Planting and caring for tree peony in open ground

Tree peony: planting and care in open ground are considered separately from traditional peony species for a reason. Although this is an easy-to-grow garden plant, it's essential to know the basic rules for growing it in advance.

The photographs show how tree varieties differ greatly from classic peonies. However, using bushes in a garden allows for even more vibrant landscaping and extends the peony bloom period by several months.

About choosing a location for a flower bed

To ensure the plant thrives in your garden, you need to choose the right location. When choosing a site for this shrub, it's important to ensure it's not in constant wind and that the area receives moderate shade. You should also pay attention to: what a bush Peonies shouldn't be planted near trees or large shrubs, as they will definitely feel crowded. A peony bush requires simple soil that's clear of weeds.

Before planting bushes

Some believe that the best time to plant peonies is in the spring. However, specialist literature suggests that it's less risky to do so in the fall. In the spring, you can never accurately predict whether the frosts have passed. After all, the slightest drop in temperature is detrimental to the peony bud, as well as the entire bush.

Tree peonies don't respond well to replanting. Therefore, you should think carefully about which particular flowerbed in your garden will best accommodate this plant. The bush will then grow in the same spot for decades; it won't need to be constantly moved. Tree peonies: planting and caring for them outdoors means they will grow in the same spot for ten years with proper and timely care.

Selecting the right seedlings is also crucial for successfully growing this plant. When purchasing cuttings, pay attention to the plant's frost resistance and whether it can thrive in the intended climate. It's also important to find out in advance what the final height of the plant will be, as well as the size and color of its buds.

Advice! Experienced gardeners recommend purchasing seedlings of this plant up to 25 cm tall. They should already have several woody shoots. The roots should be healthy and strong. It's important to check that unblown buds are present on every branch of the bush.

How to plant a tree peony

Tree peony: planting and care in open ground involves several steps. Selecting and preparing a site and purchasing high-quality seedlings have already been discussed.

Stages of planting a bush:

1. Dig a hole 50 by 50 cm, maybe a little bigger;
2. Place drainage material at the bottom of the pit: sand or gravel, broken bricks;
3. Now mix a glass of dolomite flour, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate. Mix this fertilizer with the bud, then fill the dug hole halfway and compact it lightly;
4. The second portion of soil should be mixed with two buckets of compost. Pour the mixture into the hole, leaving a small space for the plant itself;
5. The root collar of the seedling after planting should be at the same level with the soil;
6. Water the soil around the plant, then fill the hole completely with soil;
7. You'll need to mulch the bush using compost. Avoid using sawdust or pine needles for this process, as this can lead to root disease.

Key points of care

How to water

Tree peonies don't need to be watered frequently. Twice a month is sufficient, but use a lot of water per watering: about seven liters. After watering, loosen the soil and remove weeds. Water according to this schedule during the first months of summer, then reduce watering in August.

What to feed

For the first three years, while the bush is growing in your garden, you'll need to regularly apply foliar feeding. To do this, dilute 40 grams of urea and the same amount of mineral fertilizer in ten liters of water. After this, spray the bush with the solution.

Once the bush is over three years old, fertilize three times a year. First, in early spring, apply 100 grams of nitrophoska per bush. Fertilize again as soon as new shoots appear. Fertilize the bush a second time during bud swelling, also using nitrophoska. After flowering, fertilize a third time, using 30 grams of superphosphate per bush.

Advice! Bone meal, ash, and humus are also considered good fertilizers for this plant. As for acidic substances and nitrogen fertilizers, it's best to avoid them.

Tree peony: planting and care in open ground It's not complicated. But choosing the right planting location is crucial, as the plant will grow in the same spot for decades. It's also crucial to fertilize the bushes regularly, according to a strict schedule.