Important rules for the successful cultivation of peonies in the garden

Peonies: a brief history

Peonies have a long and interesting history. In ancient times, the Persians and Greeks planted these flowers, specially bringing them from other countries, for the purpose of education and self-education. Peony is famous for very beautiful flowers, so a large number of artists depicted this wonderful plant in their paintings, and palaces have been decorated with canvases depicting peonies for a long time. Peonies were admired not only in Russia, but also in Ancient China and Europe. Legends were told about peonies and characterized as a medicinal plant. It is believed that the peony was brought to Russia by Peter I. Then it was used only as a medical remedy, and only some varieties were used for decoration.

In Ancient Greece, beads made from parts of a peony were worn on babies. The Greeks believed that they would keep the baby safe from evil spirits. Peony bushes adorned the gardens of noble people. The most talented gardeners invented and developed hybrids and new varieties of peonies. Ordinary people were forbidden to grow peonies on their site, as it was a sign of prosperity and celebrity. Giving a bouquet of peonies, a person wished the other person good health and family well-being. In the countries of the East, the peony is considered a flower that can kindle love and passion. Married girls are advised to acquire this plant in order to attract love and family happiness.

Roman scientists in ancient times repeatedly noted peony in their records as a medicinal one, and recommended using it for certain diseases. The peony was then also popular among doctors. Medicines were prepared from it, the root of the plant was considered especially useful. The tincture, which is made from peony roots, is currently in demand. This drug is characterized as a sedative and is also recommended for insomnia.

Types and varieties of peonies

Breeders to this day are trying to breed more and more beautiful and new plants, so this culture has a large number of diverse species and varieties. Peonies are divided into herbaceous, dwarf shrubs, and shrubs.

Artisanal peonies have especially large, lush and very beautiful flowers. Its bush resembles a small tree.

Herbaceous peonies have powerful sturdy stems, up to 120 cm long. The shade of flowers of a herbaceous peony can be red, white, yellow, and also ruby. The herbaceous peony is divided into several more subspecies. The shrub has a beautiful shape, small leaves and ordinary, medium-sized, flowers that bloom in late spring.

Medicinal peony. Flowers of this species have a dark red color and a neutral odor. They bloom at the very beginning of summer. It is worth noting that the stems of the medicinal peony can reach a length of 80 cm.

White-flowered peony. This species is the favorite variety in France. Its flowers are dense, carved, lush and, according to the name, have a white color.

Planting and leaving

Peony is a perennial shrub. It has a large root system that goes deep enough into the soil. The culture has lush flowers and leaves with a beautiful shape, due to which it perfectly performs a decorative function. The height of the shrub reaches one meter, depending on the variety. The peony bush has single large flowers that can bloom up to 25 cm in diameter. Flowers in their shape can be double, spherical and pink. Some varieties of peony are distinguished by the unusualness of the fruits themselves. Among other things, a peony is an unpretentious plant, so anyone can grow it.

A perennial can grow in one place for about 15 years. The peony blooms in late May - early June. There are also late varieties that bloom in mid-summer or August. Flowers last long enough, up to 3 weeks. Gardeners noted that if you plant a peony in a group of flowers, then its flowering lasts a little longer than the flower will grow separately.

The most optimal period for planting this crop is late summer or early September. You can be sure that by planting peonies at this time, they will just have time to adapt to the new soil and take root properly. If you did not manage to do this in the fall, then, in principle, you can plant them in the spring.

To plant a peony, you need to choose a spacious, bright, sunny place or light partial shade. The depth of the pit should be approximately 70 x 70 cm. It is better to lay a layer of compost or rotted manure at the bottom of the pit. Peony does not tolerate acidic soils. On such soils, it will hurt.

Caring for peonies is simple, as this plant is unpretentious, resistant to cold and drought. If you want to see a lush and beautiful shrub on your site, then only regularly feed the plant, weed, water and detect diseases in time and eliminate them, as well as carry out preventive procedures.

Reproduction

Peony propagates both by seeds and vegetatively: by roots, cuttings, buds and layering, depending on the variety of the plant.

So, having planted a peony bush on your site, you will not regret for a minute, since its bright, lush and beautiful flowers, decorative leaves of a dark green color will make your garden luxurious and extremely enviable.