Description
The Paeony Rose Mixed is a delightful herbaceous perennial celebrated for its striking semi-double and fully double blooms and vibrant colours. It is part of the Paeoniaceae family and originated in China, Tibet and Siberia and now has many named hybrids. Chinese culture venerates paeonies as the “Queen of flowers,” symbolising good fortune, love, and prosperity. These impressive shrubs showcase large, fluffy flowers with layers of delicate petals in hues from deep crimson to rich pink set against distinctive paeony leaves.
Its fragrant blossoms grace gardens and floral arrangements from spring to early summer, lending an air of elegance and colour. These perennials sprout fresh shoots each spring, yielding glossy dark green foliage that enhances both garden beds and containers. Paeonies thrive in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, benefiting from regular watering and occasional fertilisation for optimal growth. When planting, choose a location with morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon rays and wind to ensure their health and vibrancy throughout the season. They are prized as focal points in borders, pots, and garden beds, as well as cut flowers, appreciated for their beauty and fragrance up close. Proper care includes consistent watering, especially during dry spells, and periodic fertilisation to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Paeonies can thrive in various parts of Australia, but their successful growth depends significantly on local climate conditions. They prefer cool to temperate regions where cold winters induce dormancy and support robust flowering in spring. Suitable areas include Victoria, Tasmania, parts of New South Wales, and cooler regions of South Australia. In contrast, paeonies may struggle in warmer or tropical climates, where achieving the necessary dormancy period can be challenging, potentially affecting flowering. However, they can adapt well to arid climates with minimal rainfall. Selecting appropriate paeony varieties and ensuring they receive suitable growing conditions tailored to the local climate is crucial for optimal growth and blooming.
Paeony roses thrive in well-drained, slightly heavy soils enriched with organic matter like blood and bone or well-decomposed compost before planting. It’s crucial to avoid acidic soil conditions by refraining from using animal manure, except for poultry manure. Incorporating lime, such as dolomite, is essential as it provides necessary nutrients and helps maintain an optimal soil pH of 7-7.5, ensuring healthy growth and blooming for paeony roses. To ensure paeonies thrive without competition, remove any grass or weeds that sprout around their base.
Paeonies require about 12 months to establish themselves. It’s advisable to leave them undisturbed for at least five years before lifting and dividing the clumps. A cold winter is essential for their success, as they need both sunlight for flowering and cool conditions for healthy root development.
Dividing and storing paeonies involves digging up the clump carefully in early autumn, ensuring to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Once dug up, shake off excess soil and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, each containing 3-5 healthy buds or eyes. Allow the divisions to dry for a few hours to overnight, then dust them with a fungicide. Store the divisions in a cool, dry place until planting in early spring, ensuring they are not exposed to frost or extreme temperatures during storage.
Paeonies are vulnerable to several diseases. Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold) manifests as greyish mold on buds, stems, and flowers in cool, damp conditions, typically in spring. Powdery Mildew appears as white powdery spots on leaves and stems in humid environments. Leaf Spot causes dark spots on leaves, potentially leading to yellowing and defoliation. Root Rot, caused by overly wet or poorly drained soil, results in wilting and plant decline. Verticillium Wilt, a soil-borne fungus, causes wilting, yellowing, and eventual plant death. Proper care, including adequate air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and promptly removing diseased plant material, is crucial for preventing and managing these diseases in paeonies. Overall, with proper planting and basic care, paeonies can reward gardeners with beautiful blooms year after year, making these plants low-maintenance once established.
Caution: Harmful if eaten; may cause skin irritation.
Supplied as a bare-rooted plant.