April 2008 — Paeonia Print
Monday, 31 March 2008 19:00
Paeonia lactiflora 'Buckeye Belle' The peony is a much loved classic plant for a full sun garden. The only genus in the family Paeoniaceae there are species native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America. Herbaceous peonies are divided into about 30 different species whereas there are about ten species of woody peonies. By far the most popular, and familiar to most people, are the 1000 or more cultivars and hybrids of the herbaceous Paeonia lactiflora.

These plants are extremely easy to grow, asking simply for rich, well drained soil in full sun. They are hardy from zones 3 to 8 and are quite capable of living for over 100 years so site them carefully in the garden as they prefer to remain undisturbed.

The outrageously bodacious double blooms are an image most evocative of early summer and formal gardens, while the semi double and single flowers of some of the less well known varieties are equally exquisite and actively sought after. Peony flowers are beautiful shades of pristine white, to the full range of corals, pinks and reds, while the woody species add some superb yellows and purples to the color palette. Many peonies are wonderfully fragrant with a subtle garden appeal that is accentuated when brought inside as a cut flower. The doubles have the most fragrance.

The older varieties tend to be top-heavy and benefit from additional support, the singles appear to be more delicate and are often self supporting. The plants range in size from 24 to 70 inches (60 to 175 cm) tall and wide. The foliage is leathery and compound, adding a great textural element to the garden, even when not in bloom. Peonies have few pests in the garden, however their buds do exude a nectar that is attractive to ants so you will often find these insects on and around the plants but they do no harm. Any foliar diseases are controlled through sanitation to prevent infection and spread.

It is best to plant bare root peonies in the fall to give them time to settle before the stress of flowering and summer heat. Containerized plants can be established in the garden any time from spring through fall. The only caveat being, to ensure that they are not planted too deep as this will discourage blooming - the topmost eye should be no deeper than 2 inches (5 cm) below the soil surface. Peonies are usually considered to be deer resistant and make excellent cut flowers.

Paeonia lactiflora 'Buckeye Belle'

Semi-double deep maroon outer petals open to reveal the inner narrower petals and golden stamens. A striking flower with great substance and an early appearance in the garden. This is one of the darkest peonies available with a distinctive velvety appearance to the petals. Plants are a little more compact with a height and spread of about 30 inches (75 cm) and do not generally require staking.

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'Fully

double bright red flowers appear early in the season on strong stems that hold up well in the garden and make this an exceptional variety as a cut flower. Plants will reach 40 inches (100 cm) both in height and spread and should be spaced at least four feet (120 cm) apart.


Paeonia lactiflora 'Neon'

is a Japanese type peony with a single overlapping ring of petals that cup the central mass of stamenoides and give the flower a distinctive frilly centre. Both the petals and stamenoides are an electric rose-pink but the stamenoides have a beautiful bright gold edging that illuminates the midseason bloom. 'Neon' will attain a height and spread of about 40 inches (100 cm).

Paeonia lactiflora 'Top Brass'

The 'bomb' type blooms of 'Top Brass' consist of canary yellow and light pink central stamenoides surrounded by a ring of clear ivory guard petals. An outstanding selection with beautiful honey-scented blooms in the late mid-season. The plants will grow to a 40 inch (100 cm) height and width.

Paeonia 'Yellow Crown'

An intersectional hybrid bred by Toichi Itoh who made it his life's work to bring the colors and genetics of woody peonies into the breeding lines of the easy to grow herbaceous P. lactiflora selections. Thanks to Itoh we have this outstanding fully double yellow selection with semi woody stems that reach a height of 24 inches (60 cm) and do not require staking.
 

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