Content
Since their appearance in the world of plants, peonies have won the hearts of many gardeners with their exquisite beauty and unique aroma. Among this large family of plants, the Magical Mystery Tour peony occupies a special place. This peony variety amazes with its mysterious beauty and unique characteristics.
Where and how did it appear
Ito-hybrid peonies were bred by Japanese breeder Toichi Ito in 1958 with the goal of producing a unique and different variety, the flower inflorescences of which are colored yellow. Using the method of crossing tree and herbaceous varieties, Ito obtained a hybrid that inherited the best qualities and properties of the parent bushes.
In the second half of the 20th century, breeders from different countries actively worked on creating new varieties of hybrid ito peonies with unusual colors. Gardeners, in turn, also tried to improve the size and number of flower buds of new hybrids.As a result of such breeding work, a large number of hybrid ito peonies were created, one of which was Magical Mystery Tour. This variety was created by American breeders in 2002 and quickly became popular among gardeners from different countries due to its original appearance and wide possibilities of use. The originator is Smith.
Description of the peony variety Magical Mystery Tour
The leaves of the peony Magical Mystery Tour have a rich green color and a slight dullness. Thanks to its beautiful carved texture, the plant is decorative even if there are no flowers on it. The leaves cover the bush abundantly, large, sometimes reaching 20 cm in length, which makes the plant even more impressive. The stems of this variety are strong and stable, capable of supporting heavy flowers without additional support.
In the photo you can see how the color of the ito-hybrid peony Magical Mystery Tour differs at different stages of flowering.
Magical Mystery Tour flowers are a real work of art
The shape of the inflorescences is terry, with a large number of petals. When fully bloomed, the buds reach a diameter of 17 to 20 cm. The inflorescences combine several colors: from delicate pink to rich cherry. This creates an amazing mosaic of colors.
At the beginning of flowering, the petals are painted in a creamy-peach shade with a slight lilac tint and a cherry-purple frame.
As the buds bloom, they gradually lighten, acquiring an ivory shade with a pinkish undertone.
The perennial reaches a height of 75 cm to 90 cm and has a compact, round shape, making it an excellent choice for small gardens and flower beds.
In the center of the bud are pinkish-yellow stamens and greenish pistils, which are covered with pale pink pollen.
This peony variety is sun-loving, prefers bright light, but can tolerate a little shade. For better development and richer flowering, it is recommended to choose sunny places. Magical Mystery Tur also belongs to the group of large-flowered peonies with double flowers. Frost resistance zone: 3 (from -34 to -40 °C).
Timing and flowering period
The Magical Mystery Tour variety blooms at the beginning of the summer, usually in June. In the southern regions, the first buds on the bush can be seen already at the end of May. The flowering period lasts about 2-3 weeks, which allows you to enjoy its indescribable beauty for a long time. As flowering completes, the plant can continue to delight the eye with the greenness of its leaves, creating a beautiful backdrop for other seedlings in the garden.
Advantages and disadvantages
Magical Mystery Tour has many advantages, the main one of which is its appearance. The variety has almost no disadvantages.
Petals of Magical Mystery Tour are distinguished by their amazing ability to change color during flowering
Pros:
- beautiful appearance with original coloring;
- resistance of strong stems to winds and rains;
- frost resistance;
- strong immunity to diseases;
- unpretentiousness.
Minuses:
- high price;
- weak aroma.
Landing Features
Peony seedlings Magical Mystery Tour can be planted in mid-spring, when the soil warms up to +10 °C. Choose a sunny spot in the garden with well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil by adding compost or humus to enrich it.This will help create a favorable environment for the growth and development of Magical Mystery Tour.
The pit is formed 2-3 weeks before planting the peony. The optimal dimensions of the hole are 60*60*60 cm. A layer of pebbles, crushed stone or broken brick is laid on its bottom. The formed hole is filled 2/3 with a nutritious soil mixture consisting of compost, humus, sand and garden soil.
The plant is placed in the center of the prepared hole, the roots are straightened. Sprinkle with nutritious soil and water with warm, settled water.
To quickly adapt to a new place, it is recommended to mulch the seedling. A protective layer of organic matter also retains moisture on the soil surface and suppresses the growth of weeds.
When planting in groups, you need to maintain a distance between plants of about 80-100 cm to give them enough space to grow and develop.
Care instructions
Caring for the Magical Mystery Tour peony is not difficult, but requires attention.
Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Peonies do not like dry soil. Stagnation of moisture should not be allowed, as this will lead to rotting of the roots and the development of fungal diseases in the perennial.
You should loosen the soil after each watering or natural precipitation and regularly remove weeds, preventing them from growing.
Organic fertilizer must be applied in the spring (before growth begins) and at the end of summer (after flowering has completed). To stimulate new flowering and maintain an aesthetic appearance, faded flowers are regularly removed.
Preparing for winter
After the first frost, remove wilted leaves and trim the plant stems to soil level.
Thanks to its resistance to frost, the ito-hybrid Magical Mystery Tour does not need to be covered for the winter.You just need to update the mulch layer and bring it to a height of at least 10 cm.
Shelter is required for young peonies planted in the ground no more than two years ago if they grow in a cold northern area. In early spring, the cover is removed to prevent the buds from drying out.
If there is snow in your area, it can also provide natural cover for peonies.
Reproduction methods
Like other hybrids, the Magical Mystery Tour variety can only be propagated by vegetative methods - by dividing the root or rooting stem cuttings. The seed method is ineffective because the plant does not inherit the characteristics of the mother bush.
Reproduction methods:
- Dividing the bush. In spring or autumn, you can divide a mature Magical Mystery Tour peony seedling into several parts and transplant them to new places.
- Cuttings. In mid-summer, immediately after flowering, you can take cuttings of the plant and root them in moist soil.
Disease and pest control
With insufficient care and unfavorable development conditions, Magical Mystery Tour can be attacked by various diseases and pests. To prevent problems, regularly inspect the plant and apply the necessary protective measures.
To combat fungal diseases, the bush is sprayed with fungicides at the beginning of the growing season. Non-aggressive insecticides are used to protect against insects such as aphids, ants and mites. A stream of water can help deal with small numbers of insects.
Application in landscape
Magical Mystery Tour is ideal for creating spectacular flower beds and flower arrangements in the garden
Its vibrant color and compact size make it an excellent choice for foreground or single plantings.It also goes well with other perennials such as irises, lilies, roses, hostas, poppies, and lavender.
This peony variety can also be grown in flowerpots, on balconies and loggias, provided that sufficient lighting and care are provided.
Large inflorescences of Magical Mystery Tour are used to make mono-bouquets, supplementing them with buds of other peonies with interesting colors. It looks great in various floral arrangements.
To admire the luxurious inflorescences for as long as possible, it is recommended to add a little sugar to the vase
Conclusion
Peony Magical Mystery Tour is true magic among perennial plants. Bright and unusual flowers, easy care and winter resistance make it an excellent choice for almost any garden.
Reviews from gardeners about peony Magical Mystery Tour
