Bujori intergenerici de colectie - Paeonia 'Cora Louise' (Itoh Group)

Paeonia 'Cora Louise' , a peony from the Itoh group (intersection hybrid), is a herbaceous perennial in the Paeoniaceae family, prized for its semi-double, white flowers with purple accents, and for its hardiness. Created by Roger F. Anderson in 1986, this variety combines the characteristics of shrub and herbaceous peonies, offering large flowers, sturdy stems and decorative foliage. It is ideal for ornamental gardens, borders, containers or as a cut flower, due to its elegant contrast of colors and abundant flowering.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are compound, divided into elliptical or lanceolate leaflets, of a dark, glossy green. In spring, new foliage emerges with reddish hues, changing to deep green. In fall, the leaves may take on copper tones, adding seasonal interest. The foliage is dense, disease-resistant, and remains attractive throughout the season.
• Flowers : The flowers are semi-double, 15-20 cm in diameter, formed by wide, pure white petals with intense purple-pink flares at the base of the petals, around the center. The center of the flower has golden yellow stamens, creating a vibrant contrast. The flowers are lightly scented and appear in mid-season (May-June), with up to 30-50 flowers on a mature plant. The firm stems support the flowers well, without requiring support.
• Fruit : Produces small, green capsules that dry in autumn, containing seeds. These have no ornamental value and are rarely used for propagation due to their hybrid nature.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Reaches 60-80 cm tall and 60-90 cm wide, forming a compact, rounded bush with sturdy stems.
• Vigor : Moderately fast growing, with short, partially woody stems that start at ground level. It inherits the vigor of shrub peonies and the herbaceous character of garden peonies.
• Type : Herbaceous perennial, with stems that die to the ground in winter, but the roots survive and regenerate in spring.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for maximum flowering, but tolerates partial shade, where blooms may be fewer. Avoid dense shade, which reduces vigor.
• Soil : Grows in fertile, moist, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Add compost or organic matter before planting to improve drainage and fertility. Does not tolerate heavy or waterlogged soils.
• Watering : Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. 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 the roots in very cold areas for protection.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Robust, with excellent disease and pest resistance. Tolerates wind and rain due to firm stems. Rarely affected by mildew or aphids; inspect occasionally and use organic methods if necessary.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in the spring, when shoots appear, and once after flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning : Cut stems to ground level in fall after foliage dies down. Remove spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance. Does not require frequent division and can remain undisturbed for years.
• Propagation : Propagate by division of roots in the fall, but the process is slow due to the hybrid nature. Seeds are not viable.

Paeonia 'Cora Louise' is ideal for ornamental gardens, borders, containers or as a cut flower. Its white flowers with purple accents add an elegant contrast, combining well with plants such as lavender, sage or ornamental grasses. The decorative foliage and autumn colouring increase the attractiveness. It is suitable for cottage gardens, modern landscapes or as an accent plant. It attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Created by Roger F. Anderson in 1986, the Peony 'Cora Louise' is an Itoh hybrid, resulting from the crossing of a herbaceous peony with a shrub peony. Prized for its combination of white and purple, it is one of the top Itoh varieties, widely grown in Europe and North America.

Flowering season: May - June

Pot size: 21 cm
Height with pot included: varies depending on the season

Note: the degree of development varies depending on the variety and season.