Gorgeous peonies: planting and care in open ground

These plants have long since become a permanent fixture in the hearts and gardens of every gardener. And it's no wonder—their lush, large blooms at the very beginning of summer, when the garden is still sparsely adorned with vibrant colors, delight everyone: owners, guests, and passing gardeners. Peonies, planting and caring for them outdoors, are easy; they're probably every gardener's first experience with flower growing.

Reproduction

The plants are very easy to care for and, if planted correctly, can grow in one spot for up to 15 years. Peonies are propagated by division, starting at three years of age, using stem and root cuttings, layering, and seeds (varietal characteristics are not preserved in this case). Root pieces with several buds (at least two or three) have the best survival rate.

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Step-by-step instructions for planting a peony

Once the coveted root with buds starting to grow has been obtained, it needs to be carefully placed in the garden. This is best done near the house or tall vegetation, on the windward side, in a sunny spot. However, light shade won't harm it either.

Step 1. Before planting the peony, you need to dig a hole two spade depths deep.

Step 2. Add coarse gravel to the bottom for drainage, as plants do not tolerate stagnant water.

Step 3. Mix the humus with the soil removed from the hole in a one-to-one ratio, add a liter jar of last year's sawdust or peat, a handful of complex mineral fertilizer and mix.

Step 4. Pour water.

Step 5. Place the root with shoots or its part with buds in the hole and cover with soil so that the renewal buds remain above the soil surface.

Step 6. Press the soil firmly around the bush with your hands.

Step 7. Make a groove for watering around the plant and fill it with water.

Step 8. Next, the watering area should be mulched. This can be done with last year's sawdust, peat, humus, last year's tree leaves, chopped straw, pine needles, shredded bark, etc.

Important! Fresh sawdust should never be used in gardening, as it will greatly acidify the soil. If you want to scatter it along paths between garden beds, mix it with slaked lime first.

Step 9. When everything is ready, all you need to do is shake off the fallen sawdust from the leaves and wait for the first inflorescences to appear.

In the fall, when the foliage loses its decorative appeal, peonies need to be pruned and prepared for winter. Leave stems 20 cm tall above the soil surface.

To prevent roots from freezing in regions with cold winters, sprinkle one or two buckets of humus over the plants. In the spring, carefully rake it out, being careful not to break the new growth buds.

During the growing season, peonies require fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizers and ash: before flowering – nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus; after flowering – potassium and phosphorus.

Caution! Do not use organic fertilizers as they cause fungal diseases. To prevent these, you can spray with Bordeaux mixture.

Varieties

Of course, double peony varieties are the most beloved by gardeners for their "frivolous, disheveled" petals. The rich color palette—from white to rich burgundy, from delicate cream to dark caramel—will leave no one indifferent.

The most popular varieties of peonies include the following:

• Red Charm. A ball 25 cm in diameter, pure red in color, on a strong, elastic stem with a light aroma.
• Raspberry Sunday. Pink “shaggy” inflorescence with a creamy center and a rose scent.
• Munglow. A white foam of petal flashes with a yellow center and a distinct fragrance.
• Varenka. Pink balls with a light aroma withstand harsh winters with dignity.

Also find out everything About planting peonies in the fall and caring for them in open ground.