Bujori de gradina parfumati - Paeonia lactiflora 'Red'

Paeonia lactiflora 'Red' large, double, red flowers with a romantic and sophisticated appearance.

Flower Appearance

• Shape: The flowers are double, with abundant, overlapping petals forming a round, full flower with a lush look. Flower diameter can reach 15-20 cm.
• Color: red
• Fragrance: It emits a sweet and intense fragrance, one of the most appreciated traits of Paeonia lactiflora peonies, attracting pollinators and ideal for bouquets.
• Blooming period: Blooms in May-June, with a duration of about 7-10 days per flower. The plant produces several flowers successively, extending the floral display for several weeks.

Growth Characteristics

• Height: Grows up to 90-100 cm tall and about 80-90 cm wide, forming a compact and well-proportioned bush.
• Foliage: Leaves are dark green, glossy, deeply lobed, providing an elegant background for the pink flowers. The foliage remains attractive throughout the season, sometimes turning reddish in autumn.
• Vigor: It is a robust plant with fairly strong stems, but the heavy flowers may require support (e.g., rings or stakes) in windy or heavy rain conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun or light partial shade, with at least 6 hours of daily light for optimal blooming.
• Soil: Needs fertile, well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6-7). Clay soils rich in organic matter are ideal.
• Watering: Requires regular watering, especially in the first year and during dry periods, but does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
• Planting: Plant in autumn (September-October) or early spring, with buds ("eyes") no more than 2-3 cm below soil level to ensure flowering.
• Pruning: In autumn, after the leaves dry, cut stems 5-10 cm above the soil.

Care and Hardiness

• Hardiness: Very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -30°C (USDA zones 3-8), making it suitable for temperate climates, including Romania.
• Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) applied in spring at shoot emergence stimulates blooming. Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pests and diseases: Resistant to most issues but can be affected by gray mold (Botrytis) in humid conditions; ensure good ventilation.

Garden Use

The peony is perfect for borders, groups of perennials, or as a focal point in the garden. Its red flowers combine beautifully with white, purple, or yellow tones (e.g., irises, white roses), and the dense foliage provides an attractive backdrop. It is excellent for floral arrangements due to its fragrance and the durability of cut flowers.

Origin

Paeonia lactiflora, the base species, is native to East Asia, especially China, Mongolia, and Siberia, where it naturally grows in meadows and mountainous areas. Cultivated in China for over 2,000 years, initially for its medicinal properties, it later became a symbol of beauty.