Content
The Gardenia peony was bred in the United States in 1955 and is still popular with gardeners. In beauty, this variety can be compared with roses, however, it is less whimsical, and decorative not only during the flowering period, because a strong bush adorns the garden with an openwork crown.
Description of the gardenia peony variety
A perennial bush is formed by thin, but stable stems and peduncles that do not require additional support even with abundant flowering. Due to the strength of the stems, the plant, reaching a height of 90 cm, retains its shape well. Its width does not exceed 50 cm. The Gardenia variety grows quite quickly, but flowering can be expected no earlier than three years after planting, since in the first years all the forces go to the formation of the root system.
The leaves of the herbaceous gardenia peony are large, pinnately dissected in shape. In autumn, they change their characteristic dark green color to a noble crimson.
Peony belongs to sun-loving perennials - only in open spaces will its flowering be long and abundant.
Like some other varieties, Gardenia is extremely hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -40 ° C. Also one of the undoubted advantages of culture is drought resistance. Thanks to these characteristics, the plant feels great not only in the southern and central regions of Russia, but also in Siberia and Transbaikalia.
Flowering features
The gardenia variety of lactic-flowered peony belongs to the group of double pink peonies. It is distinguished by large (up to 22 cm) hemispherical single flowers formed by a large number of concave petals. It resembles gardenia flowers in shape, which is why the variety got its name. Initially, the petals are white with a slight pinkish tinge, over time they become creamy. The flowers have a light pleasant aroma.
Large white flowers against a background of rich green leaves look very elegant
One of the features of the Gardenia cultivar is the large number of lateral buds, which provides abundant long flowering from late spring to mid-summer.
Poor flowering of a plant or its complete absence can be caused by the following factors:
- insufficient amount of sunlight;
- unsuitable chemical composition of the soil;
- weak root penetration;
- errors in care.
Application in design
In landscape compositions, Gardenia peonies are planted both separately and in composition with other varieties of this perennial.
The combination of large white flowers with buds of other shades looks great
A lush flower bed can decorate any part of the garden, but it will look especially advantageous near water bodies - the reflection of flowering bushes in the water creates a unique romantic landscape.
Peony Gardenia can also act as a soloist
In this case, it is planted on lawns and lawns, against which its beauty is especially visible. Shade flowers and conifers.
Since the Gardenia peony invariably attracts attention, other flowers can fade against its background, so perennials with other flowering periods would be an excellent option for an ensemble with it.
Delphiniums, asters, carnations, irises, bells go well with this perennial
Since the Gardenia peony bushes reach quite large sizes, in the compositions they are planted in the second row.
It is better not to combine peonies with other large flowering plants, for example, with roses, as they will compete for attention and beauty may fade.
Many gardeners try to grow peonies in containers, flowerpots, or pots. Usually, stunted varieties are used for these purposes. The Gardenia variety forms a full-fledged bush with a large root system, therefore it is rather difficult to create conditions for it to grow in a pot on the balcony. In containers of a large volume, the Gardenia peony can be grown, the main thing is to provide it with the correct wintering conditions.
Reproduction methods
The main breeding method for Gardenia peonies is by dividing the bush. Adult plants with a well-developed root system are dissected into several parts and planted.
A peony cut is a part of the root system with the remains of stems
As in the case of other varietal peonies, seed propagation is ineffective, since the plants obtained in this way do not inherit the characteristics of the mother bush.
Landing rules
For the Gardenia peony, it is best to choose sunny areas or places with little shade during the daytime. In the shade, the plant will not die, but it will bloom weakly or stop altogether. It is advisable to plant peonies away from buildings and large-sized trees in order to ensure good air circulation for the plantings. For the same reason, the bushes should be located at a distance of at least 1 m from each other.
The optimal substrate for perennials will be fertile loose loams with weak acidity. Too acidic soils are limed, sand is added to heavy clay soils, and sandy soils are improved by adding clay. Avoid places with close groundwater table.
It is better to buy landings for planting in nurseries or in specialized stores.
Planting material is obtained from young plants that have reached the flowering age. The root system of the cut should be well developed and have 3-5 buds. Plants with wet, rotten cuts, bloom, growths and knotty nodules on the roots are not suitable for planting.
Many gardeners prefer to plant these flowers in the fall, since in spring there is a danger of not being in time before the start of the growing season.
The correct planting of peonies is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- 25-30 days before the date of the proposed disembarkation, a hole is dug with a diameter and depth of about 60 cm;
- a nutritious soil mixture is prepared from leafy soil, peat, humus and sand, wood ash and superphosphate are added to it;
- the planting pits are filled with a nutrient mixture by 2/3;
- the plant is positioned so that the buds are buried by 4–5 cm;
- thoroughly watered and mulched with peat.
Follow-up care
Any gardener can easily handle the gardenia peony. The plantings need to be watered. Despite the fact that this plant tolerates drought well, it needs soil moisture during the budding period, during flowering and during the autumn budding. One bush should have 2-3 buckets of water.
Young peonies that are not yet blooming Gardenia are fed by foliar method. For adult specimens, mineral complexes are introduced three times per season: in early spring, during the formation of buds and after flowering.
The root system of the Gardenia peony does not tolerate dense soil well, so the plant needs regular loosening.
Mulching helps to significantly facilitate planting maintenance - it prevents the growth of weeds, prevents soil compaction after watering, improves the quality of the substrate, and also retains moisture.
Preparing for winter
It is not difficult to prepare the Gardenia peony for winter: with the first frost, the dead stems are cut flush with the ground, the root system is well watered. Usually, this is enough for frost-resistant perennials, but in the northern regions with the arrival of stable frosts, you can additionally mulch the planting site with compost, peat or spruce branches.
Pests and diseases
Like other varieties of peonies, the Gardenia variety is resistant to disease, but fungal infections are dangerous for weakened plants that are not properly cared for. The best prevention will be timely watering and feeding, as well as removing weeds and loosening the soil around the plant. If the bushes are affected by fungi, they are treated with fungicides (copper sulfate, copper oxychloride, Bordeaux liquid, Fundazol).
Ants and aphids are dangerous for flowers. You can deal with them with the help of insecticides (Actellik).
Ants infect peony leaves and carry aphids
Conclusion
Peony Gardenia is a striking representative of the peony family. Its beautiful bushes, covered with large white flowers, will not leave anyone indifferent. Resistance to diseases, the ability to endure even harsh winters, as well as ease of maintenance invariably attract many gardeners, so a rare site does without this "king of the garden".
