Peonies are very beautiful flowers that can bloom and delight with their appearance in any garden. In order to enjoy their beauty, it is worth to read basic information about their cultivation and the most favourable conditions in which they will grow and reproduce.
Peonies - origin and history
Beautiful peonies came to Europe from China and Japan. They have been cultivated there for a very long time. In Asia this plant is a symbol of happiness, abundance and prosperity. There are more than 30 species of peony, of which only two are not from Asia, but from North America.
In ancient times peonies were treated as medicinal plants. They were used to treat wounds and as a diastolic agent.
Peony species: Chinese, whole, woody, single and Japanese
Chinese peonies come from China and Siberia. They are characterized by unique flowers in colors: white, pink or purple. The flowering period falls at the turn of May and June. The Chinese peony grows up to one metre high.
Japanese / woody peonies - these are frost resistant peonies, which are characterized by longevity and a very long flowering period. It is relatively little popular. Otherwise known as the woody peony.
In terms of flower structure, peonies can also be distinguished:
- full - they are characterized by spherical, rich flowers, which are densely filled with petals.
- single - these in turn are characterized by one whorl of petals, in the middle of which there are rods.
Peonies - planting and flowering, most favourable conditions
Depending on the variety, the peonies bloom in spring, roughly from April to June. They should be planted in sunny or semi-shady places in an open, unobstructed space. However, it is worth protecting them from the wind. Peonies tolerate any type of soil, but the best solution is fertile soils and a pH of about 5 rich in humus.
The best time to plant a peony is at the end of summer (August, September). Plant no more than two plants per square metre. The rhizomes of the peony should be covered with approx. 4 centimetres of soil. Too shallow or too deep a planting will delay the flowering period.
Peony care - the right conditions
Peonies feel best in moderately moist soil. They must not be watered too often and it is necessary to remember not to soak the leaves during watering. At the base of the stems it is worth to sprinkle some bark from pine or sawdust. This will help to maintain moisture and stop weed growth. In spring, you can pour some fertilizer with peony, preferably if it is a natural fertilizer.
The most popular peony species
Dr. Alex Flamming's peony - these are peonies that belong to the late flowering varieties. They are characterized by full flowers with wide petals and intense color and a beautiful smell.
Shirley Temple peony - characterized by light pink and white flowers. The flowering period is from May to August. It is a very fast growing plant.
The Sarah Bernhardt Peony is one of the most beautiful and impressive peonies. It is characterized by very impressive and large flowers in different colors.
The Karl Rosenfield Peony - this peony is very characteristic thanks to its full, large, burgundy flowers. The petals are quite large and slightly wavy and collapsed. An important feature is that it has no smell at all. Blooms in June.
The Prima Vera peony is a very common peony species. It has a beautiful, light yellow colour and quite large flowers. Blooms in May and June.
