the crop should be planned as early as possible. Replanting peonies in spring should be done in early April, immediately after the snow melts.

Peony bush before transplanting

If you follow the rules of spring transplantation, the plants begin to grow together, grow well in the summer and begin to bloom the next year.

Plant care

Caring for peonies comes down to regular watering, loosening the soil under the bushes and timely fertilizing.

Peonies require sunlight at least 5 hours a day. When shaded, they bloom poorly, are stunted and get sick, so you need to monitor the growth of nearby plants, the shadow of which can interfere with the growing season of peony bushes.

Regularly inspect peony bushes for diseases.

You cannot grow a crop in one place for more than 10 years. Peonies become smaller, flowering decreases and diseases develop.

To preserve the decorative appearance of the peony bush, it is necessary to periodically remove faded flower stalks and damaged leaves.
To increase the size of the flower, it is useful to leave one central bud on the peduncle, plucking out the rest.

Peony propagation

Peony bushes can be propagated vegetatively (by dividing the bush, cuttings, layering, grafting) and by seeds.

Each method has its positive and negative sides. Thus, propagation by grafting is justified on rare, expensive varieties of tree peonies.

Divided peony bushes

The easiest way to obtain new plants is by dividing peony bushes. It should be remembered that good planting material is obtained by dividing healthy, mature bushes older than 5 years.

Reproduction of tree peony by layering allows you to quickly obtain young plants that match the variety. A mature and strong shoot with several buds is selected for layering. Rooting is carried out in damp moss, sand or soil; sometimes it is useful to use a greenhouse.

Propagation by seeds is most common during breeding work and the development of new varieties.

Peony fertilizer and feeding

Growing lush peony bushes, pleasing the eye with their annual abundant flowering, directly depends on what care is provided to the plant. One of the necessary measures to maintain the health and full flowering of the plant is the application of fertilizing, which is divided into two types: foliar and root.

Foliar feeding of peonies

Fertilizing crops during foliar feeding is carried out by spraying a nutrient solution over the green mass of the plant. The greatest effect of this procedure is observed when spraying plants in the early morning hours or in cloudy weather.

Foliar feeding is spraying the above-ground part of the plant with nutrients from a spray bottle.

During the summer period, three foliar feedings of peonies are carried out with various fertilizers:

The 1st feeding is carried out by spraying the plants with a urea solution;
The 2nd feeding is carried out using urea mixed with mineral fertilizers;
The 3rd feeding of peonies is carried out with a solution of mineral fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers: mullein (1:10 dilution) or pomeranium (1:25 dilution) are used for adult plants during the formation of buds.

Root feeding of peonies

Root feeding of peony bushes

Nutrients are added to peony bushes 3 times during the growing season:

During March-April, peony plantings are fertilized by applying mineral fertilizers (spread over the top layer of soil). Melted snow water gradually dissolves fertilizer granules, which slowly penetrate through the soil to the roots.
Summer feeding of bushes is carried out 2 times per season, while dry fertilizer is scattered under the bushes on the ground and watered abundantly.

Diseases and pests

The decorative qualities of peonies suffer greatly from diseases and pests that affect plants, especially if agricultural practices for growing the crop are not followed.

Among Peony diseases Fungal and viral diseases are in the lead: rust, gray rot, leaf spot, ring mosaic of leaves.

Peony spotting

Diseases can be prevented by providing careful care of plantings: timely watering and periodic loosening of the soil, applying the necessary fertilizers, and timely removal of dead parts of plants. If the groundwater level is high, reliable drainage should be provided, which will prevent the long roots of peonies from getting wet.

Treatment with fungicides will help prevent the development of fungal diseases. Excellent results are observed when plants are sprayed early with Bordeaux mixture or systemic fungicides. To prevent leaf mosaic, peony bushes should be treated with Alirin.

Preparation of a composition to combat peony diseases

Peonies are damaged plant pests: aphids, bronze beetles, beetles, root nematodes and caterpillars. Iron and copper sulfate, green soap, karbofos, fufanon, actellik and other drugs are used to control pests.

The best way to destroy beetles and caterpillars is to do it manually, carefully inspecting each peony bush.

Timely care of the plant will ensure its long life and lush flowering.

Peonies: combination with other plants

Taking into account that peony is a perennial plant, the root system of which is quite delicate, when planting in open ground, care should be taken in the vicinity of suitable perennials. Companion flowers should be in harmony with the peonies in color. So, lilac speedwell, oak sage, catnip, popovnik or cuff will suit white or soft pink peonies. An excellent combination is achieved when planting peonies next to miniature conifers. Growing perennial plants next to peony bushes should not depress the bushes or interfere with the formation of the root system.

Peonies in a flowerbed

An excellent combination is achieved by planting peonies next to hostas, but remember that hostas cannot tolerate long-term exposure to sunlight. Such a neighborhood is possible with light shading, on the eastern side of the site.

Peonies in landscape design

Peonies are so decorative that single plantings are pleasing to the eye in themselves. In landscape design, planting peony bushes on an emerald lawn is appropriate. Peonies look great next to perennial shrubs.

Peonies in landscape design

The design of territories should take into account the short flowering period of peonies, and provide for planting bright, flowering summer crops next to the bushes. Growing peonies is a fun and accessible activity even for a novice gardener.

Peony planting: video

Varieties of peonies: photo

The herbaceous peony is one of the plants that delight with their flowering in the first half of summer. As soon as the soil in the garden plot warms up a little, reddish thickened sprouts can be observed on its surface after a short period of time.

Initially, they are not large in size, but very soon they turn into tall and strong stems on which buds form.
There are also peonies whose inflorescences can reach up to 20 cm in diameter.

Those who adore them for their abundant flowering and lush bush shape strive to prolong the time of enjoying their appearance and plant varieties of different flowering periods in flower beds.

Herbaceous peonies most often come in the following colors:

white;
red;
yellow;
pink.

Caring for peonies

Gardeners love peonies because they are perennial plants that do not require special maintenance conditions. In order to enjoy its lush bushes for a long time, the flower must be watered abundantly (after all, the tuberous roots are located at depth) and the space around the trunk must be loosened.

At the beginning of spring, when the growing season of peonies is just beginning, it is recommended to feed the plants with a nitrogen-containing complex. Secondary feeding will be appropriate during the period of bud formation, only this time it will be necessary to choose a phosphorus fertilizer.

In order for the bushes to bloom longer, you need to get rid of the flowering shoots with a knife.

The third time it is necessary to fertilize the peony bushes after flowering, when the plant needs potassium and phosphorus.

All types of herbaceous peonies can suffer from diseases, among which gray rot is common. Moreover, the fungus affects any part of the plant:

trunk;
foliage;
inflorescence;
roots.

If this disease was detected on the bush, it is necessary to remove all damaged areas with a sharp knife and disinfect the plant with a preparation containing copper.

In autumn, the ground part of peonies must be cut. Peonies do not need shelter for the winter, as they can withstand cold weather. Only during their first wintering is it recommended to insulate young plants with covering material.

Peony propagation

Those who are planning to propagate this flower using seeds that ripen in boxes in the place of the former bud are advised to abandon it. In this case, the varietal characteristics of the peony are most often not preserved, and you will have to wait at least five years for flowering.

The best way to propagate peonies is root division. It is better to do it in the fall or at the end of August.

The roots are dug up when the bushes are due for renewal. The need for this arises when peonies grow in one place for a very long time and flowering becomes scarce.

The bushes are carefully removed from the soil and cleaned of soil residues. The roots are washed with water and divided into several parts. Each new rhizome should have buds and adventitious roots.

A suitable shoot is a cutting with five buds, 7-10 cm long, having three adventitious roots.

You can also get a full-fledged peony bush from a small cutting that has at least one developed bud with several dormant ones. But such processes will take longer to develop.

Before planting, all cuttings must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate.

If they were purchased at a retail outlet, then the time for planting such a plant should be selected at the end of September or at the beginning of October.

Prepare the planting hole for the herbaceous peony in advance. Rotted manure and superphosphate fertilizers should be added to the soil at the bottom. It would be a good idea to mix a little wood ash into the soil.

The peony planting depth should have a five-centimeter layer of soil above the upper bud, since if it is too deep, the plant will bloom poorly, and if the buds are not covered enough, the roots may freeze in winter.

Peony growth

Since in the first years the herbaceous peony actively grows its root system, a full-fledged and lush bush will not grow soon. But the fact that in its first spring young shoots appear on the surface of the soil can be considered a successful start to the development of peony. Also, young plants do not need to be fertilized in the first year of life. Abundant watering and regular loosening of the soil is all that a young herbaceous peony needs.

Even if buds begin to appear on young bushes, they must be destroyed. The plant should not be weakened by flowering to the detriment of the normal development of the root system.

In the second year, herbaceous peonies can begin to be fertilized, but the amount of fertilizing should be small. This year you can leave one or two buds on the bush, tearing off the rest. During this period of development, new buds are formed in the root system, from which new shoots will grow the next year.

Caring for young plants is no different from caring for adults: they should also be watered throughout the season, destroy nearby weeds and loosen around the bush.

These resilient, long-lasting flowering bushes will always be in demand among gardeners.

Tree peonies

One of the extraordinary creations of nature is the tree peony. It is not for nothing that this plant is called the aristocrat of the garden of a house in the village.

The tree peony is both a shrub and a flower.

You just have to plant this plant in your garden plot, and you can get an ornamental shrub growing lushly with inflorescences. The tree peony can grow up to 2 meters in height.

It all depends on the fertility of the soil, the year of life and care.
These flowering plants are long-lived.

These shrubs can grow in one place for 90-150 years. The oldest long-liver is the tree peony, which is 300 years old.

The peony grows slowly and as it grows every year it produces 10-70 inflorescences, and sometimes hundreds. Flowers most often have the shape of a ball or bowl. They decorate the bush for about two weeks.

Among gardeners who care for tree peonies, the most common are hybrid varieties. They have long feathery leaves and flowers reach 25 cm in diameter. Dwarf tree peonies are also in demand.

Requirements of tree peonies

For normal maintenance of tree peonies, it is advisable to provide them with a place with sufficient light and protected from drafts.
If the peony bush is located under the shade of a small tree, it receives diffuse sunbathing and blooms longer. But in the open air the bushes bloom more profusely.

The soil under peonies should be fertilized, drained and alkaline.

If there is a need to replant a plant or plant a new one in your garden plot, then the most favorable time for this is the period from late August to mid-September. Tree peony can also be planted in early spring, but it must be taken into account that in this case it will be most vulnerable to frost.

The planting hole for the flower is prepared in advance. It is given the shape of a cone. The base should be twice the diameter at the surface.

Landing principle

First, you need to pour a thick drainage layer (broken brick, gravel and sand) onto the bottom. Then all this should be filled with humus. At the end, place the root of the bush there and sprinkle with the top fertile layer of soil.

If the region experiences severe winters, flower growers recommend making a protective dry shelter. Young plants or recently planted shrubs especially need this. The following can be used as covering material:

spruce branches;
reed;
dry needles.

After wintering, in April, the plant is inspected and all dry branches are removed.

There is a place for these beautiful plants in any garden. They look gorgeous against the background of lawns, even at the moment when flowering has passed. Landscape designers note the demand for this shrub, meet their customers halfway and use tree peony in both single and group plantings.

Why don't peonies bloom?

During flowering, the peony bush displays very lush greenery and lush, bright inflorescences with an intoxicating aroma. But it also happens that some owners of a house in the village do not have peonies blooming.

The first reason for the lack of flowering may be the wrong planting location. A place that is too shady or with stagnant moisture is not suitable for peony. Also, this plant will not bloom luxuriantly near tall trees and shrubs.

Soil acidity should not be higher than 6.5.

The depth of planting of the peony bush is of great importance. If the plant is planted too shallowly, its buds will not be protected by soil and may suffer from frost in winter. Conversely, planting too deeply prevents flowering. The best option is to deepen the peony buds, which are located at the base of its stems, five cm into the ground.

Also, the reason for the lack of flowering of peonies may be errors in feeding. If the soil is poor in microelements, the bushes of this plant will bloom, but sparingly and in small inflorescences. And if there is an overabundance of fertilizers, they will acquire too lush green mass, but flowering may not occur at all.

Therefore, in order for the plant to delight its owners with an abundance of flowers, it is necessary to fertilize it with nitrogenous fertilizers during budding and foliage growth.

If the weather outside is too dry and the plant needs watering, but it is not possible to provide it in the required quantity, peonies will bloom very sparingly. They especially need moisture during bud formation.

One large bush requires three buckets of liquid.

Reasons for few flowers

Gardeners make the mistake of pruning foliage from bushes too early. Many people motivate this by making room for other flowering plants. But this cannot be done, since due to the lack of foliage the bush will not receive adequate nutrition and the process of bud formation for the next year will be disrupted.

Cutting flowers too deep for bouquets can also lead to similar results.

Untimely replanting of a peony bush can be another reason why there will be no flowering.

The peony bush needs to be replanted in August. If it was transplanted in early spring, then you need to take it for granted that it will not bloom this year.

Another reason for the lack of flowering of peonies is the aging of the bush. The situation can be corrected by planting young shoots. After a three-year period, they will gain strength and bloom.

For those who adore flowering peonies, you can significantly increase the size of the inflorescences by watering the bushes twice with a urea solution. Proportions of 1/10 are the most optimal.

As soon as the plants have flowered, they need to be supported by fertilizing. This will help the peony bushes form the required number of replacement buds for the next flowering. The following can be used as fertilizer:

urea;
potassium sulfate;
organic fertilizers.

As soon as the snow melts, the soil near the peonies must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate. It will significantly accelerate plant growth, the appearance of buds and disinfect the soil.

At the end of September, the foliage of the flowers is cut off flush with the ground. If the region has a harsh climate, then the roots provide insulation.

Growing beautiful peonies in the garden

Peonies (lat. Paeonia) are decorative garden perennials, characterized by lush and fragrant flowering. In total, there are about 40 species in culture. In modern floriculture, peonies are divided into two groups - herbaceous ones, in which the leaves and stems die off every season; and tree-like, retaining the ground part year-round.

Herbaceous peony - variety EDULES SUPERBA

Today, the flower collection consists of more than 5 thousand varieties. About 500 varieties of domestic and foreign selection are cultivated in Russia.

Hybrid peony variety Yellow Grown

These plants reach a height of 60 to 100 cm. They have powerful roots and large dark green leaves. They can come in a wide variety of colors and shades: from pure white to burgundy with a white core.

Peony planting technology

Peonies are very popular among gardeners due to the variety of colors and delicate aroma of the flowers. They are quite unpretentious; if desired, any gardener can grow them on their site. The main thing is to prepare the soil and plant in the right place, adhering to generally accepted technology.

Multi-petalled peony variety Dolorodell

Selecting a location

Perennial peony can be grown for decades without replanting. But if he doesn’t like the planting site, he will have to wait a very long time for flowering.

Peonies, the planting of which consists of several stages, do not tolerate crowding; it is not advisable to plant them near fences and walls of buildings. This culture prefers open, flat terrain, well lit by the sun. The more light the bush gets, the better it will bloom. In shady areas, peonies stretch out, and flower stalks bend from heavy buds and break.

When choosing a location, consider the depth of the groundwater. If at a level of 1 m or higher, this can cause rotting of the roots and death of the bush.

Preparing a hole for planting peonies

Peonies grow well in fertile soils, but prefer light loam with good drainage. Planting sites are prepared in advance - 15-20 days in advance, so that the substrate dries and compacts.

On heavy, clayey soils, a hole is prepared 60 cm deep, and on light and loose soils - 50 cm, with a diameter of 60 by 70 cm; this depth will allow the bushes to quickly form strong roots that go deep into the soil.

Preparing a planting hole for peonies

When digging, a layer of soil of 20 cm is laid aside separately, it is used to fix the plant. The bottom of the pit is lined with expanded clay to drain water (can be replaced with broken brick or gravel).

Next, you need to add complementary foods. To prepare it, add 300 grams of ash, 100 grams of potassium sulfate, and 100 grams of double superphosphate to 5-6 kg of humus. Peonies require medium acidity, pH value 6.5. If it is necessary to deoxidize the soil, add a liter of lime mixture (a kilogram of lime per bucket of water).

Planting peonies in autumn

The optimal time for planting herbaceous peonies in open ground is late summer and early autumn (from August 15 to September 5). It is better not to postpone the deadline, since the flower will not have time to take root before the onset of stable cold weather.

Planting peonies in open ground

To maintain the planting depth, you should use a special planting board. During the process, the board is installed over the pit and, adhering to the intended values, the planting is carried out. If the flower is buried deeper, this is fraught with weakness of the plant, which will lead to poor flowering and frequent diseases.

The seedlings are placed in planting holes and the roots are straightened. Then they are covered with a mixture of soil and compost, mixed in equal parts. At the same time, the plant is shaken a little to prevent the formation of voids between the layers of the soil mixture.

Peonies flowers - planting and care, photo

When the planting of peonies in summer is completed, the soil is compacted with hands around the stem. Water, spending 5-6 liters of water for each bush.

For herbaceous varieties, the optimal distance between bushes is 0.8-1.2 meters.

Herbaceous peonies: spring planting and care

They begin planting in the 2nd decade of April, until the air warms up above plus 10 degrees. Celsius. At elevated temperatures, the buds immediately begin to grow, which significantly reduces survival rate.

Holes for peonies are dug and prepared in advance, as soon as the snow melts. Otherwise, the procedure is the same as for autumn-summer planting.

After planting, it is necessary to observe the plant and its adaptation. The lower leaves may wilt and need to be pinched back before they become affected by disease.

Herbaceous peonies - planting and care, photo

Features of planting a tree peony

Peonies of the tree group are classified as tall subshrubs, growing in height from 1.5-2 meters with straight massive shoots of light brown color. It is characterized by openwork feathery leaves and large flowers with a diameter of up to 25 cm. It blooms 10-15 days earlier than the herbaceous species, and is characterized by relative frost resistance. If the rules of care are followed, it can be grown without replanting for 20 to 50 years.

Tree peony - planting and care in open ground

The tree peony is planted using the same technology as the herbaceous peony. Basically, the period from September 1 to September 15 is chosen. The main difference between planting two types of plants is their size. For tree peonies, the distance between the bushes and the nearest buildings or other plants should be 1.2-1.5 meters; a hole for them is prepared 10 cm larger in diameter and deeper.

Growing peonies in open ground

Caring for peonies during flowering

Watering and loosening the soil

Peonies are moisture-loving. They especially need watering during the period of bud formation. From April to June, if the summer is hot, watering is organized once every ten days at a rate of 20 liters per sq.m. Thanks to this periodicity, plants form good renewal buds.

During flowering and after it, water less often - twice a month, but more abundantly, applying per 1 sq.m. planting 40 liters of water. The soil in the tree trunk circles, as soon as shoots appear, is constantly kept in a loose state. Loosen the soil carefully, not deep, and not close to the roots, so as not to damage them.

Top dressing

In the first year after planting, young peonies, which are easy to plant and care for, require virtually no fertilizing. During this period, the roots actively develop, but poorly absorb mineral fertilizers. It is recommended to carry out only foliar feeding with complex fertilizers Kemira or Baikal-M.

In the spring, during the active growth of leaves (April and May), the plants are sprayed with a solution of Agricola, according to the instructions for use. In mid-June, apply Ideal fertilizer (2 tablespoons per bucket of water).

Starting from the second year of life, plants are fed systematically. In May, as soon as the leaves begin to bloom, humus or compost is added to the soil around the bush. As root fertilizers I use nitrogen fertilizers, for example, urea diluted in water at the rate of 1 tbsp. for 10 l.

During the formation of flower stalks, liquid organic matter (preferably mullein) is added with the addition of 1 tbsp. nitrophoska onto a bucket of working solution. Additionally, the leaves and buds are sprayed with the preparation Bud, and 1-2 cups of ash are added to the tree trunk circles.

After flowering - in early August, the plants are watered with a solution of superphosphate and potassium sulfate, 1 tbsp each. each for a bucket of water.

Caring for peonies during flowering

As a rule, peonies begin to bloom at the age of three. As soon as the buds reach the size of a pea, the plants are pinched - the side shoots are plucked out, leaving one central one on each stem. To stimulate lush flowering.

Installing supports for peonies

Most varieties form large inflorescences; bushes often cannot withstand their weight and lie down, especially during the rainy season. To support plants, metal or plastic supports are installed. Faded flower stalks are cut off at a level of 15 cm from the ground.

Pruning herbaceous and tree peonies

Peonies begin pruning 14 days after flowering. It is not recommended to prune bushes that have just faded, otherwise they will not have time to form buds for flowering next year. Faded flower stalks are cut off at a level of 15 cm from the ground.

Pruning peonies after flowering

In late autumn, as soon as the first frost hits, all the stems of herbaceous peonies are cut off, leaving cuttings 10 cm from the ground. The cut leaves and stems are removed and burned. And the soil in the tree trunk circles is sprinkled with humus and ash.

Peonies of tree varieties are pruned in the spring, in April. Dry and damaged branches are removed, and old ones are shortened by 10 cm. Shoots damaged by frost are pruned to a living bud. Once every 10 years, the bush is rejuvenated by cutting off all shoots to the base.

Protection from pests and diseases

The main disease of peonies is gray rot, which occurs if the soil under them is swampy, damp or acidic. The cause of root rot can also be an excess of nitrogen-containing substances.

To prevent the disease in April or October, the bushes are sprayed with copper sulfate, 100 g per bucket of water. Before the peonies are planted in the ground, plot the rhizomes for 5 minutes. placed in a solution of root formation stimulator Kornevin.

Another common flower disease is powdery mildew. From it, plants are sprayed with colloidal sulfur, dissolving 40 g of the drug in 10 liters of water.

Powdery mildew on peony leaves

Anti-rust is treated with Topaz fungicide or Bordeaux mixture - 100 g of concentrate is diluted in 10 liters of water.

Pests

Peonies are most often pestered by mites, aphids and thrips. To combat them, the following drugs are used - Fitoverm, Agroverin and Confidor according to the instructions.

Methods and rules for propagating peonies

There are several methods by which herbaceous peonies are bred and propagated; planting and care in open ground are possible regardless of the chosen method. Basically, they choose to divide the bush and germinate cuttings, less often - layering.

Seed propagation is used only for the purpose of obtaining new varieties and forms in breeding farms. It is not practiced in gardening, since varietal characteristics are practically not transmitted with seeds, and flowering occurs only 6-7 years after sowing.

By layering

Bushes that have reached 6 years of age are propagated in this way. Vertical layering is done in April, when the buds begin to develop. During the season, the bush is well looked after: covered with fertile soil, provided with frequent watering and adequate nutrition. At the end of summer, well-developed roots form on the stems.

Carefully, so as not to damage the buds, the shoots along with the roots are separated from the mother plant and planted in boxes or a greenhouse. Before winter, young plants are covered with peat, straw or spruce branches. Transplantation to flower beds is carried out after 1-2 years.

Cuttings

Rare varieties are propagated by cuttings when there is an insufficient amount of planting material to obtain many seedlings. Cuttings are prepared from plants over 4 years of age. About 15 cuttings are obtained from one such bush, and 30-35 from older bushes.

Peony cuttings for propagation

The best time for cuttings is considered to be from the end of May to mid-June. The cut cuttings are kept for 8 hours in a solution of the root formation stimulator Heteroauxin (100 ml per 10 liters of water) and planted in a nursery or greenhouse.

Dividing the bush

Dividing the root system is the most effective way to not only propagate, but also rejuvenate peonies that have been growing in one place for more than 8 years. The best period for dividing a peony bush is from August 15 to September 5.

Reproduction of peonies by division

The overgrown bush is first dug up with a shovel, trying not to injure a single root, and carefully removed from the ground. The rhizome is cleared of the earthen lump by hand; if there is a lot of soil stuck, it is washed off with water from a watering can.

Next, the peonies are left for 3-4 hours in a dry and sunny place so that the roots dry out and divide more easily. Immediately before dividing, the shoots are shortened to a height of 10-15 cm from the ground. Using a peg, the bush is separated into two halves.

These areas are divided with a knife first into large divisions, and then into smaller ones with several buds, in places where the roots are intertwined. At the same time, they try to save as many young roots as possible that have grown from the rhizome.

The divided parts are placed in a growth stimulator solution for 8 hours and planted in previously prepared planting holes.

When and how to replant peonies

Garden peonies do not require frequent replanting. They painfully endure moving to a new place, to which they can adapt for 2-3 years. Plants are replanted in cases of extreme necessity: improper or shallow planting, lack of flowering or its shrinkage. Once every ten years, the bushes are replanted by dividing the roots.

Replanting peonies in autumn

The process begins in August or September. The bush is carefully dug out along with a lump of earth. The soil is washed off with water from a watering can or hose. The cleaned plants are inspected, diseased ones are removed and long roots are shortened. The cut areas are treated with a 1% solution of potassium permanganate and sprinkled with crushed coal.

Preparing peonies for the winter season

Regardless of the type and climatic conditions, peonies, aged from planting to 3 years, need shelter for the winter. More mature bushes do not need to be covered, but simply mulched with dry peat or humus.

Sheltering herbaceous peonies for the winter

They begin to build a shelter for herbaceous varieties as soon as a stable sub-zero temperature is established. The cut shoots are covered with loose soil or peat with a layer of 10 cm.

In the northern regions, the mulch layer is increased to 20 cm. The resulting mound is additionally covered with spruce branches, straw or sawdust. In spring, the shelter is removed.

Tree peonies are covered more carefully. First, the stems are tied together using fabric twine. Low young bushes are covered with spruce branches, burlap or covering material. On top, to protect the plant from wind and snow, a hut made of spruce branches or branches of fruit trees after pruning is installed.

Tall bushes are also tied. A wood frame is installed around the plant. The fence must match the size of the bush or be slightly higher than it. The space between the frame and the plant is covered with dry leaves.

Bottom line

Magnificent peony flowers, planting and caring for which are accessible even to a novice gardener without special skills, will decorate any garden. Follow the recommendations given in the article, provide the plants with appropriate care, and in a few years your garden will be decorated with abundant and lush flowering of beautiful peonies.

How to properly plant and care for herbaceous peonies. Herbaceous peony: planting and care in open ground Herbaceous peonies planting and care

Conditions for growing healthy and beautiful peonies

Features of caring for young peonies

Peonies - a luxurious garden decoration

Description: varieties and varieties of peony

Herbaceous peonies

Tree peonies

Planting a plant

Plant care

Description and characteristics

Common varieties of peonies:

Popular varieties of herbaceous peony

Tree peonies care and cultivation

This type of plant is divided into three groups:

The most famous and popular varieties of tree peonies

Growing in open ground

All about peonies: planting and care

How to plant peonies in spring video review:

What kind of soil is needed?

Placement in the pit

For proper transplantation you need:

Watering

How to fertilize

Support

Proper pruning of peonies

How to care for tree peony in autumn

Reproduction

Dividing the root.

Propagation using cuttings.

Using layering to propagate peonies.

Grafting as a method of reproduction.

Seeds

Diseases and pests that most often affect

Application in landscape design

Planting herbaceous peony

How to plant herbaceous peony?

Caring for herbaceous peony

Herbaceous peonies

Tree peonies

Foliar feeding of peonies

Root feeding of peonies

Selecting a location

Preparing a hole for planting peonies

Planting peonies in autumn

Herbaceous peonies: spring planting and care

Features of planting a tree peony

Watering and loosening the soil

Top dressing

Caring for peonies during flowering

Pruning herbaceous and tree peonies

Protection from pests and diseases

Pests

By layering

Cuttings

Dividing the bush

Bottom line