Planting peonies in the fall: optimal timing and growing rules. When is the best time to replant peonies? Planting a peony in a new place and proper care of the bush after transplantation

However, quite successful summer residents say that if you are lucky enough to purchase a peony seedling in February, you should not wait six months before planting it. It only needs to be preserved until planting in open ground. The advantage of the situation is that even in the spring the suction roots do not lose their ability to grow. The main thing is to carry out all the necessary manipulations correctly and in a timely manner.

Varieties and popular varieties of peonies

There are 2 types of peonies by origin and shape:

Tree-like

Herbaceous

Based on the shape of their buds, peonies are divided into:

Depending on the date of flowering, peonies can be divided into:

very early (before June 5)
early (as a rule, they begin to bloom from June 5-10);
medium (from June 10-20);
late – (from June 20-30);
very late – (after June 30).

Video: everything about peonies for beginners

Choosing healthy peony seedlings: main selection criteria

Help in choosing good seedling peony can be the packaging itself, since, as a rule, the very name of the variety and its short description, and the number of cuttings for planting is also indicated, and there is a quality control mark. Of course, you cannot neglect the mini-instructions for planting, which are printed on the back of the box.

It is critical to inspect the divisions (through a transparent plastic bag). It is especially worth focusing your attention on the following elements:

on the number of renewal buds (at least 3 pieces);
on the number and length of adventitious roots (minimum 2 roots more than 5 cm long);
on traces of damage and signs of disease.

It is not advisable to purchase a seedling if the following signs of poor quality are present:

excessive humidity or, conversely, dryness of the division;
specific odor (strong smell of mold or rot);
suspicious growths or noticeable thickenings on the rhizomes (such specimens have a very high risk of cancer or, just as bad, root nematodes).

Important! If you get a piece with only 1-2 buds, do not rush to throw it away. It’s just that such peonies will not grow so quickly and will bloom 1-2 years later.

Video: how to choose peony seedlings in spring

By the way! Peonies begin to be sold in February-March. If you buy them so early, you will have to carry out certain measures to preserve peony seedlings before planting them in open ground. The following videos will help you with this.

Video: buying peonies and storing them until spring planting in open ground

Video: planting a peony from a pot into open ground in spring

Optimal place and soil for planting peonies

When a peony grows in brightly lit place, then its flowers are large, of magnificent rich color. A little natural shading at noon is not harmful. But strong is abnormal and uncomfortable for him. It cannot go away without problems and sometimes leads to a complete lack of budding, sometimes even to the death of the plant.

But in relation to soils peony is quite unpretentious, although different types soil, flower development occurs in completely different ways.

By the way! It should be noted that the most remarkable decorative effect is achieved when the peony grows on cultivated soil or loam (soil with a high clay content and a significant amount of sand), which is capable of receiving and retaining water well.

If you are planning to plant a peony near groundwater, then you should not allow its level at the planting site to cross the mark of 0.5-0.7 m from the surface. This is fraught with rotting of the roots of the plant, and consequently, the death of the bush. In such cases, it is necessary to raise the flower beds higher by adding soil. More reliable way- dig additional drainage channels around the flowerbed by placing a ceramic pipe.

Planting peonies in open ground: step-by-step instructions

It is recommended to plant peonies in early spring, or rather before the start of stable warming, in other words, the optimal period is the entire month of April. This is done so that before the shoots appear, the cuttings have time to take root well in the soil.

It makes more sense, of course, to make a landing hole in advance so that the earth has time to subside a little. But it’s okay if you dig it up right on the day of planting the rhizomes.

Step-by-step instruction planting peonies in open ground in the spring is as follows:

We make the planting hole larger than the root system of the seedling, which is around 60 by 60 cm. The distance between seedlings should be about 1-1.5 meters. We put the top fertile layer of soil on one side of the hole, the bottom one on the other.
We loosen the bottom of the pit a little more and fill it with a 15-30 centimeter layer of drainage (your choice can be expanded clay, broken brick or ordinary river sand, depending on what you have available).
We dump the top (more fertile) layer of soil down to the roots into the hole, followed by a couple of buckets of excellent compost or humus, 1 cup of superphosphate and 2 cups wood ash. Mix everything thoroughly. If the soil is excessively clayey, then it is recommended to add 1 bucket of sand (peat is also allowed), and if, on the contrary, it is too sandy, on the contrary, 1 bucket of clay.
Next, add enough soil so that about 10 centimeters remain to the surface.
We straighten the roots and place a peony section in the center of the hole. In heavy soil, it is necessary to deepen the division from the point of bud growth by 5 cm, and in light soil - by 7 centimeters.
Now you need to fill the peony roots with soil and compact them a little with your hands, but not with your feet.
Then water well. If suddenly the soil sags slightly, you should add additional soil.
It will absolutely the right decision, if you mulch the hole with peat or humus. Mulch will protect against excessive overheating and cracking of the soil, in other words, it will create optimal conditions for quick rooting of the cuttings.

Note! One of the reasons for weak or complete absence Flowering may occur if the peony bush is too deep when planting. On the other hand, on the contrary, being too close to the surface can lead to freezing of the plant in winter.

Caring for peonies in the open ground: mandatory measures

Your peony bushes will grow and bloom vigorously if you take intensive care and care for them properly. And for this you will need high-quality watering, periodic loosening and regular weeding.

In the first days after planting, peonies need to be watered daily for more successful rooting. When the period of active growth begins, the ground around the plants should be irrigated abundantly with non-cold water (+22-24 C). When dry and hot weather sets in, it is worth watering so that the moisture penetrates right down to the roots. The watering norm for an adult peony is literally 2 buckets. Try to avoid getting moisture on the leaves, otherwise expect the plant to inevitably become infected with a fungal infection.

Prompt weeding and loosening of the soil will help prevent the appearance of dry crusts on the surface of the earth.

We’ll talk about such an important component of peony care as feeding separately.

Root feeding

Starting from 2-3 years of development, for luxurious flowering, in addition to regular watering, loosening and weeding, peonies will need additional feeding.

As a rule, fertilizing is carried out in 3 stages:

Feed for the first time The peony follows immediately after all the snow in the garden has melted. At this time, we proceed from the greatest need for nitrogen-potassium fertilizers: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of nitrogen and 1-2 tbsp. spoons of potassium per bush.
Next feeding carried out already during the formation of buds. Each bush should be fed with 1 tbsp of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. spoons of each product (a little less nitrogen can be used).
Last autumn feeding should be done 10-14 days after flowering (gives strength to lay new buds). The fertilizer should contain one tablespoon of phosphorus and potassium.

Important! You should not be surprised by the need to monitor the rate of fertilizer use, since an unbalanced amount (in particular, nitrogen) causes wild growth of unnecessary foliage, and budding is suspended.

Video: care and feeding of peonies in spring before flowering

What fertilizer to feed peonies

So as not to burden you with search problems necessary fertilizers for feeding peonies, we will help you understand which modern drugs should be taken most seriously and how to choose the best and most effective.

Mineral fertilizer Kemira (Fertika)

According to reviews from practicing flower growers, Kemira (Fertika) produces flowering of excellent quality, and also increases the vitality of plants to many fungal and viral diseases. It is economical, odorless, and diluted without sediment. It is recommended to use the entire spring-summer season with an interval of 10-14 days.

In early spring and a week after flowering, Kemira Universal fertilizer is more relevant than ever. To ensure that all the fertilizer reaches the roots without any residue, it is more effective to apply it in the form of a solution. In this form, it will definitely not be lost, washed out, or evaporate. And the roots will instantly receive nutrients. It would seem like a mere trifle, but the fertilization process should occur in this way: first the land is irrigated with water, and only then the fertilizer is used. And then once again the usual watering. This procedure is of great importance, since it helps to protect the delicate roots of plants from burns in the event of an error in calculating the fertilizer.

The second feeding is carried out with Kemira Combi fertilizer (most often in the form of a pink powder that is easily soluble in water) with the same procedure as described above.

By the way! All constituent elements of the fertilizer are easily absorbed by plants due to their chelate form, because chelates do not react with the soil and do not bind to it, which is why chelated fertilizers are absorbed by plants almost 100%, and not 25%-35%, like conventional ones.

Organic fertilizer Baikal EM1

Living microorganisms contained in microbiological fertilizer prepared on the basis of EM technologies will help restore the fertility of the soil in which peonies grow and saturate it with oxygen. Fertilizer Baikal EM1 is added once a week to compost and for watering from spring to July.

Foliar feeding

Those who prefer to feed by foliar method will like the “Ideal” fertilizer. This product is based on vermicompost and contains everything that flowers love so much. For this type of feeding, it is just right to spray with a spray bottle (you can water it from a watering can containing fine calico) the leaves of both young and adult bushes once a month. Solution consumption - 2 caps per 1 liter of water.

By the way! If you add some household soap or a tablespoon of washing powder per bucket of water to this solution, then this “soapy” solution will stay on the leaves better and longer.

In addition, you can adhere to the following scheme for applying foliar fertilizers to peonies:

1 feeding(based on the appearance of a green bush) - usually only a urea solution is taken (3 tablespoons per bucket of water).
2 feeding(about a month later, during the budding period) - the urea solution is supplemented with microfertilizer in tablets (for example, Agricola, 1 piece per bucket of solution).
3 feeding(at the end of flowering) - only a more saturated solution of microfertilizers without urea is used (2 tablets per 10 liters of water).

Video: how to care for peonies in spring - feeding

Carrying out timely fertilizing in accordance with all the rules will help healthy and truly beautiful peonies develop and bloom. It is logical that for a stronger effect, fertilizing should go along with prompt watering, loosening and weeding of the soil from weeds.

Video: why peonies don’t bloom

Note! Read about what to do with peonies in the fall (feeding, pruning, covering) and how to properly prepare them for winter In this article.

Every novice summer resident has the power to destroy the ridiculous stereotype about the impossibility successful landing peonies in spring. To do this, you need to know and correctly follow the proposed recommendations for choosing a seedling, location, soil, as well as for creating normal conditions for growing and caring for these magnificent perennial flowers in the spring.

Video: how to plant peonies in spring

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 single, but bright, numerous flowers appearing against the background beautiful foliage, different in different species. They bloom earlier than garden varieties, which is important in early design; in addition, this good material for selection work. Garden forms and peony varieties are mostly herbaceous perennial rhizomatous plants with a height of 60 to 100 cm. The bush is large, multi-stemmed, with beautiful greenery, decorative look until mid-September. The flowers are large, showy, can be double, semi-double or simple, with different terms and duration of flowering.

Early varieties bloom in the first ten days of June, late varieties - 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 the site for 40-55 days.

Steppe peony In addition, you can increase the flowering period due to agrotechnical techniques: using film frames, as with strawberries, you can cause earlier flowering, and when planting on the shady side of the site and covering the bushes with sawdust (10-15 cm), it can be delayed by 10-15 cm. 12 days, thereby further extending the flowering period by 15-20 days.

Peonies grow well in soil rich in organic matter with sufficient moisture, do not like transplanting and develop better in one place for 10-12 years, provided good agricultural technology.

It is better to plant peonies in holes, the size of which depends on the size of the planting material (50×50, 60×60, 70×70 cm), add humus (8-10 kg per hole) and superphosphate (200 g), mix well with soil , fill it with water and plant a “division” of peony into the liquefied mass so that its buds are no deeper than 3-5 cm from the soil level after filling with soil.

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

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

If there is a lack of moisture, abundant watering of plants is necessary during budding, flowering and at the end of August during secondary root growth. 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.

To obtain larger flowers, one bud should be left on the stem. For better flowering the next year, in the fall, the leaves are cut off and humus mixed with wood ash and bone meal is added to each bush. Peonies should be planted separately; if they are in the shade of trees, the number of buds and their size decrease sharply.

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

You can often see ants on the buds; they are attracted to the sweet juice. The buds are sprayed with tobacco infusion, and the nearby anthill must be moved away from the bush.

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

Dividing the bush is carried out in the first half of August before secondary root growth begins or in early spring, as soon as the soil thaws. This is the most common method of propagating peonies. Most gardeners use it when transplanting plants to a new location. Many people 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), the peonies will bloom the next year.

To do this, you need to know that in peonies, in addition to the spring growth of roots, their increased growth occurs secondarily - in the fall, from about August 20-25. Therefore, replanting and dividing roots should be done as soon as the soil thaws and before secondary root growth begins! It should be taken into account that the root system of peonies grows, depending on age, up to 80 cm in depth and up to 90 cm in width.

Having carefully dug the bush with a shovel, lift it with a garden fork, trying to damage the roots as little as possible. They wash them off the ground with water from a hose and divide them, while using a knife as little as possible, separating them in places where bridges form, so as to cause fewer wounds.

To obtain 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 on a division, but they begin to bloom one or two years late.

You can get peony seedlings without completely digging up the plant. For this purpose, 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 filled with soil, watered with water - and the bush continues to bloom and develop. When transplanting old bushes to a new location, rejuvenating pruning is carried out, the fleshy rhizomes are shortened, leaving roots 8-10 cm long near the renewal buds.

There is another way to obtain 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 unearthed, part of the renewal buds with a piece of rhizome are separated from it and planted in cold nurseries at a distance of 10x10 cm, covered with film, and rooting occurs on the fortieth day. Then the film is removed and covered with a sheet cushion for the winter. In the spring, the plants are transplanted to the school or to a permanent place. Such plants bloom in the third or fourth year of life.

The method of propagation by layering is also based on the principle of preserving the bush. In the spring, a wooden box 25-30 cm high is placed on the peony bush. As the bush grows, the buds are covered with loose soil or humus, gradually filling the box. The shoots grow and bloom normally (slightly delayed compared to free-growing bushes). Roots form at their base. In the fall, the box is removed, the rooted stems are cut off, and they are replanted in 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. It is very decorative, thanks to its spectacular, bright green, double-cut leaves and unusually beautiful, large (diameter from 12 to 25 cm) flowers. They come in simple, terry and semi-double forms and different colors: from snow-white to almost black, including yellow and purple.

History of cultivation tree peony dates back more than two thousand years. In the wild, tree peony grows in the highlands of southeastern China, so the Chinese were the founders of the introduction of these plants into cultivation and subsequent selection. Around the 7th-10th centuries, 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-long work, more than 1000 varieties of tree peony were created, divided into several groups:

Chinese-European - with heavy double flowers;
Japanese - with single 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 newest group created with the participation of high-mountain species and which has a number of advantages for growing in our rather harsh conditions. This:

Increased winter hardiness;

Stronger annual growth compared to tree peonies;

Early flowering.

Tree peonies have a number of features that must be taken into account when growing them.

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

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

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

Buying a tree peony

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

Planting a tree peony

Choose a place for planting peonies that is sunny or lightly shaded, protected from the winds.

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

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

The pit for planting the peony is prepared in advance, about 2-3 weeks in advance. 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 hole, 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 over the formed surface of the hole, and fill them with the remaining soil mixture so that the root collar is at soil level, compact it and water it.

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 possible solutions.

Plant the division in a 5-6 liter pot, when a stable positive temperature sets in, take it out into the garden and wait for a favorable time for planting, carefully transferring the plant from the pot into the prepared hole. In this case, it is important to prevent waterlogging and stagnation of water during the overexposure period.
Plant in the same way as in autumn. In this case, it is advisable to choose a planting time when the danger of return frosts has already passed and stable heat has not yet set in.

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

Tree peony care

Feeding– if the peony is planted correctly, then in the first two years there is no need to fertilize it. Starting from the third year, the first feeding is carried out in the snow with nitrogen-potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. The second is before flowering with the same fertilizer composition. Third - after flowering - phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. I use Fertika fertilizer (Kemira) in spring and summer, respectively.

Watering- abundant, 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.

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

Fig.1 Pruning tree peony after flowering

Shelter of a tree peony for the winter

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

Transplanting a tree peony

Tree peony transplants are very painful. Transplanted bushes take a long time to recover, sometimes within several years. If there is a need to replant a healthy bush, then carefully dig it up, trying not to damage the root system, and transfer it with a lump of earth to a previously prepared hole. If the bush has signs of disease and you want to revive 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 dark burgundy solution of potassium permanganate, sprinkle with crushed coal and plant in a prepared place.

Tree peony rejuvenation

If your peony bush has reached maturity (20 years or more) and has begun to lose its decorative appearance, then the bush can be rejuvenated by pruning it in the fall almost to the very surface of the soil. This will give impetus to the awakening of adventitious 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 peonies can be susceptible to gray rot and brown spot. In case of gray mold disease, it is necessary to remove damaged shoots and spray 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 the diseased leaves and spray with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

Propagation of tree peonies

There are 5 ways to propagate tree peonies.

1. Dividing the bush

This is the most acceptable method of propagation; 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. Carefully dig up the bush, wash off the soil with a stream of water weak pressure, cut the shoots to a height of 10-15 cm and wither in the shade for 2-3 hours. Then the rhizome is divided in such a way as to obtain divisions with 2-3 buds and a part of the root of at least 10 cm. The cut and damaged areas are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate and sprinkled with crushed coal. The divisions obtained in this way are planted in holes prepared in advance.

2. Layering

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

3. Cuttings

From approximately mid-June to early August, 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 quantities to a depth of 1.5 cm. The boxes are covered with film and constantly watered and sprayed. At the end of September, rooted cuttings are planted in individual 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. Vaccination

With this method of propagation, the roots of the herbaceous peony are used as a rootstock; you can also use horsetail and 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. It is advisable to keep the harvested roots for 2-3 weeks in a cool room. Cuttings with two buds are cut in early August and cut on both sides in the shape of a wedge. An incision of the same shape is made on the rootstock, the cutting of the rootstock is tightly inserted, tightly wrapped with plastic film 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 has fused with the rootstock, plant it in a greenhouse so that the lower eye is buried 5-7 cm. 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 more easily adapt to conditions. environment. It is best to sow with freshly harvested seeds. Seeds are sown in the ground in September-October. In this case, flowering occurs in 4-5 years. If the seeds have been stored for several months or years, germination rate decreases sharply and the seeds require stratification and even scarification. The stratification process is quite complicated; personally, I don’t have the patience to follow all the recommendations exactly. I myself sowed purchased seeds in open ground in the spring. Of 10 pcs. I got 2 seedlings in the 2nd year and 1 seedling in the 3rd year.

Using tree peony

The tree peony is an absolute soloist. Their best qualities he shows in single landings, especially good against the background of a 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 Russian selection tree peonies. Selection work has been carried out at the Moscow State University Botanical Garden for more than 30 years. During this time, more than 40 varieties of tree peonies have been registered, which are included in the variety catalog and recommended for use in production. These are winter-hardy varieties; they feel great not only in middle lane Russia, but also in the Urals and Siberia.

Most popular varieties Russian selection:

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

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

BOCHAROVA T.M.

Peonies planting and care

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

Peonies begin to bloom at the end of May - beginning of June. The height of the bush can reach 90 cm. Peonies are a perennial garden crop that delights the eye with its splendor for many years. Growing peony (Paeonia) is not difficult; it is not a capricious plant that does not require labor-intensive care.

Types and varieties of peonies

Today, 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 that grow up to 2 m. Herbaceous varieties do not require special care and bloom for many years in a row. Basically, by the second half of July, herbaceous varieties of peonies fade. To prolong the pleasure of seeing blooming 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 border stone, herbaceous types are more suitable; when planting alone, tree peonies are better suited.

Tree peonies are divided into 3 varieties:

European ones are distinguished by large flowers with double petals of various colors - from pinkish to deep crimson. Their leaves are dense, fleshy, and large in size.
Japanese ones are terry and semi-smooth, the inflorescences are not so heavy. This variety is distinguished by its increased resistance to frost. This feature is due to the cutting method, 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.
Hybrids bred by crossing Delaway and Yellow peonies. This subshrub species is bright yellow with a prominent red marking at the base of the bud. The trunk does not branch and grows up to 2 m in height. There are generally 3 to 5 inflorescences on one branch. Blooming flowers can reach 10 cm in diameter.

Tree varieties of peonies take root well and develop in lighted places that are not exposed to direct wind. The soil base must be selected that is fertilized and well-permeable to moisture, preventing water from stagnating. IN winter time representatives of this species should be covered with coniferous branches and barriers made of boards to avoid freezing.

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

These days, they are becoming increasingly famous hybrid varieties obtained by repeated crossing different varieties. Hybrids are unique because they combine the properties and external qualities of herbaceous and tree-like types.

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

The classification of herbaceous varieties is broader than tree varieties. The main varieties include:

Maryin root (steering peony), which has large, upright growing stems in diameter, up to 1 m high. Sufficient large flowers pink color - these are the distinctive features of this variety. Flowering occurs in May – June. Applicable as medicine and for decorating the garden area.
Peony officinalis was previously used only in medical purposes, but is now widely known as a beautiful flower for decoration. The inflorescences have no aroma, size up to 12 cm. The color of the blossoming buds is usually dark red. This variety is widespread mainly in the middle zone of our country. Flowering begins in early June.
The narrow-leaved peony is an attractive decorative element for unshaded areas that are not subject to heavy watering. During the flowering period they delight with beautiful crimson buds, but already in the second half of May they fade and cease to be a decoration of the territory.
Mlokosevich's peony is named after the researcher who discovered this variety on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in the 19th century. The unique yellow color and bluish color of the leaves makes it interesting for peony lovers. One more distinctive feature it is considered a very slow blooming of buds, which, when opened, reach 12 cm. Flowering time varies depending on the climate, but usually it occurs in May.
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 ones:

Miss America - tall plant with lush white buds;
Cytheria - flowers are medium in height, changing color during flowering, from deep burgundy at the beginning to white-pink at the end;
Lastres are 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 shade;
Pearl scattering is a type of later blooming and long flowering duration. The smell is similar to roses;
Karara is a medium-height variety, with the diameter of blooming flowers up to 16 cm.

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

There are peonies for every taste; even the most fastidious gardener will find something to suit their taste for growing and decorating their plot.

Peonies photos

Peony planting and care in open ground

Selecting and preparing a place for planting a peony

The key to successful planting of peonies is the optimal location for the flower. The area for peonies should be sufficiently illuminated, especially in the morning, and not be shaded by other garden crops.

Peonies react negatively to strong gusts of wind, so they should be placed near the walls of buildings, fences, or protected from drafts by taller bushes or trees.

It is better if the chosen site is located on a hill, because peonies do not tolerate too moist soil, and low-lying places 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 transplantation, the area for peonies must be prepared. You need to make a hole about one and a half shovels long and fill it with soil prepared from humus, peat, regular soil and sand, taken in equal quantities. For correct height 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, there is more rain, which improves the plant’s adaptation to a new place. Before the onset of cold weather, the flower will have time to strengthen itself thanks to the active growth of new root branches.

Attention! Peonies planted in spring are more susceptible to disease and recover more slowly. Flowers transplanted in the fall take root better and begin to develop rapidly in the spring.

If you need to plant in the spring, then this must be done before the air has time to warm up to 10 degrees. If this condition is not met, then there is a high probability of plant death.

Peony care basics

Since peonies are usually grown in outdoor gardens, the care rules are considered in relation to growing in open ground.

Temperature and lighting

There are no specific temperature characteristics. Each gardener chooses a variety intended for cultivation in his own climatic zone and adapted to specific temperature conditions. The appropriately 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. It is possible to grow in slight shade, but periods good lighting should prevail.

Soil composition requirements

A suitable soil composition plays a major role in the proper development of a peony bush. When planting, an optimally selected soil mixture is the key to beautiful flowers that will delight the eye and decorate the area.

Soil that is slightly acidic or alkaline is well suited for peonies. If the soil is clayey, then sand must be added; in the case of sandy soil, humus must be added, and in soil with an acidic environment, limestone must be added at least a year before planting peonies.

The planting process is very important in the life of the plant and requires certain preparation from gardeners. It is necessary to dig a hole 70 cm deep for the peony. It must be prepared a month before planting and filled with a specially prepared soil mixture of peat, sand, humus and the necessary fertilizers. Regular soil is poured onto this mixture 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 the soil to shrink is required to prevent the buds of the transplanted peonies from covering with soil.

Watering

Peonies should be watered sparingly. These plants are negatively affected 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 more water. Watering should be done directly under the roots, without watering the foliage.

Frequent loosening of the soil helps ensure optimal development and growth. Loose soil retains the required amount of moisture better, reducing the appearance of weeds and dangerous pests.

Top dressing

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

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

Trimming

One of necessary procedures When growing peonies, pruning is necessary. The best time Autumn is considered the time for pruning. This helps prepare the plants for a safe winter.

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

It is incorrect to prune peonies immediately after flowering. This will lead to the removal of inflorescence buds set for the next year. If you prune 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 need to be prepared for winter period. This includes pulling weeds and loosening the soil around the bushes.

In autumn, it is necessary to trim leaves and stems low to prevent them from developing fungal diseases. In case of severe winters, covering 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 peony and steppe peony. These crops are among the first to bloom in the conditions of Siberian nature, which gives them special value in the formation of landscape designs of these territories.

The climatic conditions of the region have the following influence on the development of flowers: cold weather during the period of bud formation slows down flowering, subsequent heat accelerates flowering. To increase the duration of the flowering period, it is necessary to adjust the conditions, bringing them closer to natural for certain varieties.

Peonies belong to unpretentious plants, some varieties of which can grow in northern climates. Required condition This is where autumn mulching of bushes begins.

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

Peony propagation

Methods for propagating herbaceous or tree peonies have their own characteristics, but there are identical methods for all types.

The propagation method suitable for any type of peonies is propagation by seeds. It is worth considering that this method is quite lengthy, because plants will flower on average only after 5 years. However, not all varietal peonies will retain their varietal characteristics.

The most commonly used method is dividing bushes. This method is used for tree and herbaceous varieties without exception. Separated parts of the bush usually quickly adapt and flowers appear on them already in the second year after reproduction. Dividing a herbaceous peony is also a unique way to rejuvenate the bush. A tree plants You can divide them only 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 roots of one variety onto another, including a tree-like one into a herbaceous one. Herbaceous varieties are propagated by root cuttings and separating parts of the plant.

Features of peony care by season

In the spring. The first sprouts of peonies appear early, still from under the snow. If the bushes were mulched in autumn, then at the beginning of April it is necessary to carefully remove the covering structure. In the first days of May, the first fertilizing and preventive spraying against diseases are carried out.

In summer. Summer care includes weeding the ground around the bushes, timely watering and the necessary fertilizing.

In autumn. Trimming leaves, destroying tops in case of fungal infection, or covering with cut leaves if the plant is healthy.

In winter. Special insulation is carried out if the peony is young or in harsh winter conditions. More mature specimens in normal conditions winters will not require insulation.

If 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 buds during planting;
little light and too wet soil;
the bush is very old, it requires rejuvenation by division;
unsuitable composition of the soil base, acidic environment, it is necessary to add ash or limestone;
removal of buds during pruning in the previous year;
insufficient amount of fertilizer applied.

Determining the problem point will allow you to make the right decision and improve the condition of the peony, which will certainly manifest itself in the appearance of flowers on it.

Pests and diseases of peony

Growing in open ground means 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

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

To eliminate root nematodes, use a special set of fertilizers and plant them in close proximity to peonies of plants that the pest cannot tolerate.
Chlorophos is used to control aphids.

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

Gray rot manifests itself as a characteristic grayish coating on foliage and flowers. The trunk of the bush dries out and becomes brittle, the flowers turn black. For health purposes, fungicides are used to treat peonies.

In order to prevent the disease, loosen the soil, maintain a distance between individual bushes, and do not leave stems and leaves behind after pruning.

If yellow spots are noticed on the foliage of peonies, then the plant is damaged by rust. The leaves begin to curl and dry out. Eliminate the disease by using fungicides. To avoid the death of plants from brown spot caused by a fungus, in the spring they are sprayed with an infusion of celandine or Bordeaux mixture.

The peonies in the garden are magnificent. They become a wonderful decoration for any area. But it is necessary to remember 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 properly 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 can fill the garden with wonderful 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 a decoration of any garden even after flowering: its leaves are no less beautiful and attractive.

Homeland of the plant

This amazing flower was cultivated in China, as early as the 5th century BC. Chinese emperors admired it. The first to be cultivated was the Lacticum peony, a plant common in China, Siberia and Mongolia. The name of this flower comes from the name of the legendary healer Paean, 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 everyone's favorite. It took its rightful place in the royal gardens of Europe; hundreds of breeders began work on developing 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.

This is this perennials, with a herbaceous, shrub or subshrub stem, reaching a height of one meter.

Although, the tree 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. Form sheet plate- trifoliate or pinnately divided.

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

Complexity, whimsicality, accessibility of cultivation

Growing peonies does not cause special troubles, the agricultural technology of peonies is not complicated even for not very skilled gardeners; if you follow simple rules, these flowers will bring you joy for many years. This is another important reason for the wide popularity of peony.

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

Planting peonies in open ground. Optimal time

Autumn- the best time to transplant and plant peonies. It is not recommended to carry out these manipulations in the spring.

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

Peony requires a minimum of five to six hours of intense sunlight.
The flower does not tolerate drafts.
It is better not to plant the plant in lowlands.
Do not plant the peony too deep, it will not bloom well.

Planting a flower in autumn

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

Prepare holes for planting. The hole should have dimensions of 60x60x60 cm. Place drainage (20 cm thick) and fertilizing consisting of humus, compost, lime, superphosphate and wood ash in the hole. Fill the hole to the top with a mixture of compost and soil. Once the soil has settled, you can begin planting the plant.

At the next stage, you should dig up the peony rhizome and do this very carefully. Better use a garden fork. You need to dig around the bush with them and remove 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 dip pieces of rhizome into a solution of potassium permanganate to destroy root rot.

Dipping rhizomes in a heteroauxin solution gives good results.

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

Planting in spring

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

Preparing the soil and space in the garden

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

Caring for peonies

Peony is an unpretentious plant; it does not cause unnecessary trouble for gardeners. However, there are nuances when growing it, you need to know them.

Peony can grow on any soil, but preference is given to loam (6-6.6 pH). Peony does not like wet soils, so do not plant it in lowlands. High humidity leads to rotting of the roots and death of the flower. If you did everything correctly, then you don’t have to fertilize the plant 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 stems and burn them, this way you are guaranteed to destroy pathogens. Then you need to cover each bush with ash and leave it to winter. Adult peonies do not need shelter.

Feeding and fertilizer

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

Watering

Peony requires 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. The water should get under the flower bush.

Illumination

Peonies are sun-loving plants and require 6 hours of sunlight. But it is better to avoid the southern parts of the garden, where the plant can get burned.

Temperature

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

Transplanting peonies

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

To replant, you need to carefully dig up the peony rhizome, prepare a hole for it and place the plant in it. Apply sufficient fertilizer.

Reproduction

Reproduction by dividing the bush

This method is used most often by flower growers. Have to take mature plant which was already blooming. 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 this work is carried out in early autumn. Cover the planting site with a layer of peat.

Propagation by root cuttings

A fairly reliable method, it involves planting part of the root in a hole. By winter it manages to take root and overwinters normally. But you will see the first flowers in a few years.

Propagation by seeds

Peonies can reproduce by seeds. True, the quality of the variety is not preserved. Growing peonies from seeds more often used by breeders.

Peonies bloom

The peony has a large single red, yellow, bright crimson or White flower. It can be terry, lush or resemble 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 their flowers:

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

After flowering ends, remove faded flowers and apply another fertilizing.

Trimming

It is worth pruning peonies in late autumn, before the first frost, but if you need to do this earlier, leave a few leaves on the bush so that the plant can accumulate strength.

Autumn pruning is carried out almost to the soil level.

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

The breeders did a great job, today it exists a large number of varieties of peonies. The variety of these flowers allows you to create amazing flower beds, arranging them with flowers of different colors and sizes.

It is impossible to name all the varieties of peonies that are deservedly popular among gardeners. Let's give just a few examples.

Variety "Starlight". They have large, light cream-colored, anemone-shaped flowers.
Variety "Susie Ku". Huge double flowers are painted in a pleasant light pink color. The leaves are small and narrow.
Variety "Western". It has medium-sized white flowers of Japanese form. It blooms relatively late.
Variety "White Bowl". It has medium-sized flowers, dark pink in color.
Variety "Amabilis". The plant has light pink flowers, the petals of which turn white at the edges when flowering ends.

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 gardeners it is at the top of its popularity.

ITO hybrids are also very popular: they are 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 visitor to our gardens is Peony Bartzell. This is a beautiful plant with Japanese-shaped flowers of bright lemon color.

Peony diseases

Gray rot

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

rust;
gray rot;
powdery mildew;
brown spot.

Gray rot. Appears in May and affects leaves, stems and buds. A symptom of gray rot is a gray coating on the plant organs. It is better to burn the affected parts. Effective means 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 appears in the form of specific spots on leaves, parts of the stem and buds. They are off-white in color. The disease is dangerous and causes leaves to fall off. This disease is treated with fungicides.

The main problems faced by beginning flower growers

Why doesn't peony grow?

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

Why doesn't peony bloom?

The absence of flowers on the plant most likely indicates improper planting of the rhizome. It's probably planted too deep. Also, the lack of flowers is caused by poor soil and lack of fertilizing, poor lighting of the plant, and insufficient watering during the formation of buds. Plants that are too old do not bloom.

Why doesn't the peony sprout?

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

The history of growing peonies goes back more than two thousand years, during which a great many varieties and varieties were created. But no matter how much peonies have changed, planting and caring for them in open ground have not undergone much change since then.

In order to admire the lush carved foliage and spectacular flowering year after year, the summer resident will have to master all the subtleties of agricultural technology and learn the preferences of these amazing ornamental plants.

All types of peonies existing in nature come from Eurasia and the American continent, represented by herbaceous perennials and subshrubs. In Russian gardens, plants have long proven their unpretentiousness and ability to grow and bloom in one place for 10 to 20 years without transplantation.

A place for planting and caring for peonies in the open ground

The place for planting peonies is chosen so that the plant is as comfortable as possible for not only one season, but also several years. Since this crop is light- and heat-loving, it can tolerate transparent garden shade for up to 3 hours a day, but is afraid of cold wind and drafts, a site is selected for the peony in accordance with its requirements and shading for the hottest, midday hours.

Over several years, the root system of peonies can deepen up to 70–80 cm. To simplify the care of peonies in the open ground, before planting, pay attention to the danger of flooding of the area and stagnation of scarlet or groundwater. Constant humidity greatly increases the risk of root rot and death of the entire bush.

Actively growing peonies need space; crowded spaces lead to poor flowering and the appearance of diseases and pests.

Peony planting conditions:

Planting holes are made at a distance of at least 1–1.5 meters from shrubs and other perennial plants.
Leave a gap of at least 2–3 meters to the nearest tree.
You should not plant peonies directly under the walls of buildings and fences.
Between the bushes, depending on the type and variety, leave from 70 to 180 cm of free space.

A bright area protected from the wind has been found; it’s time to take care of the soil in which the peony will grow. Soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction should be loose, aerated, and nutritious. Sandy soil is flavored with humus, peat, wood ash and deoxidized dolomite flour. Add garden soil as needed. Dense clay soil can be made more airy with river sand and a small amount of peat. Sand is used to structure the nutritious but quickly compacting black soil.

Rules for planting peonies for outdoor care

Unlike many garden crops, when planting which it is important to leave the growing point on or above the soil, peonies are deeply buried. The buds, from which the stems will subsequently develop, are buried 3–7 cm into the soil, depending on the density of the soil.

If this is not done, the most sensitive and important part of the plant will be exposed to rain, snow and sun. However, even if a peony is planted too deeply in open ground, caring for it can be not only labor-intensive, but also in vain. Such plants produce lush foliage in the spring, but bloom weakly or refuse to form buds at all.

Peony planting rules:

Planting holes for peonies are made up to 80 cm deep for tree-like plants and up to 60 cm for more common herbaceous varieties. The width of the pit is 60 and 50 cm, respectively.
The bottom, in order to avoid stagnation of water, is covered with drainage.
The pit is filled two-thirds with the prepared substrate mixed with 100–150 grams of superphosphate, one spoon of iron sulfate and liter jar bone meal or sifted wood ash.
When the straightened roots of the peony fall into the ground, they are covered another 15–20 cm with loose soil so that the buds are securely hidden below the ground level.

Caring for peonies in the open ground in spring or autumn begins immediately after planting. The soil is carefully compacted and watered at the rate of 8–10 liters of water per bush. If plants have autumn rooting and wintering ahead, they are thickly mulched with a 10-centimeter layer of peat. With the onset of spring, caring for the perennial continues.

Planting peonies in the ground: spring or autumn

The most convenient planting time for the gardener and favorable for peony is the beginning of autumn. At this point, the root system of the perennial is growing, and it itself is recovering after flowering and accumulating strength.

If you have to plant in open ground and care for peonies in the fall, it should be done 30–40 days before the onset of persistent cold weather. In this case, an adult transplanted plant or a young seedling obtained from dividing a bush is guaranteed to take root and not freeze in winter.

The timing of planting ornamental perennials depends on the climate of a particular region. The shorter the summer, the earlier it is worth taking care of preparing holes and planting material.

Landing dates:

Planting of peonies in open ground in Siberia occurs in August, September and October, and in the northern regions it ends 1.5–2 months earlier than in the south.
In the Urals, where the weather is extremely changeable, seedlings are placed in the ground from the second half of August until mid-September.
Can be planted a week later flowering perennials in the middle zone and in the North-West of the country.
And in the south of Russia, peonies can be planted from September to mid-October without fear for the condition of the plant.

When purchasing seedlings from a nursery or due to the early arrival of cold weather, planting is postponed until spring. Unfortunately, if plants have an open root system, they do not tolerate this procedure very well. Peonies weakened after wintering take a long time to acclimatize, and sometimes even during the entire summer they cannot recover.

To avoid unpleasant consequences, planting peonies in the ground in the spring is carried out very early, in soil that is moist after the snow has melted, before hot weather sets in and the plants themselves begin to grow.

The exception is peonies with a closed root system in containers. They can be planted without fear from spring until autumn.

Caring for peonies after planting in open ground

The peony growing season begins in early May and ends in late autumn. Caring for peonies in open ground in the spring begins with very carefully loosening the soil, watering if necessary, and applying fertilizer.

Peonies are watered infrequently, but very generously, in order to completely wet the earthen ball and its entwined roots. Since the plant will have to grow foliage and prepare for flowering, the peony needs full mineral fertilizers and nitrogen.

Feeding peonies in open ground is done in damp soil. In order for the mixture to quickly reach the suction roots, make a shallow hole around the bush, at a distance of 10–15 cm, into which the solution is poured. IN summer time, especially for young plants that have not reached the age of 3–4 years, are useful foliar feeding urea. They are applied three times at intervals of 15–20 days from the moment the shoots appear.

During dry periods, peonies are watered at the rate of 10–15 liters per bush. It is especially important to maintain soil moisture in the first month after spring planting.

On flowering peonies, faded flowers are regularly removed. On young plants, less than 3 years old, all weak buds are also removed. All summer I weed the area under the perennials, and in the fall, before the onset of cold weather, the shoots are cut off and the soil is mulched. If planting is carried out correctly, and the plants receive competent and sufficient care, the first peony flowering will begin in 2–3 years, gradually becoming brighter and more luxuriant.

Planting a peony in autumn - video

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

Types and varieties of peonies

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

Tree peonies are divided into 3 varieties:

European ones are distinguished by large flowers with double petals of various colors - from pinkish to deep crimson. Their leaves are dense, fleshy, and large in size.
Japanese ones are terry and semi-smooth, the inflorescences are not so heavy. This variety is distinguished by its increased resistance to frost. This feature is due to the cutting method, 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.
Hybrids bred by crossing Delaway and Yellow peonies. This subshrub species is bright yellow with a prominent red marking at the base of the bud. The trunk does not branch and grows up to 2 m in height. There are generally 3 to 5 inflorescences on one branch. Blooming flowers can reach 10 cm in diameter.

Tree varieties of peonies take root well and develop in lighted places that are not exposed to direct wind. The soil base must be selected that is fertilized and well-permeable to moisture, preventing water from stagnating. In winter, representatives of this species should be covered with coniferous branches and barriers made of boards to avoid 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 because they combine the properties and external qualities of herbaceous and tree-like types.

The classification of herbaceous varieties is broader than tree varieties. The main varieties include:

Maryin root (steering peony), which has large, upright growing stems in diameter, up to 1 m high. Quite large pink flowers are the distinctive features of this variety. Flowering occurs in May – June. It is used as a medicine and to decorate the garden area.
Peony was previously used only for medicinal purposes, but is now widely known as a beautiful flower for decoration. The inflorescences have no aroma, size up to 12 cm. The color of the blossoming buds is usually dark red. This variety is widespread mainly in the middle zone of our country. Flowering begins in early June.
Narrow-leaved peony is an attractive decorative element for unshaded areas that are not subject to heavy watering. During the flowering period they delight with beautiful crimson buds, but already in the second half of May they fade and cease to be a decoration of the territory.
The Mlokosevich peony is named after the researcher who discovered this variety on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in the 19th century. The unique yellow color and bluish color of the leaves makes it interesting for peony lovers. Another distinctive feature is the very slow blooming of the buds, which, when opened, reach 12 cm. Flowering time varies depending on the climate, but usually this occurs in May.
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 ones:

Miss America is a tall plant with lush white buds;
Cytheria - flowers are medium in height, changing color during flowering, from deep burgundy at the beginning to white-pink at the end;
Lastres are 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 blooming, pink tint;
Pearl scattering is a type of later blooming and long flowering duration. The smell is similar to roses;
Karara is a medium-height variety, with the diameter of blooming flowers up to 16 cm.

There are something for every taste, even the most fastidious gardener will find something to his liking for growing and decorating his plot.

Peonies photos

Peony planting and care in open ground

Selecting and preparing a place for planting a peony

Peonies react negatively to strong gusts of wind, so they should be placed near the walls of buildings, fences, or protected from drafts by taller bushes or trees.

It is better if the chosen site is located on a hill, because peonies do not tolerate too moist soil, and low-lying places 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 transplantation, the area for peonies must be prepared. You need to make a hole about one and a half shovels long and fill it with soil prepared from humus, peat, regular soil and sand, taken in equal quantities. For proper growth, 0.5 liters of ash should be added to this mixture.

Peony planting time

Early autumn is considered the most suitable time. It is at this time that there are no high air temperatures, there is more rain, which improves the plant’s adaptation to a new place. Before the onset of cold weather, the flower will have time to strengthen itself thanks to the active growth of new root branches.

Attention! Peonies planted in spring are more susceptible to disease and recover more slowly. Flowers transplanted in the fall take root better and begin to develop rapidly in the spring.

If you need to plant in the spring, then this must be done before the air has time to warm up to 10 degrees. If this condition is not met, then there is a high probability of plant death.

Peony care basics

Since peonies are usually grown in outdoor gardens, the care rules are considered in relation to growing in open ground.

Temperature and lighting

There are no specific temperature characteristics. Each gardener chooses a variety intended for cultivation in his own climate zone and adapted to specific temperature conditions. The appropriately 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. It can also grow in light shade, but periods of good light should prevail.

Soil composition requirements

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

Waiting for the soil to shrink is required to prevent the buds of the transplanted peonies from covering with soil.

Watering

Frequent loosening of the soil helps ensure optimal development and growth. Loose soil retains the required amount of moisture better, reducing the appearance of weeds and dangerous pests.

Top dressing

In the first year after planting, no additional feeding is required. Fertilizers begin to be added to the soil mixture after the plant reaches two years of age. Fertilizing is carried out with urea, crystalline or any other nitrogen-containing mixture. During the spring and summer period, it is advisable to feed peonies 3 times:

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

Trimming

One of the necessary procedures when growing peonies is pruning. The best time for pruning is autumn. This helps prepare the plants for a safe winter.

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

Preparing a peony for winter

After rapid flowering, garden peonies need to be prepared for the winter. This includes pulling weeds and loosening the soil around the bushes.

In autumn, it is necessary to trim leaves and stems low to prevent fungal diseases from developing. In case of severe winters, covering 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

Peonies are unpretentious plants, some varieties of which can grow in northern climates. Autumn mulching of bushes becomes a prerequisite here.

Peony propagation

Methods for propagating herbaceous or tree peonies have their own characteristics, but there are the same methods for all types.

The most commonly used method is dividing bushes. This method is used for tree and herbaceous varieties without exception. Separated parts of the bush usually quickly adapt and flowers appear on them already in the second year after reproduction. Dividing a herbaceous peony is also a unique way to rejuvenate the bush. And tree-like plants can be divided only if they have grown enough.

Features of peony care by season

In summer. Summer care includes weeding the ground around the bushes, timely watering and necessary fertilizing.

In autumn. Trimming leaves, destroying tops in case of fungal infection, or covering with cut leaves if the plant is healthy.

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

If 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 buds during planting;
little light and too wet soil;
the bush is very old, it requires rejuvenation by division;
unsuitable composition of the soil base, acidic environment, it is necessary to add ash or limestone;
removal of buds during pruning in the previous year;
insufficient amount of fertilizer applied.

Determining the problem point will allow you to make the right decision and improve the condition of the peony, which will certainly manifest itself in the appearance of flowers on it.

Pests and diseases of peony

Growing in open ground means 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

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

To eliminate root nematodes, use a special set of fertilizers and plant them in close proximity to peonies of plants that the pest cannot tolerate.
Chlorophos is used to control aphids.

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

In order to prevent the disease, loosen the soil, maintain a distance between individual bushes, and do not leave stems and leaves behind after pruning.

Video tips: how to properly plant and care for peonies

Some novice flower growers are of the opinion that there are certain risks in planting peonies in the spring. The basis is the fact that spring is a time of active growth of green mass of plants, and planting peonies in the spring is regarded as a direct path to depletion of the root system and weakened immunity. This means that from the very beginning, tortured seedlings will take a very long time to take root, grow poorly and develop poorly. Not to mention the lack of budding in the next year or two. However, quite successful summer residents say that if you are lucky enough to purchase a peony seedling in February, you should not wait six months before planting it. It only needs to be preserved until planting in open ground. The advantage of the situation is that even in the spring the suction roots do not lose their ability to grow. The main thing is to carry out all the necessary manipulations correctly and in a timely manner.

Varieties and popular varieties of peonies

There are 2 types of peonies by origin and shape:

Tree-like

Herbaceous

Based on the shape of their buds, peonies are divided into:

Depending on the date of flowering, peonies can be divided into:

very early (before June 5)
early (as a rule, they begin to bloom from June 5-10);
medium (from June 10-20);
late – (from June 20-30);
very late – (after June 30).

Video: everything about peonies for beginners

Choosing healthy peony seedlings: main selection criteria

The packaging itself can help in choosing a good peony seedling, since, as a rule, the name of the variety and its brief description are highlighted on it, and the number of cuttings for planting is also indicated, and there is a quality control mark. Of course, you cannot neglect the mini-instructions for planting, which are printed on the back of the box.

It is critical to inspect the cuttings (through a clear plastic bag). It is especially worth focusing your attention on the following elements:

on the number of renewal buds (at least 3 pieces);
on the number and length of adventitious roots (minimum 2 roots more than 5 cm long);
on traces of damage and signs of disease.

It is not advisable to purchase a seedling if the following signs of poor quality are present:

excessive moisture or, conversely, dryness of the division;
specific odor (strong smell of mold or rot);
suspicious growths or noticeable thickenings on the rhizomes (such specimens have a very high risk of cancer or, just as bad, root nematodes).

Important! If you get a piece with only 1-2 buds, do not rush to throw it away. It’s just that such peonies will not grow so quickly and will bloom 1-2 years later.

Video: how to choose peony seedlings in spring

By the way! Peonies begin to be sold in February-March. If you buy them so early, you will have to carry out certain measures to preserve peony seedlings before planting them in open ground. The following videos will help you with this.

Video: buying peonies and storing them until spring planting in open ground

Video: planting a peony from a pot into open ground in spring

Optimal place and soil for planting peonies

When the peony grows in brightly lit place, then its flowers are large, of magnificent rich color. A little natural shading at noon is not harmful. But strong is abnormal and uncomfortable for him. It cannot go away without problems and sometimes leads to a complete lack of budding, sometimes even to the death of the plant.

But in relation to soils peony is quite unpretentious, although does not like acidic soils.

By the way! It should be noted that the most remarkable decorative effect is achieved when the peony grows on cultivated soil or loam (soil with a high clay content and a significant amount of sand), which is capable of receiving and retaining water well.

When and how to plant peonies in open ground: step-by-step instructions

It is recommended to plant peonies in early spring, or rather before stable warming begins, in other words, the optimal period is the entire month of April (for the Middle Zone, Moscow region). This is done so that before the shoots appear, the cuttings have time to take root well in the soil.

Direct landing

It makes more sense, of course, to make a landing hole in advance so that the earth has time to subside a little. But it’s okay if you dig it up right on the day of planting the rhizomes.

Step-by-step instructions for planting peonies in open ground in the spring are as follows:

We make the planting hole larger than the root system of the seedling, which is around 60 by 60 cm. The distance between seedlings should be about 1-1.5 meters. We put the top fertile layer of soil on one side of the hole (we will need it later), the bottom layer on the other.
We loosen the bottom of the hole a little more and fill it with a 10-20 centimeter layer of drainage (your choice can be expanded clay, broken brick or ordinary river sand, depending on what you have available).
We dump the top (more fertile) layer of soil down to the roots into the hole, followed by a bucket of excellent compost or humus, 100 grams of superphosphate and 1 glass of wood ash (or 70-80 grams of potassium sulfate). Next, mix everything thoroughly. If the soil is excessively clayey, then it is recommended to add sand (peat is also allowed), and if, on the contrary, it is too sandy, on the contrary, clay.
Next, add enough fertile soil so that about 20-25 centimeters remain to the surface.
We straighten the roots and place a peony section in the center of the hole. In heavy soil, it is necessary to deepen the division from the point of bud growth by 4-5 cm, and in light soil - by 5-6 centimeters.
Now you need to fill the peony roots with soil and compact them a little with your hands, but not with your feet.
Then water well. If suddenly the soil sags slightly, you should add additional soil.
It will be absolutely the right decision if you mulch the hole with peat or humus. Mulch will protect against excessive overheating and cracking of the soil, in other words, it will create optimal conditions for rapid rooting of the cuttings.

Note! One of the reasons for weak or complete absence of flowering may be too much deepening of the peony bush when planting. On the other hand, on the contrary, being too close to the surface can lead to freezing of the plant in winter.

Caring for peonies in the open ground: mandatory measures

In the first days after planting, peonies need to be watered daily for more successful rooting.

At spring planting It is very important to constantly keep the soil moist, since the leaves are already growing, but there are no suction roots yet. The tubers will be depleted.

When the period of active growth begins, the ground around the plants should be irrigated abundantly with non-cold water (+22-24 C). When dry and hot weather sets in, it is worth watering so that the moisture penetrates right down to the roots. The watering norm for an adult peony is about 2 buckets. Try to avoid getting moisture on the leaves, otherwise expect the plant to inevitably become infected with a fungal infection.

Prompt weeding and loosening of the soil will help prevent the appearance of dry crusts on the surface of the earth.

About such an important component of peony care as feeding Let's talk separately.

Root feeding

Starting from 2-3 years of development, for luxurious flowering, in addition to regular watering, loosening and weeding, peonies will need additional feeding.

As a rule, fertilizing is carried out in 3 stages:

Feed for the first time The peony follows immediately after all the snow in the garden has melted. At this time, we proceed from the greatest need for nitrogen-potassium fertilizers.
Next feeding carried out already during the formation of buds. Each bush should be fed complex fertilizer, in other words, the feed should contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (a little less nitrogen can be used).
Last autumn feeding should be done 10-14 days after flowering (for the formation of new buds and successful wintering). The fertilizer should contain 1 tablespoon of phosphorus and potassium.

Important! You should not be surprised by the need to monitor the rate of fertilizer use, since an unbalanced amount (in particular, nitrogen) causes wild growth of unnecessary foliage, and budding is suspended.

Video: care and feeding of peonies in spring before flowering

What fertilizer to feed peonies

In order not to burden you with the problems of finding the necessary fertilizers for feeding peonies, we will help you understand which modern preparations should be taken most seriously and how to choose the best and most effective.

Mineral fertilizer Kemira (Fertika)

According to reviews from practicing flower growers, Kemira (Fertika) produces flowering of excellent quality, and also increases the viability of plants to many fungal and viral diseases. It is economical, odorless, and diluted without sediment. Recommended for use in the spring-summer season.

Organic fertilizer Baikal EM1

Living microorganisms contained in microbiological fertilizer prepared on the basis of EM technologies will help restore the fertility of the soil in which peonies grow and saturate it with oxygen. Fertilizer Baikal EM-1 is added with compost and mulched with it in spring or autumn (enriched with compost) trunk circle plants.

Foliar feeding

By the way! If you add some household soap or a tablespoon of washing powder per bucket of water to this solution, then this “soapy” solution will stay on the leaves better and longer.

Video: how to care for peonies in spring - feeding

Video: why peonies don’t bloom

Note! About, what to do with peonies in the fall (feeding, pruning, covering) And how to properly prepare them for winter read .

Every novice summer resident has the power to destroy the ridiculous stereotype about the impossibility of successfully planting peonies in the spring. To do this, you need to know and correctly follow the proposed recommendations for choosing a seedling, location, soil, as well as for creating normal conditions for growing and caring for these magnificent perennial flowers in the spring.

Video: how to plant peonies in spring

In contact with

When paying attention to plants and flowers in their area, gardeners and landscape designers often prefer shrub flowers. One of the luxuriantly blooming and easy-to-care plants is the tree peony. The plant comes from China, of hybrid origin.

Tree peonies: description

Latin name - Paeonia suffruticosa. Subshrubs of the peony genus are perennial plants, about 1.5 - 2 m high with straight shoots, with flowers at the end. The flowers are lush and large. In diameter, with proper care, they reach 18–20 cm.

This decorative bush pleases the eye with different colors of flowers: red, white, yellow, purple, pink, as well as rare blue and green.

The tree peony is distinguished by:

The bush has a superficial root system.
Tree peony goes beautifully with different varieties plants without losing charm.
Unlike the herbaceous peony, the semi-shrub has woody stems that do not die off, and every year a larger and more luxuriant bush is formed.

Tree peony blossom

The plant blooms profusely in the third year.

If the flowers are weak, but bloom in the first year after planting, then they are removed while still in buds so that the plant does not lose strength and takes root better.

This plant is widely used in the Moscow region, the Urals and Siberia, as it tolerates well winter cold. For the harsh regions of the country, certain varieties of tree peony have been invented.

Advantages of tree peony varieties for growing in cold regions:

winter hardiness;
early flowering period;
fast growth.

Growing in open ground

This plant is no different rapid growth. The planting site should be chosen, avoiding swampy stagnation, drafts, nearby buildings and large trees.

Shrub peonies prefer light areas, because in the shade they stretch out, and therefore lose the roundness of the bush. In the cold regions of the country, in Siberia, the “Sapphire” species with a closed root system survives well.

Soil and location requirements

Decorative shrub peonies are planted on any type of soil. Choose drained, loose soil.

Peony trees cannot be tolerated:

moisture stagnation;
increased acidity;
drafts;
Shading more than 60% during a sunny day.

Planting a tree peony

The first stage in planting is how to choose a seedling:

Pay attention to the root system - it should be healthy, not dried out, without rot.
The plant has at least 2-3 woody branches.
We need a seedling with dormant buds that have not yet begun to bloom.
The optimal height of sprouts is about 20-30 cm, larger plant it will not take root well.

In order for the tree peony to take root well and take root, you must follow simple planting rules:

The size of the hole is not too big or small. Tree peonies have a superficial root system, the optimal hole size is 70x70 cm.
It is preferable to line the bottom with gravel, crushed stone, broken brick or other materials for drainage.
The soil for filling the hole is mixed with compost and inert flour.
The peony must be placed so that the root collar is level with the ground.
Then the sprout is covered with earth, compacted, and watered abundantly.

Planting in spring

The landing feature of this ornamental shrub in the spring is that you need to choose the period when severe spring frosts have passed. Despite the frost resistance of some varieties, young ones are not rooted permanent place Peonies are very vulnerable.

For successful engraftment, you can fertilize the plant when planting with nitrophoska, which promotes the growth of young branches.

Planting in autumn

When planting a sprout of a tree peony in the fall, it is necessary that the plant has time to take root before the first frost.

Following the basic recommendations when planting a tree peony, the plant should take root within two weeks. The peculiarity of autumn planting is that the soil around the peony must be mulched, and before the onset of the first frost young plantshelter for the winter.

Growing from seeds

This method is very long. Collected seeds must be sown in the season when they are ripe. The place of sowing is marked with something, since seedlings will appear after two seasons, and the first flowers can be seen after five years. Due to the slow growth and weak development of shrubs, this propagation method is used quite rarely.

How to grow more crops?

Any gardener and summer resident is pleased to receive a large harvest from large fruits. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to obtain the desired result.

Plants often lack nutrition and useful minerals

It has the following properties:

Allows increase productivity by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
You can get a good one harvest even on low-fertility soils and in unfavorable climatic conditions
Absolutely safe

Caring for tree peonies

Watering

Since peony bushes do not tolerate excess moisture, watering for full growth is done abundantly, but not frequently. Once every two weeks, 6 - 9 liters of water are poured under the bush. If there is a lack of moisture in the spring, the plant needs watering.

During the hot summer period, control the condition of the soil and prevent it from drying out. At the end of summer, irrigation is gradually reduced, completely eliminating additional watering.

Top dressing

Microelements that have a positive effect on the growth of tree peony:

phosphorus;
potassium;
urea;
nitrogen (in small quantities).

The plant also loves fertilizers. organic means, such as:

wood ash;
compost;
bone flour.

Rules for fertilizing:

Carry out the procedure in the morning or evening.
Before applying fertilizer, water the bushes abundantly.
For autumn feeding, use superphosphate or a solution of ash and water.

Trimming

Tree peony is pruned before sap flow begins in the spring, as well as after the flowering period. How much to trim the curl depends on when the procedure is performed - in spring or autumn.

The procedure is carried out as follows:

In spring, dried branches are removed, old shoots are shortened to 10–15 cm.
After the bushes bloom, the faded buds are torn off and the shoots are cut off, leaving two buds from the top.

This pruning forms a spherical bush and promotes abundant flowering in subsequent seasons. In some types of tree peonies, the buds after flowering do not need to be cut off; spring pruning is sufficient.

Transfer

Mature plants do not tolerate transplantation to another location well. They take a long time to get accustomed and get sick. Therefore, if you need to transplant a tree peony to a new place, then this area should be prepared in advance. Loosen the soil; if the acidity is high, add a little bone meal. And also the area should be free of drafts.

Pests and diseases

Tree peony is an unpretentious ornamental bush that is very rarely susceptible to disease.

The diseases that most often harm peonies are:

brown spot;
gray rot.

Treatment methods:

treatment of bushes with a solution of 1% potassium permanganate;
spraying with Bordeaux mixture;
If present, affected branches and leaves are removed.

Diseased peony leaf

Propagation of tree peonies

These flowering shrubs reproduce using the following methods:

Dividing the bush. This is a common method when an adult plant is dug up and the shoots with roots are divided into several smaller bushes. Then the sprouts are planted. Since the peony does not like transplants, it takes a long time to take root by division and blooms in a few years.
Cuttings. With this method, the main bush does not suffer. For propagation, cut shoots with buds are used in late spring. The cuttings are planted in the soil, covered with film, and regularly watered. By the end of autumn, the sprouts will take root, then you can replant.
By layering. To propagate a peony by layering, part of the stem must be attached to the ground and covered with soil. In order for the cuttings to take root, it is necessary to water them periodically and not allow the soil to dry out.
Vaccination. The method of propagating bush peonies by grafting is used for breeding new varieties. It is used as follows: a tree-like shoot is grafted onto the roots of an ordinary herbaceous peony. This method is used at the end of summer. After the shoots are engrafted to the root, they are grown for two years in greenhouses.

Stories from our readers!
"I am a summer resident with many years of experience, and I started using this fertilizer only last year. I tested it on the most capricious vegetable in my garden - tomatoes. The bushes grew and bloomed together and yielded more than usual. And they didn’t suffer from late blight, that’s the main thing.

Fertilizer actually gives more intensive growth garden plants, and they bear fruit much better. Nowadays you can’t grow a normal harvest without fertilizer, and this fertilizing increases the amount of vegetables, so I’m very pleased with the result.”

Care after flowering

To maintain vital activity and prevent diseases of the bushes, the peony must be regularly cared for.

Care includes:

remove weeds;
loosen the soil around the plants;
mulch the ground;
fertilize;
watered in a timely manner.

Preparing for winter

Despite the cold resistance of tree peonies, they need shelter for wintering.

Step-by-step preparation of tree peonies for winter:

mulching the soil around the bush;
the shoots are not tightly tied together;
cover the branches when constant frost sets in;
You can cover it with leaves, pine needles, spruce branches, bark.

Features of growing at home

The plant is unpretentious in growth and care, so every gardener can easily decorate his garden with it.

Growing rules:

To landscape your home plot with decorative bush peonies, you need to choose a sunny place.
To make the bush look beautiful, it is pruned in the spring to form a lush crown.
In order for the plant to take root and not get sick, the soil should not be too oxidized and not excessively wet. Since these plants cannot tolerate stagnant water.
It is recommended to plant such peonies immediately in a permanent place of growth, since they are very difficult to tolerate transplantation.

Types and varieties of tree peonies

Abundantly flowering and beautiful tree peonies are hybrid plants that were bred and brought to us from China. The shrubs, which they liked for their beautiful and fragrant flowering, were bred by breeders in many varieties.

The most successful and widespread are the following varieties of peonies: sapphire, yin and yang, dragon, kinko, phoenix, Michelangelo, roca.

Kinko variety

Yin-Yang variety

Phoenix variety

Variety Dragon

Rock variety

Variety Sapphire

They differ from each other:

shapes and colors of flowers;
flower sizes;
cold tolerance;
flowering period;
growth rate.

Frequently asked questions from amateur gardeners

Why doesn't the tree peony bloom? This plant blooms once per season. The first flowering may appear on a three-year-old bush that grew in a permanent place. If the bush grows from seeds, it will bloom in 5–6 years.
Why doesn't the tree peony grow? These decorative shrubs grow very slowly, so it appears as if it is not growing at all. To support, fertilize the plant, then it will begin to develop faster.
What is the best way to preserve a tree peony before planting? If you already have a cutting, but it is too early to plant it, then you need to save the plant in the cellar, having previously treated the root sections with potassium permanganate or ash.
Is redness on the leaves normal? Redness on the leaves may be a reaction to increased lighting or a lack of nutrients in the soil. It is necessary to fertilize the plant with phosphorus and potassium.

Tree peonies in landscape design

These decorative flowering shrubs go with all garden plants. They are planted in compositions and separately. Flowering looks very beautiful against the backdrop of evergreens.

If there is no preference and time for frequent care tree peony behind garden plants perfect solution for landscape design.

Reasons why a tree peony should be planted on the site:

Colorful flowers decorate a sunny area of the garden or flower bed.
Combines with different types of plants.
It is necessary to water, but not often; if the summer is rainy, then you won’t have to organize additional watering at all.

The photo shows examples of the use of tree peony in landscape design:

Carrying out simple rules care and agricultural technology for growing peonies, even an inexperienced gardener will get a magnificent flowering bushes at your dacha and in your garden. These plants especially need care and attention in spring period when their buds are being laid. It is important not only to properly remove the cover and feed the peonies, but also to water them correctly, treat the soil and prevent the appearance of pests and various diseases.

Removing cover and inspecting plants

Caring for peonies in spring begins with removing the cover. This can be done when the snow melts in the garden, the air temperature reaches above zero and the night frosts pass. Peonies are opened gradually, accustoming them to low temperatures outside.

Young shoots and buds, which had been dormant for a long time, were not accustomed to the spring sun. Therefore, you need to open flowers in cloudy weather to give them time to adapt to new conditions. For the first few days, the flower should be shaded, otherwise the stems will get sunburn.

After removing the covering material, you can see the reddish shoots of the peony. Young plants are very vulnerable. Dried shoots from last year may remain on the bush if it was not pruned low enough. All dead stems should be removed with pruning shears to allow room for new growth. They also clear the flower of weeds and loosen the soil around it. The peony root is deep enough in the ground so that the first spring loosening can be carried out without the risk of damaging it.

First watering

As soon as the ground warms up a little, you need to water the peonies. The first time this is done using a weak solution of potassium permanganate, for the preparation of which 5 g of the substance is diluted in a bucket of water. This volume is enough to water 2-3 bushes.

Potassium permanganate is needed to prevent the appearance of gray rot, as well as to disinfect the soil. In subsequent times, the peonies are watered with ordinary clean water. This should be done at the root of the bush.

Abundant watering with the arrival of the first warm spring days is necessary for subsequent lush flowering peony At this time of year, its buds are laid, so it is very important that the plant does not experience a lack of moisture.

Fertilizers in spring

The first feeding of peonies is carried out 2 years after planting the bush. They do this in the spring. Fertilizers applied after winter help support the plant's rhizomes and produce more buds. Peonies can be fed with liquid mixtures, adding them under the root, and spraying them with nutrient mixtures on top. Fertilize every 15 days throughout the spring.

The earliest one is very important spring feeding. For the first time, urea is applied to the plants, dissolving 40 g of the substance in a bucket of water. One bucket is enough to feed 3 bushes.

The second time they do this using complex mineral compositions for garden. Purchase mineral fertilizers for flowering plants available in specialized stores.

The third feeding is carried out during the period of bud setting. Usually this time in the Moscow region and central Russia falls at the end of May. To prepare the nutritional composition you need to mix:

7 g of saltpeter;
10 g superphosphate;
5 g potassium salt.

All components are diluted in 10 liters of water and watered at the root of the bush so that the solution does not fall on its leaves. Subsequent feeding of the peony with fertilizers is carried out in summer and autumn.

Transfer

The best time to plant and move peonies is in the spring. The procedure can be performed in April and May.

Peony planting technology:

1. The bush is dug up from all sides and carefully removed from the ground with a shovel.
2. If the peony is already several years old, then it is divided into a couple of parts to propagate the plant.
3. Dig new planting holes according to the size of the division’s rhizomes.
4. Add manure or compost to the bottom so that the young plant takes root well.
5. The bush is placed in a hole and covered with earth, compacted.
6. The peony is watered generously.

Very rarely, when replanting in spring, it is possible to avoid damage to the rhizome of the bush, so it is necessary to carry out the procedure as carefully as possible. The plant must be carefully looked after so that it takes root in a new place.

All broken parts of the rhizome can be planted in separate holes. In a few years, independent peony bushes will grow from them. All flower varieties can be propagated in this way.