Bujori intergenerici de colectie - Paeonia 'Old Rose Dandy' (Itoh Group)

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

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are compound, divided into 9 elliptical or lanceolate leaflets, dark green, robust, with a glossy texture. In spring, the new foliage appears dark red, gradually changing to green. In autumn, the leaves take on reddish hues, 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 petals of a dusty rose-pink or yellowish beige, with purple-reddish accents when opening. The center of the flower features ruby-red spots (flares) and yellow stamens, creating a vibrant contrast. The color intensifies with maturation, moving from rose-pink to warmer tones, such as peach or copper. Fragrant flowering occurs in the mid-late season (May-June), with up to 50 flowers on a mature plant. The flowers are supported by firm stems, which do not require 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 80-90 cm in height and 60-90 cm in width, forming a compact, rounded bush with few side buds.
• Vigor : Fast growing, with short, woody stems that start 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 to the ground in winter, but the roots survive and produce new stems 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). 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 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 favors foliage over 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 : Propagated by division of rhizomes in autumn, but it is a slow process due to its hybrid nature. Seeds are not viable.

Peony 'Old Rose Dandy' is ideal for ornamental gardens, borders, containers or as a cut flower. Its fragrant flowers, in shades of rose-pink and ruby-red, add a focal point to landscapes, combining well with lavender, sage or ornamental grasses. The decorative foliage and autumn colour enhance its appeal. It is suitable for 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 Peony 'Old Rose Dandy' is an Itoh hybrid , resulting from the crossing of Paeonia lutea with a shrub peony with double purple flowers. Originally registered as '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.

Flowering season: May - June

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