Content
Peony Command Performance belongs to the new generation of hybrids. He quickly won the hearts of flower growers with his long and abundant flowering. Not only inflorescences are distinguished by beauty, but also bright foliage. Peony bushes Performance is a worthy decoration of any flower bed.
Description of peony Command Performance
In the late 90s, breeders introduced a new peony hybrid, the bushes of which quickly conquered the public. The cultivar has won many awards and has taken the leading place among the large-flowered varieties. In 1998, at an exhibition in the USA, he became a grand champion.
The peony bushes of Command Performance are spreading, the shoots are strong, erect, but in some cases they can be rejected. Their lower part is bare. The height of an adult plant reaches 80 cm; supports are required when growing. The crown is spherical, can reach 1 m in diameter. The leaves are deep green, carved. The culture grows quickly, so when planting, you need to leave enough space between the bushes. This will make it easier to care for the massive plant.
In the description of the hybrid it is indicated that Team Performance belongs to the light-loving varieties. However, it should be borne in mind that planting in an open, sunny area significantly reduces the flowering time. The inflorescences quickly fade in direct sunlight, the petals lose their bright color. It is best to set aside a site for a peony where the bush will be illuminated in the morning and after lunch.
The advantage of this hybrid is the high winter hardiness of the bushes. Plant rhizomes painlessly tolerate temperatures as low as -40 ° C. That is why peony can be grown in any region of the country.
Flowering features
Team Performance is a herbaceous hybrid with double large inflorescences, their diameter reaches 23-25 cm. Only one bud is formed on a high peduncle, the lateral ones are absent. Flower hats are durable, resilient, outwardly reminiscent of a pompom. The petals are tightly pressed against each other, slightly dissected at the top. The color of the flower is rich red with a slight coral tint. Peony does not have a strong aroma, there is a slightly perceptible subtle smell.
The inflorescences of this variety are very dense, they are not afraid of rain
Most sources indicate that the Command Performance hybrid belongs to the early varieties in terms of flowering time. In the southern regions, the first inflorescences bloom in early May, full flowering occurs in the middle of the month. In Moscow and the Moscow region, the peony will delight you with lush hats in the second decade of June. Flowering will continue for a month.
The large-flowered hybrid is widely grown for industrial cutting. The buds do not fall off and retain their presentation for a long time. However, for lush flowering, the shrub needs nutritious soil and timely feeding.
Application in design
The Team Performance hybrid, like all tall peonies, cannot be planted next to other large plants. A struggle for territory and water quickly arises between them. In landscape design, large-flowered shrubs do not need additional decoration, they are planted singly, in small groups, and a border is drawn up.
Peonies of Team Performance look very beautiful during the flowering period, but after it the monotonous carved foliage needs to be closed.In the neighborhood, it is good to plant plants with whole leaves that bloom later. Suitable for:
- irises;
Delicate inflorescences are combined with large peony caps Command Performance
daylilies;
Simple varieties of daylily look good with terry peonies.
hosts.
It is better to plant hosts with bright foliage next to Team Performance
All of them will keep company and create the right background throughout the summer.
Next to the round caps of the peony, the vertical inflorescences of the cuff and foxglove look good. In terms of flowering time, they coincide with Team Performance and complement it well.
Lupine combined with Command Performance
To create a harmonious composition, the lower part of the tall peonies of Team Performance should be covered with suitable plants. In landscape design, stunted and ground cover perennials are most often used. Look great:
- asters;
Due to their lush bushes, low-growing asters are suitable for planting in the foreground.
geychera;The culture grows slowly, so it will be able to cover bare peony stems for a long time.
cuff;Sprawling bushes with brightly colored foliage - a good company to the fore for tall shrubs
primroses;While the Team Performance peonies are just waking up, the primroses are already actively blooming and decorating the flower bed
geranium.Prefers sunny locations and does not cause a lot of hassle
These plants not only cover the unsightly part of the shrub, but also create an additional background, at a time when the peony has already faded.
Reproduction methods
There are several ways to propagate a peony bush:
- dividing the rhizome during transplantation;
Separate the tubers with a sharp tool, sprinkle the cuts with ash
cuttings;
Prepared cuttings are planted in a shaded place
- layering;
Only completely healthy bushes are piled up
seeds.
It is difficult to collect peony seeds of Team Performance, varietal characteristics are not preserved
However, cuttings and seed propagation are too difficult. Most often, gardeners breed shrubs by dividing rhizomes. To do this, an adult plant needs to be dug up and parts of the tubers with eyes must be separated.
In order not to injure the Team Performance peony by transplanting and digging, it is easier to propagate it by layering. In autumn, the bush is dug in and huddled high, some of the stems are underground. In the spring, new processes will go from the dormant buds, which can be separated and planted in another place. Young plants fully retain varietal characteristics. It is better to practice this method of reproduction on bushes 5-8 years of age.
Landing rules
Peony Command Performance prefers a well-drained soil, since it does not tolerate stagnant moisture at the roots. Too greasy and nutritious soil is not suitable, it is best to give preference to loam. Loose soil is not for this shrub, the roots need good support.
The choice of a place for a peony must be approached responsibly, since he does not like transplants. They injure a perennial, he begins to hurt and may even die. Ideally, Team Performance is located in partial shade, where it will be protected from the scorching midday sun. You can not plant the rhizome close to the fence or other buildings, the bush should develop well and freely. However, it should be borne in mind that drafts and cold winds are contraindicated for a peony, so the site is selected protected.
The selected place is prepared in advance. Since autumn, the soil is dug deeply, flavored with humus or compost. Mineral fertilizers are not applied under the peony.
It is better to plant the Command Performance rhizome at the end of August or at the very beginning of September, then during the autumn and winter the plant will take root well and will delight you with flowering in the spring. However, in regions with a warm climate, planting is allowed in early March or April, when the soil warms up to a temperature of +8 ... + 10 ° C.
The acquired rhizomes are not ready for planting, so it is worth carrying out a number of procedures:
- Carefully inspect the tubers, remove all spoiled and damaged areas with a sharp knife.
Removing rotten areas is important to healthy tissue
- Make the cuts at an angle of 45 °, then treat them with crushed activated carbon to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
You can completely dust the rhizomes with wood ash
- Place the roots in a solution of any fungicide for 15 minutes, then rinse under running water.
When there are no branded preparations at hand, it is better to use a solution of potassium permanganate
- Soak tubers in clean water for 10-12 hours before planting.
Before starting the procedure, it is better to rinse the roots well under running water.
Such measures activate the natural forces of the shrub, stimulate the growth of roots.
The description indicates that there are no peculiarities in the landing of the Command Performance peony. It is enough to remember that between the bushes you need to leave space for development. Planting holes are made at a distance of 70-100 cm. The depth of the holes is about 50-60 cm. The bottom must be drained so that excess moisture does not accumulate. During planting, the delenki are buried, the buds should be underground at a level of 3-5 cm. This will protect them from freezing.
Follow-up care
Peony care for Team Performance comes down to regular watering and feeding. The soil must be moistened so that moisture saturates the entire earthen lump, however, the landing site cannot be turned into a swamp.
It is better to fertilize the shrub with phosphorus-potassium mixtures, humus or compost. Top dressing is done several times per season, starting in early spring. As soon as the soil thaws, it is well loosened and humus is introduced. 2-3 weeks before flowering, they switch to ash and other phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. In the fall, the bush is well spud with compost, which serves as the last top dressing.
As the Komand Performance peony grows, the shoots stretch upward, the bush expands, and some buds come to the surface. This should not be allowed, otherwise they will suffer from severe frosts in winter. In autumn, the trunk circle is well loosened and mulched with a high layer of humus or compost.
Throughout the growing season, the rhizomes should receive not only nutrients, but also oxygen. To do this, the soil around the bushes must be regularly loosened and freed from weeds. The procedure is carried out carefully so as not to damage the kidneys.
Preparing for winter
At the end of summer, the Komandor Performance peony needs to be given attention, and the bush must be prepared for winter. The last time feeding is made in mid-September, using phosphorus-potassium mixtures. This will help the bushes recover from flowering, replenish their nutrient reserves and successfully winter.
With the onset of stable cold weather, the shoots are cut off, leaving 5-7 cm above the soil surface. The trunk circle is mulched with a thick layer of humus, peat or compost. In winter, the shrubs are additionally insulated with snow, which is specially raked from the paths. In early spring, the shelter is removed so that the shoots and roots do not have time to dry out.
Pests and diseases
In the description of the peony Command Performance, it is indicated that the variety is resistant to major diseases and pests. However, with inept care, troubles happen. To avoid fungal infections, it is necessary to remove the faded buds in a timely manner and spray the plant with copper sulfate for prevention. Carry out processing in early spring before budding and flowering.
Of the pests, the peonies of Team Performance are annoyed by garden ants, which carry aphids to young leaves and buds. It feeds on the cell sap of the plant, flowering is delayed, the shrub gradually weakens. Fight ants and aphids immediately. To reduce the number of pests, beneficial insects are attracted to the garden, for example, the ladybug, which eats them. You can spray the bush with complex insecticides.
Conclusion
Peony Command Performance is a large-flowered shrub with lush inflorescences, which occupies a leading position in the market. It can be grown anywhere in the country, the plant is not afraid of frost, and its cut buds retain their appearance for a long time.
