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 Introduction
The
Chinese tree peony is one of the oldest garden plants in cultivation. Its history goes
back at least a couple of thousand years ever since the wild tree peony was first welcomed
by flower lovers into their gardens and homes. The Chinese herbaceous peony is one
thousand years earlier than tree peony in cultivation. In public gardens throughout China
one can find special areas reserved for tree peonies and herbaceous. In the months of
April to June, beautiful flowers in a variety of colors blanket these areas and the
fragrance fills the air. These gardens are frequented by visitors from near and far.
Luoyang is one of most famous tree peony growing centers in the world. Luoyang Peony
Festival attracts thousands upon thousands tourists during the April to May every year.
The tree
peony has been a favorite flower loved, treasured, and even revered by the Chinese people
for generations from the emperors down to the common folks. Now, there are about one
thousand varieties of different colors and shapes. In the central area of China the tree
peonies are known to grow better with larger flowers, and to bloom more abundantly and
earlier than those in the colder zones do. The maturity plant's height is 1.2 to 2m (about
4 to 6.5 feet). Some of them can reach 2.5m (about 8 feet) in height. The tree peony has
an amazing longevity. It may live more than a hundred years. Some age-old 200 to 700
years' plants of tree peony existed in the famous temple or garden. The Chinese pronies
also grow it in pots at home. This is a hardy and strong plant.
There are
about four hundred varieties of herbaceous peonies in China. Their adaptability is better
than tree peony, especially in cold resistance.
The fall
is the best time to plant peony. New roots develop and grow rapidly in 25°C to 18°C
(77°F to 64°F) temperature before winter. When the temperature goes below 4.5°C (
40°F), it stops growing. In early spring as soon as the temperature is above 4.5°C (
40°F), it starts to grow again.
The
Chinese peonies like dry and cool weather. They do not require a long period of extreme
cold in order for them to bloom in the spring. A period of 30 to 45 days of 0°C to
5°C(32°F to 41°F) temperature is enough to insure tree peonies to bloom. In the warm
area where there is heavy rain fall and the temperature often reaches above 32°C( 90°F)
during the summer, they will be able to grow and bloom in the spring, provided they are
planted in a location with good drainage, sufficient ventilation, and under semi-shade.
Storing
Bare-root Peony
Our
peonies come in bare-root form that should be planted as soon as possible upon arrival.
However, if you need to store it for a few days, it should be kept cool and moist in a
moisture retaining pack such as sawdust or peat moss. Remember the Chinese peony is a
hardy plant.
Site
Selection
Tree peony
can be planted under full sun or part sun. It requires at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight
daily. In areas where it is very hot in April, during the blooming season, the heat causes
the flowers to wilt and drop fast. In this case, it is better to plant it in a semi-shady
area or to shade the plants with mat-awning or bamboo-awning in blooming. Good drainage is
essential. In lowland during the summer where accumulated rainwater can cause root rot, it
may be fatal. However, you can provide better drainage by planting it on a gentle slope or
in a raised flowerbed. Avoid to plant tree peonies near large trees that may draw the
necessary nutrients away from the peonies.
Herbaceous
peony prefers to plant in full sunlight, but they will stand a moderate amount of shade.
Preparing
the Soil
Tree peony
and herbaceous peony like loamy and loose soil with good drainage content to a depth of at
least 2 feet. Uncultivated or clay or saline earth and poor drainage are best avoided. The
bad soil should be improved to good soil. The nicer potted soil is also loose, fertile,
well-aerated and well-drained. They grow best in soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Planting
Time
Bare root
peonies are best planted in the fall; this encourages a good root formation before the
plants begin their top growth in next spring. If you plant them later, please take heat
preservation measures with cover.
 
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