Peony Potanin

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

Peony Potanin (lat. Paeonia potanini) - one of the representatives of tree peonies. Belongs to the genus Peony of the Peony family. The description of the species under consideration received thanks to the famous Russian botanist, geographer and public figure - Komarov Vladimir Leontievich. Potanin's peony was introduced into the culture back in 1921. Natural area - China. The same republic is the birthplace of the plant. Typical habitats are grassy slopes and open sunny glades in forested areas.

Characteristics of culture

Potanin's peony is represented by decorative low-branched semi-shrub plants reaching a height of 80-85 cm. Tall specimens with a height of more than 1-1, 2 m can also be found in culture. The bushes of the species in question are crowned with double-triple green foliage, equipped with deeply dissected lobes.

The flowers are medium-sized, do not exceed 6-7 cm in diameter, have red or brownish-red petals and yellow anthers. The fruits are presented in the form of complex leaflets, consisting of 3-5 carpels. The flowering of the species in question is observed in June. It should be noted that in nature there is also a white-flowered form of Potanin's peony.

In appearance, the Potanin peony has similarities with the Delavey peony (lat. Paeonia delavayi), which belongs to the group of tree-like peonies. Their difference lies in the size and shape of the leaf lobes, as well as the size and shade of the flowers. Potanin's peony is relatively winter-hardy, withstands frosts up to -20C, therefore it is cultivated mainly in southern countries. It is used in group and ordinary plantings.

Growing conditions

The species cannot be called too whimsical, however, some conditions during cultivation should be observed, only then the plant will please with abundant flowering and active growth. Soils for the cultivation of Potanin's peony are preferable loamy, light, moderately moist, with a pH in the range of 6 - 8. Location - slightly shaded or sunny, lowlands with stagnant cold air and melt water are not welcome. It is also not recommended to plant the species in question in areas with saline, waterlogged and heavy soils.

Distinctive features

Potanin's peony is used not only in gardening, but also in folk medicine. Its roots are famous for their healing properties, they are endowed with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. In addition, the roots of Potanin's peony boast an analgesic effect; they are often used to treat diseases of the respiratory system. In eastern countries, the petals of flowers of the species in question are eaten as an exquisite delicacy. They are also used as an additional component for preparing various dishes and tonic tea.

Subtleties of care

Potanin's peony care consists of simple procedures, which are inherent in all representatives of the Peony genus. Watering, weeding, and top dressing are important to him. The last operations are carried out three times per season. The first feeding is carried out in early spring - with organic and complex mineral fertilizers, during budding - with complex mineral fertilizers, after flowering - with phosphorus and potash fertilizers, nitrogen fertilizers, in turn, are not required. Failure to comply with this rule threatens to reduce the winter hardiness of plants.

In addition to these procedures, Potanin's peony requires a high-quality shelter, especially if a cold winter with a temperature drop of more than -20 C. The branches of the peony before the shelter are subjected to a bundle; they should not be cut, like in herbaceous peonies. If you do not carry out the tying procedure, a heavy layer of snow can break the branches, because they do not have a good density. With the onset of spring, the shelter is removed, and sanitary pruning is carried out, which consists in removing frozen and broken shoots.