Content
Peony Bowl of Cream is a popular hybrid variety. It is adapted to unfavorable conditions, due to which it is successfully grown in different regions. This is a perennial ornamental plant that can be used to decorate a suburban area or flower garden.
Description of Peony Bowl of Cream
The variety belongs to herbaceous perennials. It is an erect plant, up to 120 cm high. Consists of several stems with numerous feather-like dark green leaves.
Bowl of Cream has strong shoots. Therefore, even during the flowering period, the bush does not need a garter. Additional supports are used only to give symmetry to the flower bed.
The peony is sensitive to the degree of light. It is recommended to grow it in areas that receive a sufficient amount of sunlight. Landing in partial shade is allowed. In dark areas, the cultivation of Bowl of Cream peonies is excluded, since it does not fully develop in such conditions.
One of the main distinguishing features of the variety is its high resistance to cold. The plant can withstand frosts down to -30 degrees. Thanks to this property, it can be grown in regions with almost any climatic conditions.
Flowering features
Peonies of the "Bow of Cream" variety belong to the milky-flowered group. It is the most numerous. By the type of flower, such peonies are referred to as terry peonies. The open buds are cupped and consist of a large number of white petals with a yellowish center.
The diameter of the opened flowers reaches 19 cm. They give off a pleasant, but weak aroma. The flowering period is usually in late May and early June. Average duration - up to 15 days.
The splendor of flowering depends on the age of the peony, as well as the nutritional value of its soil and illumination. The most abundant bud growth occurs in well-fertilized soils, provided there are no other plants in the immediate vicinity.
Application in design
Bowl of Cream herbaceous peonies have special requests for being close to other flowers. They are often grown independently, as they themselves decorate a suburban area well. The only drawback is the short flowering period.
Other types of herbaceous and tree-like peonies are recommended for combination with Bowl of Cream. They are best brought to the background. In this case, even after flowering, they will green the site and create a lush backdrop for other bright plants.
Looks beautiful with white peonies:
- hellebore;
- barberry bushes;
- red geychera;
- irises;
- daylilies;
- primroses;
- daisies.
When planting peonies, it must be borne in mind that they are demanding on the composition of the soil. Plus, they need free space. Therefore, next to them, plants should be planted that are unpretentious to the content of nutrients in the soil.
Reproduction methods
The most effective method is the division of the bush. The procedure is carried out at the end of August or September.It is imperative that at the time of division, flowering is over, and the fallen buds are removed. You can only divide healthy bushes that are more than 3 years old.
Stages of the procedure:
- Dig up the selected bush.
- Remove from the ground.
- Clear the roots from the ground.
- Separate part of the plant with roots.
- Rub the place of separation with wet sand.
- Return the mother bush to the ground.
- Cut off the stem from the separated part.
- Plant it in the ground so that the buds are at a depth of 1 cm.
Bowl of Cream can be grown from seed. But this will take a long time. The procedure takes place in two stages. On the first, the seeds are exposed to different temperatures in order to provoke growth. The second is planting in fertilized fertile soil. The procedure is carried out in the second half of August.
Landing rules
First of all, you need to choose a suitable site. As noted, Bowl of Cream peonies are best planted in well-lit areas. Planting in partial shade is allowed, but only on condition that during the day the plant will have access to sunlight for at least 2 hours.
You can plant peonies in spring. But then the buds that form must be cut off so that the plant spends its energy on the growth of the root system, and not flowers.
In the selected area, you need to dig a hole 40-50 cm deep. It is left for several days so that the soil inside the donkey. After that, the peony is planted.
Main steps:
- Cover the bottom with a drainage layer of 10-15 cm (river sand, expanded clay, broken brick).
- Fill the hole with clean soil mixed with compost and wood ash.
- Pour the soil remaining when digging a hole on top.
- Place a sapling or peony cut in the center.
- Sprinkle with soil so that it is at a depth of 5-7 cm.
- Drizzle with water.
Planting to a depth of less than 5 cm is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, the roots of the peony will be close to the surface and may freeze in winter. Planting Bowl of Cream too deep is also not recommended.
Follow-up care
Hybrid varieties of peonies are unpretentious in care. The most important procedure is regular watering. It is carried out 1-2 times a week, depending on the air temperature and the degree of soil moisture.
It is necessary to monitor the density of the soil. If it is not loose, the liquid can stagnate in the roots. This provokes the process of decay, and can also cause infections. Loosening is carried out 1 time in 3-4 weeks to a depth of 6-8 cm.
At the same time, it is recommended to mulch the soil. The procedure allows you to keep the soil moisture at the required level. Sawdust, compost, peat and straw are used as mulch.
For fertilization, mainly mineral solutions are used. The procedure is carried out three times during the growing season. The first feeding is carried out in early spring. Add 10 g of potassium and nitrogen for each bush.
Features of spring make-up:
The second feeding is carried out during the period of bud formation. The plant is treated with a composition of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen (10-15 g each). The third feeding is carried out 1-2 weeks after flowering. During this period, the buds are laid. Requires 10-20 g of potassium and phosphorus.
Organic matter should be applied in early autumn. For these purposes, compost, humus, straw, rotted foliage and tree bark are best suited.
Preparing for winter
The Bowl of Cream variety is frost-resistant. Autumn preparation involves pruning the stems and additional feeding.
In the fall, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced. Pruning is carried out at the onset of the first frost.The aboveground part of the bush is removed almost to the level of the soil, leaving 3-4 cm.
The area should be covered with mulch. The layer should not be less than 5 cm. Peat, fallen leaves, sawdust and pine needles are used as mulch.
Bushes over 3 years old do not need to be covered for the winter. An exception are cases when persistent frosts are predicted. Young peonies must be closed, as they are not used to low temperatures and may die.
Fallen foliage mixed with rotted manure is used as a shelter. You can use a mixture of peat with sand and garden soil. The plant is covered with it so that it is at a depth of 10-12 cm. This will protect the bush from freezing. From above, the protective layer can be covered with foil and tree branches.
Pests and diseases
The Bowl of Cream hybrid is practically immune to infections. Most often, peonies have gray rot and powdery mildew. Both diseases are of fungal origin. To prevent damage to healthy bushes, they need to be treated with a fungicide and periodically sprayed with a solution of laundry soap.
Among the pests of the peony are common:
- bronze beetle;
- nematodes;
- aphid;
- thrips.
When damaged by pests, the damaged areas of the peony are removed. For prophylaxis, the plant is treated with "Karbofos" or a similar agent. Formalin solution, which is introduced into the soil around the bush, helps well against nematodes. Solutions "Fitoverm" and "Actellik" help well against aphids.
Conclusion
Peony Bowl of Cream is one of the most popular herbaceous varieties. The flower has become widespread due to its ease of care and decorative properties. The plant is ideal for growing in open areas and will delight both experienced and novice growers.