Miraculous flowers in the Middle Kingdom, which were cultivated 1500 years ago, are considered the embodiment of beauty, and in Japan - a symbol of well-being.
A magnificent plant is quite unpretentious, so the cultivation of a tree-like peony is within the power of any grower. The height of the bushes reaches 1.5 meters, and in southern regions higher.
Large semi-double or double flowers can be snow-white, pale pink and yellow, purple and bright scarlet, and also painted in several tones.
During the flowering period, the garden will look simply amazing, and then the openwork dense foliage will remain the main decoration.
Varieties and hybrids
Among the numerous varieties, and there are almost 500 of them, even the most demanding gardener will find an option to their liking. New varieties and hybrid forms appear every year. Conventionally, varieties are divided into the following broad groups:
Sino-European with voluminous terry inflorescences that bend under the weight of flowers. Shades of varietal forms from pale pink to rich fuchsia.
Japanese - almost weightless, light inflorescences, semi-double or non-double, mounted on powerful peduncles.
Delaway and yellow peony hybrids. Perhaps the most popular group with excellent specimens of sunny color. Among herbaceous peonies, there are very few such shades.
The culture was brought to Europe in the 18th century. Today, practice shows that foreign varieties that are delivered from Poland or China do not adapt very well to our climate and most often die. But there are domestic varieties bred by Russian breeders. The most decorative of them: Tatyana, Muse, Stefan, Vorobyevsky, Peter the Great, Hoffmann and others. All of them tolerate frost well and take root without problems even in the gardens of Siberia.
To the best varieties bred by foreign breeders include such as Argosy, Demetra, Canary, (yellow), Vesuvlan, Kronos, Ariadne, Hephestos (red), Floral Rivalry, Mystery, Raphael, Leda, (pink), Large Globe, Flight of Cranes (white), Shimanishiki (tricolor).
In representatives of the Sisters Kiao variety, half of the inflorescence is rich scarlet, the other is snow-white-cream. The Sapphire variety is distinguished by a raspberry center surrounded by pink petals; there can be up to 50 buds on a bush at a time. Charming inflorescences of the Coral variety combine white and salmon shades.
Ito hybrids are also on sale. These interspecific hybrid forms were named after Japanese breeder Toichi Ito. It was he who first tried to cross a tree-like and grassy peony, which was previously considered impossible. The result became a sensation - ito hybrids got foliage from tree-like ones, but for the winter their stems die off, like ordinary ones.
Planting a tree peony in autumn
The best time for landing is the second half of August and until the end of September. In one place, a bush can grow without transplants for several decades, so preparation should be taken carefully. It is better to choose a site sunny and on a small hill, away from buildings, so that a thick shadow does not fall on the plantings.
If the soil is sandy, it is recommended to add some clay, humus, as well as a mixture of peat with soddy soil. Clay soil is improved by adding sand and making organic fertilizers. It is desirable to improve acidic soil with bone meal, 300 grams is enough.
Drainage is laid out at the bottom of the landing hole, for example, a little broken brick or gravel. A peony is carefully placed in a hole slightly covered with earth and watered abundantly so that the roots of the plant are well straightened. As soon as the water is absorbed, you can fill the hole completely, but the root collar should remain at soil level, and the grafting site was underground at a depth of 10-15 cm. Such a planting contributes to the rapid formation of roots.
If, when planting, place the seedling under small angle, then this method will allow you to get a more lush bush, as it will contribute to a more intensive development of the main shoots.
Planting technology for ito hybrids is similar herbaceous peonies, only the regrowth bud should be 5 cm below the soil surface.
When planting tree peonies in groups, seedlings are placed at a distance of 1.5 meters, not closer.
Basic rules of care
There is nothing complicated in growing a tree peony. He needs traditional measures: regular watering, loosening the soil after wetting, weeding. Each adult bush "drinks" 6-7 liters of water. In the heat, they water more often, but already in August it is necessary to gradually reduce moisture and then completely stop watering.
Loosen the soil within a radius of half a meter around the trunk, while the loosening depth should not exceed 5 cm. The soil near the bushes can be mulched with humus.
top dressing
These flowering plants especially need nitrogen and potassium. It is important to feed them with nitrogen at the beginning of the growing season, and when the buds are laid, it is desirable to add phosphorus and potassium. During the flowering period, nitrogen is added again, but in moderation, otherwise it may develop gray rot. Before fertilizing, plantings are well watered, then the roots of peonies will not get burned.
pruning
Bushes are pruned every spring, because this procedure allows you to increase the life expectancy of plants. Dried shoots must be removed, the old ones shortened to about 10 cm. In China, tree-like peonies are successfully rejuvenated by cutting them almost to ground level, so the buds at the base awaken. If you want your bushes to bloom more abundantly next year, cut the shoots to the level of the uppermost axillary bud.
Transfer
Transplanting for a tree peony can be a huge stress. After that, the bushes sometimes get sick year after year, recovering extremely weakly. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize trauma to the root system - dig up the plant with a clod of soil and then gently wash the earth from the roots with a gentle stream of water. Roots affected by the disease are removed, too long can be cut. Do not forget to treat the sections with a solution of potassium permanganate and sprinkle them with crushed charcoal.
Diseases
If the bush is sick with gray rot, which often happens with weakened transplants or old peonies, then spraying will help. For treatment, use the solution blue vitriol(6-7%) or potassium permanganate (3 grams per 10 liters of water). With brown spotting, it is better to immediately burn the affected leaves so that the disease does not spread, after which the plantings are sprayed with Bordeaux liquid (1% solution).
Preparing for winter
Most domestic varieties tolerate winters well and are not afraid of frost, but spring thaw can kill them. The buds awaken prematurely and die from subsequent frosts. To prevent this from happening, in October it is advisable to tie the stems, mulch the soil with peat and build a shelter-hut closer to winter. For this, spruce branches, pieces of bark, dry foliage or jute bags are suitable. Then the winter will pass without problems.
If you grow a tree peony in good conditions, then it can grow in one place up to 100 years. The older the bush, the more abundant its flowering.
Many amateur gardeners are not averse to seeing a luxurious tree-like peony on their site.
Planting and caring for this flower, contrary to popular belief, is not particularly difficult.
The tree peony is surprisingly very hardy, unpretentious plant, at optimal conditions able to live in a flower bed for up to half a century.
Tree peony. Landing and care
This flower differs from the herbaceous forms more familiar to us in that it grows in the form of a rather large bush, the height of which can reach three, and sometimes more than meters. In addition, this representative of the southern flora does not die off in winter, but annually pleases with the flowering of its exquisite fragrant flowers, up to 25 cm in diameter.
This beautiful flower is a fairly tall bush, blooming profusely large flowers with a delicate aroma.
tree peony, planting and caring for which was carried out in accordance with all the rules, begins to bloom at the age of 5-7 years. At the same time, flowers do not appear on shoots growing from the ground, but exclusively on old lignified shoots. No less effective garden plot astilba also looks, the flowers of which can be painted in a wide variety of colors and shades.
Soil for planting
For successful cultivation these colors great importance It has proper fit, which affects not only the attractive appearance plants, but also on its lifespan.
The bush has large fleshy perennial roots, having large stock nutrients. In order for them to be able to grow and develop normally, the land must be fertile and deeply cultivated (up to 70 cm), thereby providing root system uniform flow of water.
If it is compacted or excessively moistened, this will lead to oppression of the roots, and flowering in this case may be in jeopardy.
Also pay attention to the location. ground water: if they flow at a depth of less than one meter, the flower will die. In this case, when planting, it is worth laying a drainage layer, which will greatly improve the development of the plant and increase the period of its productive use.
Tree-like peonies feel best on cultivated loamy soils with good air and water permeability. The soil solution ideally has a slightly acidic reaction (pH 5.5-6.5).
Location selection
When choosing a place for planting, do not forget that this plant is photophilous, which, however, needs protection from direct sunlight.
In addition, such a place should be reliably protected from the wind and, if possible, located away from big trees or shrubs.
Please note that a tree peony will require a lot of space.
The most favorable time for landing in a permanent place is early spring or mid-August - late September. Wherein autumn time it is preferable, since in spring there is a danger of late frosts, and by that time the earth had not yet had time to warm up properly. Peonies should be planted only in warm weather.
Landing
The planting hole is best prepared in advance, 2-3 weeks before planting the flowers. It looks like a cone with a diameter of about 70 cm. Do not forget to fill the bottom with a drainage layer 15-20 cm high: broken brick, gravel, sand, pieces of old stumps.
Lay rotted manure on top of the drainage, on top of which - an earthen mixture consisting of peat, humus, the top fertile layer of the earth, organic fertilizers.
Also add the following mineral fertilizers to the prepared soil mixture: 200 g of potassium sulfide, 400 g of granulated superphosphate, 400 g of bone meal, 40 g of copper sulfate. Thoroughly mix mineral fertilizers with nutrient soil and fill the hole a couple of weeks before planting. In this case, the top layer must necessarily consist of one fertile soil.
Immediately before planting, a hole is dug again, a small mound is made at the bottom, on which you need to straighten the roots of the plant and immediately pour large quantity water. When it is absorbed, the roots are carefully covered with earth, making sure that the root neck is at the same level with the soil.
Care: watering, fertilizing, pruning
A tree-like peony, planting and caring for which comes down to ordinary watering, weeding and top dressing, in the first year, as a rule, does not bloom and looks somewhat weak. If buds have formed, it is recommended to remove them before blooming, so as not to weaken the young plant.
This spectacular flower needs good abundant watering, which will be especially appropriate in late June - July, during the laying and formation of buds. Plants are watered once every 8-10 days, preferably with a hose, trying not to wet the base of the stems and leaves.
Regular abundant watering should continue until the end of August. But if the autumn turned out to be warm, then it can be continued in September. Also, do not forget to loosen the aisles and remove weeds.
If the planting pits were filled up according to all the rules, then for another two years the flowers will not need additional feeding. And only in the third year after landing they will need to be fed.
The best fertilizers for tree peonies are wood ash, bone meal, and mineral fertilizers high in potassium and phosphorus, and low in nitrogen. If there is a lot of nitrogen in the composition, this will lead to a decrease in the plant's resistance to diseases.
To prolong plant life and correct formation Bush every spring spend rejuvenating pruning. Shoots need to be shortened to the first living bud, cut off dried leaflets. In young plants, some of the buds can be safely removed.
Preparing for winter
Despite the fact that the tree peony is considered a winter-hardy plant, it can still freeze in harsh winters.
In early October, the shoots must be tied up, but in no case should they be bent to the ground, as they are fragile and can be damaged.
The trunk circle is best mulched with peat, as foliage, straw or manure can cause the development of gray rot.
With the onset of persistent frosts, the bushes are covered using wooden shields, coniferous spruce branches, non-woven material or burlap.
In the spring, as soon as the first points appear, the shelter can be removed. Possible spring frosts no longer pose a serious threat to adapted plants.
Reproduction of tree peonies is possible in several ways: by seeds, rooting layering, dividing bushes, grafting, cuttings.
1. seeds - this method is considered the longest and most laborious, as it requires certain skills and knowledge. The fact is that the seeds of this plant have an underdeveloped embryo, and therefore need to be stratified.
2. Rooting cuttings carry out in early spring. For this method of reproduction, well-developed shoots should be chosen, which are carefully bent to the ground. An incision is made from the side facing the soil, a small spacer is inserted into it and sprinkled with earth with a layer of 10 cm. A year later, a new plant is planted.
3. The division of the bushes is the simplest yet reliable way pion breeding. 5-6-year-old plants are dug up in August, carefully freed from the ground and divided at the root neck by stretching parts of the bush. A new delenka must necessarily have roots and several buds. The gaps must be disinfected with potassium permanganate and sprinkled with charcoal powder.
4. Grafting at the root is another breeding method carried out in early August. Cuttings with two buds are selected, the lower part of which is cut wedge-shaped from both sides. At the root of the stock, you need to make a cutout of the same shape, insert the scion stalk tightly into it and bandage it with plastic wrap.
The resulting plants are laid horizontally in moistened sawdust and placed away from sunlight. A month later, rooted plants are planted in a greenhouse so that the lower eye is in the soil at a depth of 5-7 cm. To prevent drying, sawdust is sprinkled on top. Peonies are planted in a permanent place after two years.
5. Propagation of peonies by semi-lignified cuttings takes place in the second half of June. The cuttings are cut in such a way that there is a bud with a leaf and small area escape wood. To reduce evaporation, the sheet is cut in half. The resulting cuttings should be planted to a depth of 1.5-2 cm in boxes filled with a mixture of sand and peat, covered with foil, regularly watered and sprayed.
By September, the cuttings have time to take root, and then they can be transplanted into pots. Until spring, young plants are kept in a greenhouse, after which they are planted in a permanent place. Knowing how to grow petunia seedlings, you can decorate your site with these beautiful flowers.
This amazing beauty garden flower became a cult in his homeland. There is a tree peony on a small Chinese coin, holidays are held in honor of it and works of art are created. Growing this flower is not easy, but its amazing flowering pays for all the trouble.
Tree Peony: Growing Requirements
This flower cannot be called capricious, but in order to achieve lush flowering and to save the plant in frosty winters, certain agricultural practices should be observed.
Landing in open ground
These charming flowers are long-lived. In China, there are plants planted over 800 (!) years ago. In our harsh climate, they cannot last so long, but in order for their flowering to please not only you, but also your children and grandchildren, you need to plant tree-like peonies correctly.
This plant does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil, so its planting should provide for drainage, which is made from small stones or small pieces of brick.
With a high standing of groundwater, plants are planted on high ridges.
Site and soil preparation
Tree peonies do not tolerate transplantation well, because in order to plant and further care led to abundant flowering, you need to immediately determine the place of their habitat.
It must meet the following conditions:
- be well lit throughout the day, a slight lacy shade is allowed and even desirable in the hottest time - this will prolong flowering;
- be protected from strong winds- they interfere with the formation of flower buds;
- do not have stagnant water - even a few days in the water during the melting of snow in the spring is enough and the flowers may die;
- remoteness from other plants - the roots of a tree peony react negatively to the presence of "neighbors";
- if several varieties are planted, the distance between plants should not be less than one and a half meters - the diameter of the crown of a tree-like peony is equal to its height, and this flower does not grow in cramped conditions.
Tree peonies do not like either heavy clay soils or too light sandy ones. The best option- loam with good moisture permeability and air saturation. Soil acidity is another important indicator, which should be between 6.1 and 6.8.
If the soil does not meet the requirements of plants, it has to be improved by adding the necessary components and liming. AT clay soil sand is added, and clay is added to sandy. Liming is always best done in the fall and in no case be combined with the application of nitrogen fertilizers, since nitrogen is lost when lime is applied. If such a procedure could not be carried out in the fall, ash must be added when planting in the pit, which not only reduces the acidity of the soil, but also contains necessary for plants micro and macro elements.
How and when to plant?
Most the best time, in which the planting of a tree peony is optimal, starting from August and ending in October. The warmer the region where the plant grows, the later it can be planted. The main rule that should be followed is that at least a month should pass from planting to the arrival of frost. This is the time the flower needs to take root well.
Features of planting tree peonies
Choosing a place for a flower bed
In order for the plant to feel comfortable in your garden, first of all, you need to responsibly choose the place where the flowers will grow. When choosing a territory for planting tree peonies, consider the following nuances:
- the place should not be in a constant wind;
- try to choose areas with moderate shading;
- peonies will be crowded near large shrubs, trees or buildings, so provide the plants with enough space;
- be sure to clear the soil of weeds.
What you need to know before planting bushes
Some gardeners are of the opinion that spring is the ideal time to plant a crop. However, it is much less risky to plant flowers in the fall. Spring is a period of unpredictable frosts that have a detrimental effect not only on the peony buds, but on the whole plant as a whole.
If you decide to start growing tree peonies, you also need to consider that this culture does not respond well to transplantation. In one flower bed, a peony bush can grow for decades, so you should not move it from place to place unless absolutely necessary. If you responsibly choose a site for a flower bed and take good care of the flowers, you are unlikely to need a transplant.
As for the soil, peonies prefer loose, fertile soil with an alkaline composition. This culture also loves moisture, but does not respond well to stagnant water near the roots. Therefore, when planting seedlings, you should definitely provide for good soil drainage.
Now let's talk about the intricacies of choosing seedlings. When you buy tree peony cuttings, find out the following points:
- how frost-resistant the culture is and how it will take root in the climate where it is to grow;
- how high does the peony bush reach;
- what color and size of its buds.
The best option is considered to be seedlings 20-25 cm in size, having 2-3 stiff shoots. The roots of the shoots should look strong and healthy, and there should be unblown buds on each branch.
The process of planting a tree peony
Let us consider in more detail all the stages of planting this crop:
- Having decided on a place for a bush, dig a hole in the ground about 50x50 cm in size or a little more.
- At the bottom of the pit, lay a layer of material that will serve as soil drainage. It can be sand, gravel, crushed stone, brick fragments, etc.
- Take 1 glass of superphosphate, dolomite flour and potassium sulfate. Mix these fertilizers with half of the dug soil. Fill the hole to the middle and compact the soil a little.
- Connect the second part of the earth with 2 buckets of compost. Pour the mixture into the depression, leaving some room for the seedling.
- Plant the peony shoot so that the root neck of the seedling is flush with the soil surface. Water the ground around the plant with water, and then completely fill the hole with soil.
- The last stage is mulching the bush with humus. Please note that it is highly undesirable to use sawdust or needles for mulching, as this can provoke the development of certain diseases.
Rules for caring for tree peonies
Watering plants
Tree peony does not need frequent irrigation. You can water it 1-2 times a month, depending on weather conditions. The amount of water for one irrigation is approximately 6-7 liters. After irrigation, you should slightly loosen the soil near the bush, while removing the sprouted weeds. As a rule, tree-like peonies are watered in the first months of summer, and in August they stop moistening.
Feeding flowers with fertilizers
The first three years of life, the plant needs foliar top dressing. For this, 40 g of urea and mineral fertilizers diluted in 10 liters of water, and then the bush is sprayed after watering.
Peonies older than three years old are fertilized three times a year:
- The first time the plant is fed in early spring, at a time when the bush produces young shoots. As a fertilizer, nitrophoska is used in the amount of 100 g per 1 bush.
- During the swelling of the kidneys, the time comes for the second feeding. It is also carried out with nitrophoska, the amount of fertilizer does not change.
- When the peonies have faded, they can be fertilized a third time. For this purpose, 30 g of superphosphate is used for each bush.
A good fertilizer for tree peonies is bone meal, ash or humus. Acidic substances and nitrogen fertilizers application is not recommended.
Tree peony, photo:
Shelter of peonies for the winter
Despite the fact that the tree peony is considered a frost-resistant crop, in especially unfavorable climatic conditions the plant needs protection. Preparation for winter should begin in October. At the end of the month, the shoots of the plant are neatly tied up, and the soil near the trunk is mulched with spruce branches or peat. With the advent of the first frost, the bush must be covered. For this, bags or spruce branches are used.
With the onset of spring, when buds swell on the shoots, the bushes are freed from shelter. Broken branches are removed, and healthy ones are shortened by one third. If these conditions are met, the flowers of the tree peony will be large and beautiful, and the plant itself will be strong and healthy.
Disease and pest control
It cannot be said that tree peonies get sick too often, but they are still prone to some fungal diseases. The most common disease is gray mold. It occurs if the bush grows in an overly shaded place, where an excessive amount of moisture stagnates in the soil. The development of gray rot is also facilitated by an excess of nitrogen in the soil. If you notice a similar disease on your flowers, cut off the affected stems from the bush and burn them. Then prepare a solution of potassium permanganate at the rate of 3 g of the substance per 10 liters of water, or use a 0.7% solution of copper sulfate. Spray healthy stems with prepared liquid.
Gray rot is often exposed to the roots of old bushes. If a similar problem occurs, cut off the diseased areas, treat the cut points with a 1% solution of copper sulfate, and then sprinkle with crushed charcoal.
On tree-like peonies, brown spotting can sometimes appear. In this case, the affected leaves and stems should also be cut and burned, and the bushes should be treated with 1% Bordeaux mixture.
Growing peonies. Video
Flowers come in one, two or three colors.
Popular varieties of peonies:
- Sapphire. Rose petals and raspberry center. Sometimes there can be up to 50 buds on the bushes at the same time.
- Kiao sisters. Creamy red flower.
- Coral altar. With a hint of peach. They reach 20 cm in diameter.
- Delaway. Grows from 1 meter.
- Green Jade. original flower, which attracts attention with its eccentricity.
How to properly plant a peony in open ground.
- Dig a hole 70 by 70 cm.
- Pour broken brick or gravel up to 30 cm into the pit. If the soil is acidic. Add bone meal 200 grams.
- If the soil is sandy, then add clay. If the soil is clay, then add sand.
- Place the plant in the hole and fill it with water.
- when the water is completely absorbed. We fall asleep with earth. Tamp the ground with your hand.
Landing time selection
The optimal time for planting is perhaps from mid-spring to late September. In order for the flower to take root faster, the best time is, of course, August.
As it grows, the root system becomes stronger and more resistant. for spring and summer period the roots of the flower deepen.
Tree peonies do well. They are not afraid of frost. In winter, at minus 35-40 degrees, the upper uncovered part of the plant freezes. But it's not scary.
Given that the flower is like a phoenix. Reborn from the ashes. Since the root remains in perfect order. In spring, the plant continues to bloom. They are sold with an open root system. Therefore, you should immediately start landing.
Site selection and soil preparation
Peony flower is annual and perennial. For a perennial peony, you should choose a place that is not very open. Especially for bright petals, the sun can be detrimental.
Due to constantly scorching sun on variegated petals, their color changes and becomes dimmer. perennial plant should be given Special attention especially in terms of choosing a permanent location.
The soil must be fertilized. Contain useful trace elements, vitamins and so on. The soil must be rich in fertilizers in order for the plant to feel comfortable and receive the maximum of nutrients. The soil should contain rotted manure, superphosphate, compost.
In no case can not be planted in clay soil. Peonies do not like constant humidity. But if there are no other options. Then you should add sand and organic fertilizers.
You need to be more careful when choosing a location. After all, in one place a peony can grow up to 100 years.
The principle of choosing a place:
- Sunny area without draft.
- The hole should be larger than the size of the roots. In the process of growth, the roots grow and increase in volume. Therefore, they need space.
- Drainage. He may be from broken bricks, and from gravel.
- Top dressing.
- Definitely compost.
- The neck is rooted at the level of the soil.
- Watering.
- Mulching.
Soil processing and preparation
It is necessary to prepare the soil for planting in advance. Also take care of the ground in advance. That is about fertilizer. Be sure to pre-prepared drainage.
The process of planting in open ground
The process of planting in open ground is standard. Everything is done quickly and easily. You don't have to be an advanced gardener to do this.
Boarding process:
- Dig a hole 70 cm deep.
- Lay drainage at the bottom of the pit up to 20-30 cm. He can be anyone. At the discretion of the gardener.
- Carefully place the root system in the hole. It is advisable to straighten.
- Pour in plenty of water.
- After water absorption. Cover with earth.
- Thrombo. This should be done carefully. Best by hand.
Peony Care
The first 2 years for a peony care is not needed. Care will be needed from the age of 3. The plant will need to be fed. Approximately 350-400 grams of bone meal. This should be enough for one bush.
Additionally, you can pour infusion of ash. Twice a week will be enough. When it comes autumn time, you need to start mulching peat. Be sure to water the plant twice a month with 6-7 liters of water per bush.
Increase watering in summer. It is necessary to proceed from the moisture or dryness of the soil. If you have recently watered, and the soil is already dry, then you can water it.
Do not forget every time after watering, loosen the ground around the bush. When weeds appear, be sure to remove them. And, most importantly, do not forget
1. Watering
Peonies do not like abundant and constant watering. Everything should be in moderation. You can not overdo it with watering. Constant and excessive soil moisture destroys the root system, like the flower itself.
In moderate heat, you can water the plant once every two weeks, up to 7 liters of water per bush. This will be enough.
2. Peony soil and fertilizer
Peony fertilization stages after 3 years:
- Nitrophoska. It is brought in in the spring and the sooner the better. It will take 100 grams under the bush. At the time of shoot growth.
- Nitrophoska can also be used when the kidneys begin to swell.
- Wood ash, superphosphate. One glass per bush.
3. Top dressing
Tree-like bush requires top dressing. It enriches it with vitamins, microelements, which are vital for any plant. At the same time, the consumption of top dressing in peonies goes quickly and quite a lot.
How to feed peonies:
- Nitrogen. It should be added in the spring when the plant begins to grow.
- potassium and phosphorus. They feed the entire flowering period. Nitrogen is added during the budding period.
Before top dressing, water the plant abundantly. Otherwise, the peonies will get burned.
A fertilizer like nitrogen should not be overused. Otherwise, gray rot may occur. It is better to feed less than to overfeed.
4. Diseases and pests
Diseases and pests are always on the lookout. They are waiting for the gardener to make a mistake in growing his flower garden.
The three main causes for diseases and pests are:
- Increased humidity.
- Shadow. Do not hit the sun on the flower.
- Increased nitrogen content.
If the tree peony is infected with any disease. Top part which includes the bud is cut off and burned. Especially when it comes to such a disease as gray rot.
5. Reproduction
- Reproduction by dividing the bush. It is best to do this with a bush of 5-6 years. To do this, you need to dig a bush and wash the root system, washing away all the dirt. Thus, the roots will be better visible. A small bush should contain 2 to 3 shoots. At the time of division, wounds form at the bush. These wounds are best treated with potassium permanganate.
- Reproduction by layering. Waiting for flowers to bloom. It is necessary to make an incision on the shoot and process it with a postal agent. Then cover with soil up to 15 cm. Moisten in time. In autumn, the shoot will take root. You can safely cut off and transplant to another place.
- Propagation by air layering. It is carried out before the flowers bloom. Make cuts on the shoot and put moss. Then wrap with foil and tie. Closer to autumn, roots begin to form.
- Propagation by cuttings. This procedure is done in mid-June. Choose shoots with buds. Cut off the stalk under the kidney. Reduce the sheet plate by 2/3. Processing is carried out with a growth substance. If there is a box, then pour a mixture of sand and peat into it. From above again sand up to 2 cm. Land at an angle of 45 degrees. Cover the box with foil to keep the soil moist.
- Reproduction by grafting. This can be done towards the end of August, beginning of September. Shoots must be one year old. Roots should be prepared 3 weeks in advance in a cool place. Make a wedge-shaped cut up to 15 cm. Put the first copy in 3 layers of sawdust. Soak in a basement or other cool place for up to 1 month. The greenhouse must be humid.
- Propagation by lateral grafting. Cut the scion diagonally. Coat the scion and scion with garden pitch.
- Reproduction by seeds. A flower from seeds begins its flowering at 5-6 years. By planting fresh seeds, they can only grow for 3 years.
6. Transplant
Often transplanting a plant from one place to another is not recommended. To transplant, you need to remove the bush from the ground. It is desirable that there be a clod of earth. Thus, the roots will be protected.
All wounds in the bush need to be treated:
- A solution of potassium permanganate.
- Charcoal.
- Clay mixture.
In such cases, the root will take root much faster. And, therefore, it will quickly please with its flowering.
7. Cropping
The cold season is coming. Peony bloom is decreasing. Closer to autumn, it ends completely. After flowering is completed, it is necessary to cut off the shoots that have already faded. You need to do it right.
After pruning, the peony needs to be fed wood ash. It will take only 300 grams for each bush.
Answers to frequently asked questions
How to transplant tree peonies?
Tree peonies can and even need to be transplanted, especially at the time of reproduction. They do not like frequent transplants. The place is chosen carefully. Because the plant is perennial. Accordingly, the place should completely suit the bush. Before transplanting, you need to dig a hole. It should be up to 70 cm deep. You should not overdo it. Otherwise, put more drainage than usual.
We fall asleep drainage up to 30 cm, depending on which hole. Next, gently shake off the excess soil from the bush to be planted. We straighten the roots and plant. Fill with plenty of water. After the water has been absorbed, cover with earth. We process all wounds. Otherwise, the plant may get sick.
How to properly propagate a tree bush?
There are many ways to reproduce. You should choose one thing and it is easier. The seed propagation method is suitable for beginner gardeners. And reproduction with cuttings requires experience.
Where is the best place to plant a peony?
Since it is not easy flower. It has a tree shape. It grows accordingly much longer, up to 100 years. Therefore, the site for it must be selected with the maximum comfortable conditions. Drafts and constantly scorching sun should not be allowed. Partial shade is preferred. And no less, the main thing is the volume of the site. Tree peony requires a lot of space.
When do peonies start blooming?
They bloom slowly. Somewhere around 3-4 years of age. Avoid drafts. Otherwise, flowering may be delayed.
How to protect a bush in winter?
It is best to cover it with foil. A small piece of film will be needed. In the spring, remove the film as early as possible.
What is the best for feeding?
Nitrogen is good for spring. But they can't overdo it. But in the summer and autumn you can feed with phosphorus. Also potassium. Late autumn can not be fed with nitrogen. It promotes rapid growth. This is not necessary in winter. Otherwise, the plant will die.