Peonies are known since the time of the ancient Greeks, who used them not only as an ornamental plant, but also for the treatment of diseases. It was believed that they help in the treatment of epilepsy and disorders of the nervous system, and beads from flowers were worn as an amulet.
Correct Planting and Reproduction
It is easiest to plant new peonies by dividing an already existing bush. For this purpose, plants that are three to four years old are ideal, but it is even better to find six-year-old shrubs. They have a more developed root system with young shoots.
To know for sure that it will get accustomed, plant and breed bushes in late August or early September. During this period, they already blossomed, and the roots began to prepare for the winter, strengthened in the soil and allowed new shoots. You can breed peonies in the spring, but then the probability that the plant will take root is very low.
Place for transplantation should be chosen well-lit and prepared in advance for new plants. Dig a hole and in a few weeks, add humus, peat, a little birch ash or a tablespoon of iron vitriol to it.
We grow lush peonies and take care of them
The flower bed should not only be well lit but open to moderate air circulation. If they are in the shadows a lot, then you can not wait for a lush bloom. Often, they do not need watering, but each time you need to pour two or three buckets of water at room temperature under each bush. After that, the soil is loosened. So the water will accurately reach the root system and give the plant strength.
The main procedure for caring for peonies occurs in the autumn. The stems of the plant need to be cut to the level with the ground, and the old stems to burn. The remains of each bush slightly sprinkle with earth, but do not cover: they perfectly tolerate wintering.
Color transplantation
With the right choice of a site, peonies can grow and bloom in one place for about twenty years. But in order not to lose them after such a long time, peonies should nevertheless be transplanted at times.
- Share the bush when transplanting to new plants. So you let the root system develop, and the plants will grow more actively.
- Do not change too often. In a new place, peonies need a few years to settle down and become covered with flowers.
- Divide and transplant the plants in late summer and early autumn so that the roots take root until the winter.
Diseases and pests
Peonies are rarely exposed to diseases or pest attacks. However, if you can detect gray rot or a mosaic of leaves on the plant. In such a case, immediately cut off the damaged leaves and sprinkle the rest of the plant with drugs high in copper. For preventive purposes, perform this procedure before the formation of buds, that is, in the early spring.
Sometimes peasants are attacked by beetles and ants. If you notice that the buds that have not yet blossomed are eaten by bronze beetles, collect them by hand or sprinkle bushes with fungicides. Sometimes ants can settle under the bushes. It is very difficult to get them out manually, but this must be done, since these insects will violate the integrity of the soil around the roots, and the plant may die.
Despite some difficulties that are rare when growing pions, they will certainly delight the eye with lush colors and fill your garden with a pleasant aroma.
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