Descriptions and characteristics of the best varieties and hybrids of Ito-peonies, planting and care

The appearance of Ito-peonies in the world of floriculture is associated with many years of selection work. Hybrid peonies began to form a separate section of garden peonies. They decorate country and garden plots, are actively used by landscape designers and delight with flowering throughout the summer. Hybrids have collected the best qualities of tree and herbaceous peonies.

Description and features

Hybrid peonies or Itoh-hybrids are perennial plants with a branched bush.

The main characteristics of the hybrids repeat the features of the tree peony:

• the bush reaches a height of up to 90 centimeters, the stems deviate to the sides when fully developed;
• leaves tightly adhere to the stems, similar in shape and structure to the leaf blades of tree-like relatives;
• the flowers of the hybrids have central spots and emit a strong odor when blooming.

Flowering of Ito peonies begins depending on the varietal characteristics and lasts up to 3 weeks. Cut flowers retain their original appearance for 2 weeks, taking into account changes in water.

Information! The above-ground part of the perennial changes every year; this distinguishes Ito hybrids from related species.

History of selection

Ito's hybrid peonies were obtained after crossing a perennial tree peony and a herbaceous peony with varietal characteristics. The work on crossbreeding was started by the Japanese breeder Toichi Ito. The cultivation of the first generation of the intersectional species dates back to the beginning of 1948.Then the crossing work continued. To date, a separate section of Ito hybrids has been created.

Ito-hybrids or Itoh-hybrids became a separate group among the classification list in 1974.

The best varieties

Among the variety of varieties, there are rare types that are collected by peony lovers. Popular varieties are distributed throughout the world and are cultivated in different climatic zones.

Barzella

A variety that has a gold medal from the American Peony Society. The bushes grow up to 50 centimeters, the diameter of the flower is about 15 centimeters. The shade of the petals is lemon.

Border Charm

The diameter of the yellow flower is about 16 centimeters, the center is burgundy. The variety belongs to the terry type.

Viking Full Moon

Tall bush - up to 85 centimeters. The shade of the bud becomes greenish, and lilac stripes may form on the petals.

Garden Treasure

The bush grows up to 80 centimeters. The petals are bright yellow, the center is dark burgundy.

Dark Eyes

In terms of shape, the bud belongs to the simple type. The color is dark burgundy, with yellow stamens in the center.

Julia Rose

Double flowers with a diameter of up to 18 centimeters. Due to the terry nature of the yellow petals, the burgundy spot in the center is almost invisible.

Yellow Crown

Peonies can be double or semi-double. The shade of the petals is lemon.

Doodle Dandy

The diameter of the flower is about 16 centimeters. From the beginning of flowering it has a pink tint, as it blooms the hue becomes lighter and fades.

Yellow Haven

A wide bush with flowers up to 17 centimeters in diameter. Petals are formed in up to 7 rows.

Yellow Emperor

The bush is wide. The flowers are pale yellow, with an inconspicuous red center.

Canary Diamond

An unusual variety, Canary Brilliants is known for its multi-colored buds on a single plant.Early buds grow pale yellow, later ones acquire a bright yellow hue.

Kellis Memory

Compact low bush with different cream buds. The edges of the petals may turn orange.

Copper Kettle

Semi-double yellow buds with lilac stripes. The bush grows up to 75 centimeters.

Lollipop

The flower is yellow with purple stripes. The name comes from the English word "lollipop", due to the similarity of the shape to a round candy.

Lemon Dream

The bush grows up to 80 centimeters. The petals have an even light yellow color.

Morning Lylek

The bushes reach 60 centimeters. The petals are colored pink, the middle is covered with yellow stamens.

Old Rose Dandy

Small bushes with flowers growing up to 12 centimeters. The yellow flowers of the Old Rose Dandy variety have a dark burgundy center.

Prairie Charm

Semi-double variety, each row of petals has up to 20 pieces. The petals are greenish-yellow, the center is red.

Sequestered Sunshine

The petals are yellow, with pinkish edges. The bush grows up to 80 centimeters.

Singing in the Rhine

The buds are pink at the initial stage of flowering. At the last stage they turn orange.

Sonoma Aprilcott

The bushes reach 50 centimeters. The color of the bud is apricot, turning pink over time.

Hillary

The shade of the petals of the Hillary variety is pinkish-yellow, with a red center. The Hillary variety can grow fully double or semi-double.

Cora Louise

The bushes reach 60 centimeters. The flowers are lavender in color, with a lilac spot in the center.

Lafayette Escadrille

Simple flowers have a diameter of 10 centimeters. Color – burgundy, with a yellow center.

Impossible Dream

Terry variety with 45-50 petals. The color is pink, becoming lighter towards the end of flowering.

Norwich Blush

White peony.By the end of flowering, the center of the bud becomes dark pink, almost red.

Pastel Splendor

A simple lilac flower with a dark spot in the center. Bushes can reach 90 centimeters.

Reverse Magic

Terry pink peony. The shade lightens over time.

Rose Fantasy

An unusual variety. The flowers are pink, the lower row of lilac petals surrounds the buds.

Scarlet Haven

The Scarlet Heaven variety was bred by American breeders. Red flowers have yellow stamens.

White Emperor

White peonies with lilac stripes. The bushes are tall, reaching 90 centimeters.

Fest Arrival

Lilac flowers on small bushes. The diameter of most buds reaches 12 centimeters.

Lois Choice

Large double flowers of pink color. The edges of the petals acquire a darker shade.

Pink Hawaiian Coral

The hybrid has round flowers. The shade of the petals is deep pink.

Collis Memory

Peonies resemble tea-colored roses. This is a rare semi-double variety.

Scramdidlyapses

A hybrid with buds of light shades: pink, yellow, lilac. Peony petals are especially thin. By type it belongs to semi-double varieties.

Golden Rose

A hybrid variety with a simple flower shape. The bushes stretch up to 70 centimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages

Gardeners highlight positive and negative aspects among the qualities of Ito peonies. Hybrids exhibit high adaptive qualities in many respects.

pros

Ito-peonies have more advantages than disadvantages. Proper care allows you to grow full-fledged bushes and observe flowering for several years.

Frost resistance

Peonies can tolerate up to -25 degrees, provided additional shelter is provided. Young bushes are covered at -10 degrees.

Unique coloring

Ito peonies amaze with their variety of shades.Varietal characteristics associated with different colors of buds are valued by flower collectors.

Powerful growth

With minimal care requirements, peony bushes grow actively. The average height reaches 50-60 centimeters.

Abundant flowering

Ito peonies are especially valued for their long flowering and the abundance of flowers that appear. The demand for hybrids with an early type of flowering is growing every year.

Developed root system

Growth and flowering at a high level are made possible due to the developed root system. Thin and dense roots are able to obtain maximum nutrients from the soil.

Vegetative method of propagation

Peonies can be propagated using any chosen method. They take root successfully and reproduce by layering and dividing bushes.

Well developed kidneys

There are always enough buds on the root system of a medium-sized peony. They develop according to their own scenario and do not interfere with each other.

Minuses

Of the disadvantages of Ito peonies, gardeners identify only 2. They are related to the conditions of detention.

Can't handle heat well

When the temperature rises from +25 degrees, the bushes begin to lose the density of the stems and droop. During such periods, it is necessary to increase the frequency of watering.

The need to comply with the watering regime

Ito peonies need watering according to the established schedule. At the same time, when the air temperature decreases, they do not tolerate waterlogging, and when the air temperature rises, they do not tolerate drought.

Landing

To plant Ito peonies on a site, choose a place in advance. An important maintenance condition is the choice of neighboring crops.

Selecting a location

Ito peonies are located in areas where sunlight is available. Peonies are not suitable for lowlands or wetlands.

Soil requirements

The soil for flowers should have a neutral acidity level. Before planting, the soil is prepared in advance, fertilized, dug, and saturated with air.

Deadlines

The best option for planting seedlings is considered to be the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. When planted during this period, peonies will have time to take root and be prepared for frost.

Predecessors

When planting flower crops, the rules of crop rotation are observed. Vegetable crops or annual flowers can grow in front of peonies.

Neighbours

As a rule, peonies are grown next to flower crops. Good neighbors for them can be:

• ornamental shrubs;
• low-growing coniferous trees;
• annual flowers.

Planting scheme

For full growth, peony bushes need space. A distance of 35-50 centimeters is left between the bushes.

Care

Compliance with the rules of care is the key to full development and abundant annual flowering. When growing peonies, special attention is paid to watering.

Watering

This point is important for peonies. In summer they are watered as the topsoil dries out. Overmoistening of the soil is harmful to the development of the root system, therefore, when assessing the condition of the soil, the degree of moisture is often checked using a sharp wooden stick.

Loosening and weeding

To exclude the possibility of infection of the bush with disease-carrying weeds, keep the soil clean. Loosening is carried out after heavy watering or rain.

Growth accelerators

Complexes containing nitrogen help accelerate growth. They are laid at the stage of bud formation.

Top dressing

During the period of growing green mass, the soil is fertilized with mineral complexes. When buds appear, flower growers recommend using traditional methods.Wood ash is poured around the bushes, and urea solutions are added if necessary.

Shelter for the winter

Winter shelter is necessary for young bushes. They are covered with spruce branches or sprinkled with pine needles.

Warning! They do not use film for shelter; under it, the plants begin to wither and rot.

Trimming

To stimulate flowering, faded buds are removed from peonies. The bushes are also pruned before wintering, leaving 2-3 centimeters above the surface.

Reproduction

The main method of propagation is dividing the bush. This method allows you to preserve varietal characteristics and solve the problem of reproduction.

Reviews

Flower growers speak positively about Ito peonies. They amaze with an abundance of colors and at the same time exhibit high protective properties.