Rules for planting and caring for tree peony, growing and why it doesn’t bloom

Tree peony bushes can decorate any garden or garden plot. Large spherical flowers of bright colors bloom on stable stems. Tree peonies number more than several thousand hybrid varieties, which are successfully cultivated in Asian countries, Europe and south-eastern America. Gardeners collect rare varieties and obtain unusual varieties through self-crossing.

Description and features

Tree peony is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2 meters

• stems: erect, partially woody;
• leaves: attached on long petioles to the stem, have a feathery shape, the shade depends on the variety and can vary from green to dark green;
• flowers: located one at a time on the bushes, grow up to 30 centimeters in diameter, each flower has from 5 to 12 petals, the shade of the petals depends on the variety.

Breeding history

The tree peony began its existence in the provinces of China. The wild flower mainly grew in the foothills and inhabited mountain slopes located above sea waters.

Since the beginning of the 5th century, the bush peony has become a symbol of harmony, beauty, and vitality for the Chinese. Wild peonies are protected by the state and are included in the list of rare and useful plants.

How is it different from herbaceous

Tree peony is often confused with herbaceous peony. In fact, cultures that are similar in appearance have significant differences.

Kinds

The classification of peonies includes the presence of main types. They are divided by origin and species characteristics.

Sino-European

The varieties of these species are characterized by the presence of large terry-type buds. The flowers are heavy and often droop under their own weight.

Japanese

This is a species that combines varieties with large but light flowers. The petals can be translucent and resemble gauze. The shades of Japanese varieties are striking in their diversity.

Hybrid

Varieties of this species are represented by diverse bushes with light and heavy flowers. They can be double or semi-double, bloom at different times of the season and exhibit different adaptive properties.

Popular varieties

Tree peony is successfully grown all over the world. Some varieties are especially famous and grow successfully in Asia, Europe and America.

Kiao Sisters

This is the most famous variety of tree peonies. It was bred by Chinese breeders, but information about the authors has not been preserved. The bush has dark green, dense leaves and grows up to 1.5 meters. The diameter of the flowers is 17-19 centimeters. The peculiarity of the variety lies in the color of the petals: the center of the flower is bright red, towards the tips the color becomes soft pink.

Sapphire

The bush grows up to 1.5 meters, the side shoots are spread out to the sides, the petals are colored soft pink or lavender. The middle of the bud remains yellow. The bush blooms throughout June.

Coral altar

The leaves on the stems are densely spaced, the flower has sharp tips and the structure resembles a carnation. The color of the petals varies from coral to light cream. The diameter of the flower is 18 centimeters.

Green Jade

A unique flower that differs in the shade of its petals. Pale green buds can reach 15-17 centimeters in diameter.

Red giant

The second name of the variety is Silk Road. The bushes reach 1.5 meters. Flowers are red or dark pink, crown type. The upper petals stretch upward, the lower ones fall down.

Yellow

Small bushes of tree-like yellow peonies stretch up to 1 meter. The flowers are small, with thin petals, grow up to 15 centimeters, and are light.

Kinko's

The variety belongs to the imperial group. The petals resemble a tea rose in color and shape. The diameter of one bud is about 17 centimeters.

White Phoenix

Many flower growers believe that this variety of peony is similar to a white lotus. The snow-white buds turn slightly pink in the center, but over time the tint disappears. Not many peonies bloom on one bush - about 10 pieces.

Violet

The dark purple hue of the buds makes the flower unusual. Many peony collectors purchase this variety for their collection. The bushes reach 1.5 meters, the diameter of the flower is 20-25 centimeters.

Black Panther

The bush grows up to 2 meters, the diameter of the buds is up to 30 centimeters. The color of the petals becomes dark burgundy towards the end of flowering. The yellow center makes it unusual.

Gold placer

The variety belongs to the type with densely double flowers.Openwork petals of yellow-orange color are bordered by a pink thin stripe.

White jade

Classic type of Japanese species. A bush with light snow-white flowers grows up to 1.5 meters.

Shima Nishiki

Semi-double peony with flower diameter from 15 to 20 centimeters. The shade of the petals can be red, pink, white or two-tone.

Green beans

Up to 70 buds appear on one bush per season. The flowering period lasts only 1.5 weeks. Flower petals take on a light green tint.

Phantom Dew

The bush grows up to 2 meters, the flowers are large and heavy. After rain, the weight of the drops causes them to droop. The color of the petals is lilac-pink, uniform.

Scarlet Sails

The petals of the crown-type buds are bright red. The bush reaches 2 meters, if you do not pinch it, it grows in width.

Twins

Semi-double pink peonies. The diameter of the flower reaches 15 centimeters. Flowering lasts about a month.

Tender Spring

Petals of a soft pink hue are characterized by increased corrugation. The bud is densely packed with petals, heavy and large. The bush reaches 2 meters, flowering lasts more than 2 weeks.

Planting in open ground

The growth and flowering of the tree peony depends on correct and timely planting. This crop can grow on the site for many years, so it is necessary to choose the right place and take into account the characteristics of the flower.

Deadlines

Gardeners consider the autumn months to be the best option for planting. In autumn, the peony root system is able to acquire the necessary suction hairs, which play an important role in the general condition of the root system.

If the seedling was purchased in the summer, then if certain nuances are observed, the peony can be planted on a plot of open ground immediately after purchase.

Selecting a location

When choosing a place for a peony, several rules are followed:

• lack of through winds;
• slight shading of the area with the stable supply of sunlight necessary for the peony;
• properly selected neighbors that will allow the bushes to grow unhindered.

Soil preparation

For peonies, choose light, loose soil with the necessary layer of drainage. The soil acidity level for peonies is constantly kept under control; it should be between 6 and 6.5 pH.

How to prepare seeds

When planting by seed, the planting material is prepared in advance. Seeds must go through several successive stages:

• germination in wet sand;
• stratification or exposure to different temperatures for 4-5 days;
• soaking before planting.

In order to avoid infection, it is recommended to additionally disinfect the seeds with a manganese solution.

Planting scheme

The minimum distance between bushes should be about 1 meter. There are varieties that are known for the abundant growth of bushes, for which the distance is increased to 120 centimeters.

Care and cultivation

After planting, the plant activates its adaptive forces. When caring, the needs of the culture should be taken into account.

Watering

The specific watering technique depends on the flowering. Before the formation of buds, the bush is watered abundantly; with the beginning of flowering, the number of waterings is significantly reduced.

Weeding and loosening

After abundant watering, the soil is loosened. This protects against the appearance of weeds and promotes additional air saturation.

Mulching

To prevent the spread of weeds, the soil is mulched. To do this, choose fresh grass, pine needles or sawdust.

Top dressing

During the flowering stage, the plant needs additional feeding.To do this, choose liquid mixtures with a high content of potassium and phosphorus. While it is growing, adding green mass, it needs nitrogen-containing complexes.

Trimming Features

When flowering occurs, the buds are removed. In this way, further flowering is stimulated. Before wintering, the bushes are pruned, removing weak and damaged shoots.

Transfer

Tree peonies are planted in a place where they will grow continuously. After forced transplants, the plant may be sick for about 2 years, so it is not recommended to transfer it.

Reproduction

To breed peonies, choose one of the methods. The timing depends on the condition of the bush.

Dividing the bush

Peony is easily propagated by division. The root system of an overgrown bush is dug out of the soil, a part is disconnected with a sharp knife, then the mother plant is returned to the hole. The separated plant is replanted as an independent seedling.

Cuttings

Peonies are propagated by cuttings in the fall. During the winter, the cuttings take root at home. In spring or summer they are planted in open ground areas.

By layering

This method is suitable for propagating a certain variety. Select a lower shoot from the bush, cut it and bend it to the ground, then sprinkle it with soil. In this way, it will take root throughout the spring and summer, and in the fall it can be replanted as a separate plant.

Vaccination

This method is suitable for creating a hybrid variety. They use part of the root, break it, insert a scion into the break and fasten it with garden varnish. The structure is rooted, when shoots appear, dead parts are removed and the seedling is grown.

Pests and diseases

Tree peonies have average resistance to diseases and pests. The main danger is fungal diseases.

Gray rot

It affects the bush when the soil is over-moistened.The leaves turn yellow and become covered with weeping spots. Fungicides are used for treatment, and the soil is also mulched.

Brown spot

A fungal infection, due to which the leaf blades turn brown and the buds fall off before flowering. Affected bushes are treated with antiseptics and fungicides.

Rust

The disease may appear after the rainy season due to dampness. Treatment with tobacco solution helps restore the bush to a healthy appearance.

Ring-shaped mosaic of foliage

The virus is spread by insects, so at the prevention stage it is necessary to combat them. Affected plants cannot be treated and must be destroyed. The disease develops slowly. Mosaic rings appear on the leaves, the flowers become smaller, and the leaves turn yellow.

Preparing for winter after flowering

In winter, peonies need additional shelter during the first years of their existence. They are covered with industrial material, tightened with twine.

Why doesn't it bloom

Peonies are not considered a capricious crop, but if the rules of care are violated, the flower will definitely react by not blooming. It is important to take into account the basic needs of the crop, then it will decorate the site for many years.

Improper care

Yellowing of the leaves indicates a change in soil acidity. To stabilize the condition of the soil, dolomite flour is added.

Warning! The formation of a hard crust on the soil indicates that peonies do not have enough loosening.

Wrong choice of landing site

Lack of flowering may be a reaction to lack of space. Peonies do not like drafts, so they will be uncomfortable in an open area on the north side.

Direct sunlight can cause the colors of flowers to fade and sunburn to appear on leaf blades.

Too young or too old plant

Peonies after planting may reduce their growth rate. They can grow slowly over several seasons. This applies to the above-ground part. Unlike herbaceous peonies, tree peonies first grow a root system.

Older plants also slow down their growth rate, this is due to the fact that they need a longer rest period than before.

Doesn't like transplants

Peonies are difficult to tolerate changing their permanent growing location, so flower growers advise immediately choosing a suitable site. If you have to move the bush to another place, then it is necessary to additionally feed it during the summer period. superphosphates and potash fertilizers.

Watering mode

One of the reasons may be a lack of watering. In spring, the bush needs abundant watering. In summer, it is watered only when the top layer of soil is dry.

How to choose the right seedling

Peony seedlings are purchased from special nurseries, where the plant is brought to a certain age when it can be planted in open ground areas. Main selection criteria:

• the stems should be hard, smooth and woody;
• the root system is developed, a full-fledged bud develops at the base of each stem;
• there is no plaque on the roots, the cuts are tight, without any wet marks.

A correctly selected seedling will be the key to the successful growth of a lush, abundantly flowering shrub.