Large-leaved Peony

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Large-leaved peony (lat. Paeonia macrophylla) - one of the oldest representatives of the Peony genus of the Peony family. It is a native of Adjara, a southwestern administrative region located in Georgia. There, the plant is found in its natural environment. Typical habitats are mountain forests and forest edges. The species belongs to endemics, because in nature it is found in a limited range. Introduced into culture back in 1897. Nowadays it is used as an ornamental culture for landscaping gardens and personal backyard plots.

Characteristics of culture

Large-leaved peony is represented by tall herbaceous plants belonging to perennial species. It is equipped with a rather strong erect stem up to 1 m high, topped with large, regular, green foliage, consisting of several lobes. A distinctive feature of the species in question is the bluish color of the underside of the leaf. This effect is created due to sparse pubescence with long white hairs, located mainly on pronounced veins. Leaf lobes are oval, round, obovate or ellipsoidal, up to 25 cm long.

The flowers are white, large, often have a yellowish undertone. Flowering is observed in late April - mid-May, which largely depends on climatic conditions. The fruits ripen in early September, less often in the third decade of August. By the way, they are dry leaflets. The species belongs to the category of winter-hardy, hibernates without any problems without shelter, although shelter is necessary in snowless and harsh winters. This can be a foliage pillow or any other organic material. It should be noted the high decorative properties of plants. Despite the fact that the large-leaved peony does not form double flowers, it looks very attractive.

By the way, the species in question goes well with other flowering and ornamental plants, but on condition that the ally is either higher or, conversely, lower. Deciduous and coniferous shrubs or low trees will serve as the background for the species under consideration. It is not forbidden to plant peonies around the perimeter of the lawn, preferably in the corners. Then delphiniums, daisies and cuffs can be planted near them, they will embellish the garden with bright colors and bring a unique flavor.

Growing features

It is important to note that the large-leaved peony is one of the species resistant to diseases and pests. Problems are possible only in the absence of proper attention and waterlogging, both artificial and natural. Natural means frequent rainfall. At such moments, the root system of peonies is exposed to wetting and, accordingly, rotting and damage by fungal diseases. It is quite difficult to deal with them in this case, and this process is not subject to all gardeners and florists.

Crop care begins with the onset of spring immediately after the soil thaws. The first procedure that peonies require is soil treatment with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. It is necessary to disinfect the soil and prevent a disease called gray rot. With the appearance of small sprouts, they are treated with Bordeaux liquid, then light loosening is carried out, which does not allow soil compaction. Do not forget about watering as the top layer of the soil dries up without waterlogging.

Mandatory feeding is carried out with ammonium nitrate and rotted organic matter. In the future, 2 more dressings are required - during budding and at the time of flowering with full mineral fertilizer. The fourth top dressing is welcome, it is carried out immediately after flowering, both mineral and organic fertilizers are applied under the bushes. From organic matter, mono opt for rotted humus or compost, as well as mullein solution. Fresh manure cannot be applied.