Peony Coral Sunset (Paeonia Coral Sunset)
Content:
Peony Coral Sunset is a hybrid that combines the best qualities of herbaceous and tree species. Its name translates as coral sunset, which accurately conveys the shade of the huge flowers of this perennial. This species is distinguished by high frost resistance and undemanding care, so it does not lose its popularity even against the background of new varieties.
Peony Coral Sunset (Paeonia Coral Sunset) - what is this variety
The Coral Sunset Peony is an American selection. The author of this hybrid is considered to be Samuel E. Wissing, who has been working on the creation of coral varieties of peonies for over 26 years. And as a result, in 1965, the first flowering of this hybrid was obtained, the color shade of which exceeded all expectations.
Its progenitors were the semi-double white Minni Shaylor and the non-double red-orange Otto Froebel.
Brief description, characteristic
Milk-flowered peony Coral Sunset (Paeonia Coral Sunset) is distinguished by powerful bushes, the height of which reaches 90-110 cm. The diameter of the plant is 70 cm. Forms strong erect shoots, well leafy along the entire length. At the top of each, 1 bud is formed.
The leaves of this hybrid are dark green, pinnately unpaired with narrow lobes folded in the form of a boat.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
This type, like others, has certain advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing them, you should pay attention.
Advantages of the Coral Sunset peony:
- undemanding to care;
- does not need additional support;
- differs in long flowering;
- does not suffer from low temperatures (up to -40 degrees);
- suitable for cutting and landscaping the site;
- retains decorative qualities throughout the season.
The disadvantages of the species include the fact that the petals fade over time. Also, the brightness of the color directly depends on the acidity of the soil, therefore, a rich coral shade can be achieved only with proper care.
Use in landscape design
This hybrid looks great in both singles and group compositions. It can be paired with dark red peony varieties. The peculiarity of the plant to maintain the shape and decorativeness of the bush throughout the season only contributes to its popularity.
In group plantings, Coral Sunset looks spectacular with:
- low conifers;
- geychers;
- primroses;
- carnations;
- lilies;
- irises.
Growing a flower, how to plant it in open ground
According to the description, the Coral Sunset peony shows maximum decorative effect only when properly planted. Therefore, there are certain features that should be taken into account when carrying out the procedure.
Planting by root cuttings
When choosing this hybrid, it is recommended to buy quality root cuttings. This guarantees the preservation of all the specific properties inherent in this peony.
Each cutting should have 2-3 well-developed roots and several recovery buds in the upper part, from which shoots will germinate in the future.
What time is the boarding
Planting of perennials can be carried out in late March-early April, or postponed to late August-early September. The second option is considered preferable, since this makes it possible to get a strengthened seedling by the next season.
Location selection
It is necessary to plant a hybrid in a well-lit area with protection from drafts. You can place Coral Sunset near hedges or trees, if you maintain a distance of at least 1.5-2 m. This space is necessary for the full development of the root system.
How to prepare the soil and flower for planting
Coral Sunset is preferable to plant in loam. If the soil on the site is heavy, then it must first be diluted with sand and peat.
The planting site should be prepared 2 weeks in advance so that the soil has time to settle. To do this, it should be dug up and all the roots of the weeds must be carefully removed. Then prepare a 60 by 60 cm landing pit. Lay broken brick at the bottom, and fill the rest of the volume with a nutrient mixture.
It should include:
- turf - 2 hours;
- peat - 1 tsp;
- sand - 1 tsp;
- humus - 1 tsp;
- leafy ground - 1 tsp
You should also add superphosphate (40 g) and potassium sulfide (30 g). This will provide the plant with all the nutrition it needs during the initial growth phase.
Planting procedure step by step
Planting this hybrid should follow the standard pattern. It is important to take into account some of the features of the procedure.
Algorithm of actions:
- Place the seedling in the center of the planting hole.
- Lower so that the recovery buds are 3 cm below the soil surface.
- Sprinkle the seedling with earth.
- Compact the surface.
- Water abundantly.
Planting with seeds (for breeding)
If you want to grow new types of crops, it is recommended to use seeds. This method does not guarantee the preservation of the species qualities of the mother bush, but it allows you to get a unique variety.
This will take patience. Planting peony seeds should be carried out in wide containers filled with wet sand and peat. They should be deepened no more than 2 cm. After that, the containers should be covered with foil or glass to create a greenhouse effect.
After that, the containers should be placed in a warm place keeping the temperature at +25 .. + 30 degrees during the day and +15 degrees at night. This regime should be maintained for several months until roots are formed.
Then the seedlings need to be kept in a cool place for 3 months. The temperature during this period should be +6 .. + 10 degrees. This regime promotes the growth of shoots.
After that, the seedlings must be rearranged again to a warm place with a temperature of +18 .. + 22 degrees. Observe this regime even before landing in open ground.
Plant care
The Sunset coral peony is not picky about care, but it needs to follow the standard rules of agricultural technology. Therefore, it is necessary to take them into account.
- Watering and feeding
For full growth and flowering, it is necessary that the soil is always slightly moist. Therefore, young seedlings should be regularly watered on hot days 1-2 times a week. Adult peony bushes are able to provide themselves with moisture on their own, so they need to be moistened only with prolonged drought.
The plant should be fed twice a season.
The first time during the growth of shoots in the spring. During this period, it is recommended to use 30 g of urea per 10 l of water or chicken manure 1:15.
The second and third feeding should be done before and after flowering. At this time, you need to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.
- Mulching and loosening
Throughout the season, the peony root circle must be kept clean, removing weeds in a timely manner. It is also important to loosen the soil, improving air access to the roots.
To prevent crust formation on the surface of the soil, it is recommended to lay peat mulch with a thickness of 3 cm. This helps to reduce watering and prevents excessive evaporation of moisture.
- Preventive treatment
This hybrid is highly resistant to disease. But to maintain immunity at the proper level, it is recommended to spray the bush with any systemic fungicide 2-3 times per season.
Peony Blossom Coral Sunset
This flower is considered early. The first buds bloom in late May - early June. Flowering of this perennial is gradual. An adult bush forms 18-20 buds annually. The first 2-3 days they bloom, the next 3 - bloom, and within 2 days - wither.
The flowers of the Coral peony are huge, up to 24 cm in diameter, with a light aroma. They are semi-double and consist of 5-7 rows of petals. In the center there are bright yellow stamens and light green pistils, which gives a special sophistication. At the beginning, the petals have a rich warm-coral hue, then the pink tone intensifies and at the end they turn light orange.
A period of activity and rest
This peony lasts from 4 to 6 weeks under favorable conditions. The plant begins to grow shoots and leaves annually in early April. They retain their decorative effect until autumn. And only with the arrival of winter, the aboveground part of this perennial completely dies off. The dormant period lasts from November to the end of March.
The plant requires full care throughout the season. It consists in timely watering and fertilization. Before flowering, this is necessary for the full formation of buds, and after that, for building up recovery buds for the next year.
What to do if it does not bloom, possible reasons
The poor flowering or its complete absence in this hybrid may be due to improper placement of the plant on the site. When planted in the shade, the perennial actively grows leaves and shoots, but at the same time stubbornly refuses to form buds.
It can also be due to a lack of moisture and nutrition. To eliminate the cause, it is recommended to correct the care.
If before the bush bloomed magnificently, and then suddenly stopped, then this sign indicates the need to transplant the plant to a new place.
Peonies after flowering
At the end of flowering, it is also necessary to carry out some procedures. This will help the plant prepare for winter and survive this period painlessly.
If necessary, a peony transplant should be carried out in late August - early September. It is impossible to delay the timing, since the plant will not have time to fully take root before the arrival of cold weather.
To do this, you need to dig out a bush. Then remove the soil from the roots and rinse well so that the recovery buds are clearly visible. After that, keep the plant for 2-3 hours in a shaded place - this will improve the process of cell division. Then land according to the standard scheme.
The Coral Sunset peony should be pruned in October. Shoots should be cut at a height of 2-3 cm. The plant does not need shaping pruning.
Preparing for winter
Only young peony seedlings need to be sheltered for the winter. To do this, you can use humus or peat mulch, as well as spruce branches.
Diseases, pests and ways to control them
This hybrid is highly resistant to many diseases of the culture. But if the growing conditions are not followed, it can be affected:
- root rot;
- cladosporiosis;
- powdery mildew.
For treatment, it is necessary to treat the bushes with such drugs as "Skor", "Previkur Energy", "Maxim", "Topaz".
Of the pests, the hybrid can suffer from ants and bronzes, which attack during the period of formation and blooming of buds. To scare away insects, you should use a garlic infusion, as well as manually collect beetles.
Coral peony can become a real decoration of any summer cottage. Its large flowers invariably attract the eye and gracefully decorate any area. Novice gardeners and landscape designers should definitely pay attention to this variety.