Narrow-leaved peony: reproduction and care (photo)

One of the most widespread garden plants in many European countries is the narrow-leaved peony. In Russia, this plant is less common. Cultivation is mainly done by experienced gardeners.

External Description

The peculiarity of this plant is its unusual leaves. Unlike other garden peonies, they have an incised shape that resembles a needle-shaped lobe and resemble a fern. The bush is dense, compact, grows no more than 50 cm in height. The flowering period begins in late spring. By the end of May, large single flowers appear with one row of bright red petals and yellow anthers in the middle that look like a flash in the spring garden. On one bush can be located not one dozen flowers, which produce a unique flavor. Flowering lasts just over a week.

But even after the peony is narrow-leafed, it does not lose its ornamentality due to the airy light green foliage.

Growth conditions

This plant is rather unpretentious and can easily tolerate small frosts or drought. To grow a narrow-leaved peony is quite possible even for a beginner floriculturist. However, it is necessary to observe certain conditions to ensure that the plant as long as possible is the decoration of the garden. Pion needs well-lit places, with lack of light, flowers can simply not appear on it. Soil should be moderately moist. Excessive waterlogging leads to decay of the root system. Good watering is required only in the period of ovary buds. It is not recommended to plant a narrow-leaved peony on sandy soils. Deterioration of flowering can cause excessive use of fertilizers.

Reproduction

Typically, the pion is propagated by dividing the bush, but seeding can also be used. In early September, when the days are no longer so hot, they are engaged in planting these flowers by dividing the rhizomes. To do this, use old shrubs, whose age is not less than 5 years. The rhizome is divided into several parts in such a way that each one has 3 or 4 buds of renewal.

For reproduction of a pion by seeds it is necessary to pre-prepare them. The capsules with this planting material are harvested a little immature until they are fully opened. The sowing takes place at the end of September, so the seeds are carefully packed and stored until the fall in the refrigerator. This method is used mainly for breeding, since in this case it is possible only after 3 or even 4 years to observe how the narrow-leaved peony blossoms.

Landing

Prepare a place where peonies will grow. To do this, dig a landing pit size of 60x80 cm or even more. When planting several plants, the distance between them must not be less than 1 meter. At the bottom of the pit is laid drainage, which is topped with compost with mineral fertilizers and wood ash. After this, a small hillock forms on the bottom of the pit from the usual garden ground, on which the rhizome is located. Before planting the place of cut it is recommended to treat with a solution of wood ash for the purpose of disinfection. Bury the peony in such a way that the apical bud is 6 cm above the soil surface.

Reproduction by seeds allows obtaining a large amount of planting material. In late September, the seeds are sown to a depth of 5-6 cm on the prepared bed or in a special container. A certain part of the large river sand is added to the soil.

Care

Like all garden plants, the narrow-leaved peony needs watering, top dressing and timely harvesting of weeds. Excessive hydration for this plant is fatal, so water it only when the soil begins to dry out. In a dry summer you need to regularly moisten the soil. In the rainy season, the plant does not need watering.

Top dressing with mineral fertilizers should be carried out only 3-4 years after planting. If the soils are poor in composition, then this can be done after 2 years. It is important not to overdo it, as excess nitrogen, for example, can lead to decay of the rhizome, and also affect the quality of flowering.

To peony thin-leaved (narrow-leaved) did not lose its decorative appearance and after flowering, it is cut at the level of the top leaf. Due to this, the plant acquires a more compact form, and the seed boxes do not spoil its appearance.

The wreckers bypass the peony side. And only aphids can attack it sometimes. To combat it, it is enough to spray the plant with a specially prepared solution from the infusion of tobacco and soap. Excess moisture can cause various fungal diseases. With preventive purpose, peony can be sprayed with Bordeaux liquid.

Peony is able to tolerate frosts well, so it does not require shelter for the winter period. But in regions with severe winters it is possible to cover it with lapnik, paying special attention to the fact that roots are not exposed.

Healing properties

Peony is narrow-leaved, the cultivation of which is usually carried out for decorative purposes, is also used to treat a number of diseases. Its diuretic, antispasmodic and soothing effect is known in folk medicine for a long time. Peony rhizome is used for the preparation of various home remedies that are used to treat gout, anemia, nervous diseases. Decoction of the root helps and with pains in the heart, stones in the bladder and kidneys, concussion.

It should be remembered that when using the products based on this plant, it is very important to observe the dosage, since in the roots of the peony the increased content of a poisonous substance called neonin. Therefore, before using it is better to consult a doctor.

Use in landscape design

Human activity (plowing up the steppes, grazing, etc.) has led to the fact that the wild peony now refers to plants that need to be preserved. Breeding in parks and gardens helps to save this species, contributing to its spread.

In landscape design, the peony, which is especially good in combination with rakit bushes, cereals and perennial flaxes, has proved to be very good. He looks good on the hills, rock gardens, mixborders. Plant these flowers in the composition, and singly. It is possible to place several different varieties of pions on one flower bed , blooming at different times. Very peachy peony planted among stones or against a background of talus looks very beautiful. Photos of various compositions with this plant show how many options for using its decorative properties exist.