Gyűjteményes generációk közötti bazsarózsák - Paeonia 'Old Rose Dandy' (Itoh csoport)

Paeonia 'Old Rose Dandy', an Itoh group peony (hybrid), is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Paeoniaceae family, renowned for its semi-double, fragrant flowers and unusual colors. Created by Chris Laning in 1993, this variety combines the traits of shrub and herbaceous peonies, offering a sturdy plant with spectacular flowers and decorative foliage. It is ideal for ornamental gardens, borders, containers, or as a cut flower, due to its abundant blooming and elegant appearance.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are compound, divided into 9 elliptical or lance-shaped leaflets, dark green, sturdy, with a glossy texture. In spring, new foliage appears dark red, gradually turning green. In autumn, the leaves take on reddish shades, adding seasonal interest. The foliage is disease-resistant and remains attractive throughout the season.
• Flowers: The flowers are semi-double, 10-12 cm in diameter, with dusty rose-pink or beige-yellow petals, with purplish-reddish accents when opening. The flower center shows ruby-red spots (flares) and yellow stamens, creating a vibrant contrast. The color deepens as it matures, shifting from rose-pink to warmer tones like peach or copper. The fragrant blooming occurs in the mid-late season (May-June), with up to 50 flowers on a mature plant. The flowers are supported by firm stems that do not require staking.
• Fruits: It produces small green capsules that dry in autumn, containing seeds. These have no ornamental value and are rarely used for propagation due to the hybrid nature.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Reaches 80-90 cm in height and 60-90 cm in width, forming a compact, rounded bush with few side shoots.
• Vigor: Fast growth, with short, woody stems starting at ground level. It is an intersectional hybrid, inheriting the vigor of shrub peonies and the herbaceous character of garden peonies.
• Type: Herbaceous perennial, with stems that die back to the ground in winter, but roots survive and produce new shoots in spring.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for maximum blooming, but tolerates partial shade, where flowers may be fewer. Avoid dense shade, which reduces vigor.
• Soil: Grows in fertile, moist, well-drained soils, with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Incorporate compost before planting to improve drainage and fertility. Does not tolerate heavy or waterlogged soils.
• Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. During dry periods, water deeply, especially in the first year. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 4-8 (down to -29°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Tolerates winters well, but mulch roots in very cold areas for protection.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Sturdy, with excellent resistance to diseases and pests. Tolerates wind and rain due to firm stems. Rarely affected by mildew or aphids; inspect occasionally and use organic methods if needed.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring at shoot emergence, and once after flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors leaves over flowers.
• Pruning: Cut stems to the ground in autumn after foliage dries. Remove faded flowers to maintain a tidy appearance. Does not require frequent division and can remain undisturbed for years.
• Propagation: Propagated by dividing rhizomes in autumn, but this is a slow process due to the hybrid nature. Seeds are not viable.

The 'Old Rose Dandy' peony is ideal for ornamental gardens, borders, containers, or as a cut flower. Its fragrant flowers, with shades of rose-pink and ruby red, add a focal point in landscapes, combining well with lavender, sage, or ornamental grasses. Decorative foliage and autumn coloring enhance its appeal. It suits cottage gardens, modern landscapes, or as an accent plant. It attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Created by Chris Laning in 1993, the 'Old Rose Dandy' peony is an Itoh hybrid, resulting from crossing Paeonia lutea with a shrub peony with double purple flowers. Initially registered under the name “Rose Itoh,” it was awarded the Award of Garden Merit in 1993 for its ornamental qualities. It is widely grown in Europe and North America.

Blooming season: May - June

Pot size: 21 cm 
Height including pot: varies depending on season