Bujori de gradina parfumati - Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' is one of the most famous and beloved varieties of herbaceous peony, renowned for its large, double flowers of a delicate pink, and for its romantic and sophisticated appearance. This perennial plant is a classic choice in ornamental gardens, bearing the name of the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt, reflecting its elegance and grace.

Flower Appearance

• Shape: The flowers are double, with abundant and overlapping petals forming a round, full flower with a lush appearance. The flower diameter can reach 15-20 cm.
• Color: They have a shade of delicate rose pink, sometimes with paler accents towards the edges and subtle traces of red or cream at the base. As they mature, they may take on a lighter hue but retain their vibrant charm.
• 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: The leaves are a dark, glossy green, deeply lobed, providing an elegant background for the pink flowers. The foliage remains attractive throughout the season, sometimes acquiring reddish hues 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 flowering.
• Soil: Needs a fertile, well-drained soil, with a neutral or 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 soils.
• 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 the stems 5-10 cm above the soil.

Care and Resistance

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

Garden Use

The 'Sarah Bernhardt' peony is perfect for borders, groups of perennials, or as a focal point in the garden. Its rose-pink flowers combine beautifully with white, violet, or yellow tones (e.g., irises, white roses), and the dense foliage provides an attractive background. 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. The 'Sarah Bernhardt' Peony variety was introduced in 1906 by the French breeder Victor Lemoine, one of the most renowned peony hybridizers of the time. Named in honor of the French actress Sarah Bernhardt, this variety was created through selective crosses to obtain double flowers of a distinct pink and quickly became a horticultural standard due to its elegance and popularity.