Content
- 1 What is so remarkable about red peonies?
- 2 The best varieties of red peonies
- 2.1 Old Fightful
- 2.2 Henry Boxtos
- 2.3 Walter Maines
- 2.4 Red giant
- 2.5 Karl Rosenfeld
- 2.6 Secret passion
- 2.7 Diana Parks
- 2.8 Giant from Chemosa
- 2.9 Red Charm
- 2.10 Red Wiz Pink
- 2.11 Scarlet Sails
- 2.12 Kiao Sisters
- 2.13 June Diamond
- 2.14 Walter Maines
- 2.15 Armani
- 2.16 Circus Circus
- 2.17 America
- 2.18 Red Grace
- 2.19 Ruth Clay
- 2.20 Sword Dance
- 2.21 Hot chocolate
- 2.22 Paul M. Wild
- 2.23 Red Magic
- 2.24 Kansas
- 2.25 Team Performance
- 2.26 Typhoon
- 2.27 Shinnichigetsu
- 2.28 Mackinac Grand
- 2.29 Coral Altar
- 2.30 Scarlet Haven
- 2.31 Dragon Flowers
- 3 Red peonies in landscape design
- 4 Rules for planting and care
- 5 Conclusion
Red peonies are popular plants that are used to decorate the garden, as well as when making compositions and bouquets. These are bright perennial shrubs characterized by species diversity. In most cases, they are not too demanding to care for and are highly winter hardy. Therefore, they can be grown in almost any Russian region.
What is so remarkable about red peonies?
Classic red shades attract the most attention because they are bright, self-sufficient colors. In addition, they contrast well against the green background of the lawn, shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants.
Red peonies have recently become widespread for very natural reasons:
- a large variety of species - all sorts of shades of red are represented: from soft pink to rich burgundy;
- low maintenance requirements. Basically, red peonies need regular watering, good lighting and fertilization;
- lush shrubs with spreading, fairly strong branches look good in single plantings and compositions;
- red peonies are suitable for making classic and creative bouquets. They are stored for a long time after cutting.
Red peonies will fit well into the garden with any design concept
The best varieties of red peonies
Today, several dozen varieties of red peonies can be found in the public domain. These are mainly hybrids bred abroad. They have good winter hardiness and do not require maintenance. Therefore, they can be grown even in regions with frosty winters: in the Urals, Southern Siberia and the Far East.
Old Fightful
These are large red double peonies, reaching a diameter of 20 cm. The buds are formed in July and resemble roses in appearance. The petals are lush, the surface is velvety. The variety is suitable for single plantings and mixborders. Red peonies of this variety are stored for several days after cutting, which allows them to be used in bouquets.
Several large flowers appear on the compact bush Old Faithful; the height of the peduncles reaches 90 cm
Henry Boxtos
Terry herbaceous peony, blooming in mid-summer. The bush is of medium height, the flower stalks grow up to 90 cm. Red peonies are very large, lush, and look attractive. The bud is located in the center, the shape is regular, round.
Henry Boxtos bush produces 10-15 bright large flowers of large diameter
Walter Maines
An interesting hybrid with a Japanese flower form. Peonies of medium diameter (up to 15 cm).The color is bright red. The variety blooms in early July, emitting a pleasant aroma. It is distinguished by large petals and graceful light yellow stamens. The height of the bush is up to 75 cm, the stems are strong enough, which allows it to be grown without the use of supports.
Compact shrub Walter Maines features glossy greenery
With proper care it produces 10-15 flowers.
Red giant
A classic variety with late flowering (early August). The color is bright red, the shape is crown-shaped. The stems of the bush are quite short, the leaves are large. With proper care, many flowers are formed.
The red giant produces flowers of medium size - 15-16 cm in diameter.
Karl Rosenfeld
Peony with red and pink shades, like most other varieties, begins to bloom in the second year. The stems are strong, the peduncles are stable, they grow up to 90 cm. Installation of supports is not required. The variety is characterized by high winter hardiness and is suitable for cultivation in many regions of Russia.
Flowering is lush, abundant, flowers are large (up to 20 cm in diameter)
Secret passion
The tree-like early red peony begins to bloom in late May. The flowers are quite large, up to 16 cm in diameter, of a purple hue. The foliage is dense, light green, with a matte surface. The variety is resistant to unfavorable conditions and is extremely rarely affected by diseases or pests.
The Secret Passion flower has large red petals and miniature orange stamens.
Diana Parks
Diana Parks is one of the oldest hybrids, bred back in the early 1940s. The shoots and peduncles are not high, up to 70 cm. It belongs to the varieties of early red peony - it begins to bloom in early June. The petals are thick and delicate. The stems are quite strong and can be grown without supports.The foliage is bright green, with a glossy surface; red peonies look good against its background.
Attractive Diana Parks red peonies have a medium diameter (12-14 cm)
Giant from Chemosa
Beautiful red and white peonies with very large flowers, the diameter of which is 25 cm. They appear in large quantities (30-70 pieces on one bush).
A characteristic feature of the Chemosa Giant is its late flowering, which begins towards the end of August.
The leaves are large, the shoots are strong, durable, and grow in one place for 15-20 years (do not require replanting).
The soil should be fertile with good drainage.
Red Charm
Terry hybrid of early dates - buds begin to open in mid-June. Peduncles grow up to 80 cm, shoots are strong and tall. The color is dark red, scarlet, the petals are narrow and tightly folded. A characteristic feature is that the branches grow very quickly and feel good even with minimal care.
Red charm produces very large flowers, the diameter of which reaches 22 cm
Red Wiz Pink
Another interesting variety with two-color pink-red and white peonies of a very large diameter of 20-25 cm. The plant is tall, up to 150-200 cm, with proper care the flowering is lush, 30-70 red peonies are formed on the bush. It is characterized by high winter hardiness and immunity to diseases and pests. You can immediately plant it in a permanent place - for 15-20 years it does not need replanting.
Red Whis Pink is a vibrant variety of two-tone peony with red, pink and white colors.
Scarlet Sails
Tall hybrid (up to 150-200 cm) with very lush red buds. They begin to open in early June and release a pleasant aroma. Very large in size: 20-25 cm. The plant is unpretentious, resistant to frost, temperature changes and diseases. It can grow in one place for many years.
The color of the Scarlet Sails variety is delicate, red, with scarlet shades
Kiao Sisters
Another attractive white and red peony. Its name is associated with its characteristic two-color color - the bud consists of red and light pink halves. Together they look like one. On 1 bush grows from 30 to 70 red peonies of large diameter (20-25 cm). The flowering period is average - mostly buds are formed at the end of June. Prefers light, fertile soils with a slightly alkaline reaction.
Red and light pink halves complement each other harmoniously
June Diamond
Terry large late flowers grow on peduncles 90 cm high. The petals are wavy, openwork, the foliage is dark green. The shoots are quite strong and stable. The flowers are not too large - up to 14 cm in diameter.
The color of June Diamond peonies is more intense in the center and less saturated at the edges.
Walter Maines
Japanese-shaped flowers with large dark red petals (they become miniature in the center, which adds to the attractiveness). Shoots up to 80 cm, the bush grows well, especially on nutritious, light soils with a neutral reaction. Buds begin to appear in mid-summer. The variety is characterized by good winter hardiness - it can be grown in the Urals and Southern Siberia.
In the center the petals are small, with an interesting yellow border, the flower size does not exceed 17 cm
Armani
Winter-hardy herbaceous peonies with large flowers (average size 20 cm).They tolerate frost well and require standard care. They prefer open, well-lit and warm areas. The color is recognizable, dark burgundy, wine red. The flowers are densely double and grow on strong, durable shoots 90 cm high. The first varietal characteristics appear already in the third season after planting.
Armani bushes are spreading, the flowers are lush and attractive
Circus Circus
Herbaceous, low bush (up to 70 cm) with semi-double flowers of medium diameter (12-14 cm). The buds begin to form already at the beginning of summer, the flowers rise above the shoots, making them visible. The shades are light lilac, gives a pleasant, perceptible aroma.
Circus circus is one of the most beautiful flowers with delicate lilac petals and an orange center.
America
Scarlet large flowers appearing in mid-June. The petals are large, the stamens are bright yellow. Look good against the backdrop of bright green leaves. The peduncles are low – 70 cm.
The variety is characterized by large red peonies, on average 20-22 cm.
Red Grace
Very attractive scarlet voluminous flowers on tall shoots up to 90 cm tall. The photo of this beautiful red peony shows openwork, densely packed petals, the flowers themselves are spherical, double, and regular in shape. The bushes look gorgeous in single plantings. Peonies are used in bouquet arrangements.
The Red Grace variety is distinguished by large, bright flowers with a diameter of 22 cm
Ruth Clay
The crown-shaped red terry peony has a rich color. The stems of the bush are thin, but at the same time strong, rising up to 90 cm. The buds form in early July.
Despite their small size (13 cm), the flowers look lush due to the large petals lining the bottom layer
Sword Dance
Sword Dance is a dark red peony with very large double flowers. Compact bushes grow up to 1 meter in height. Due to their high winter hardiness, they can be bred not only in Central Russia, but also in other regions. Peonies have a pleasant, rich aroma; due to their bright color, they are often used in single plantings.
Sword Dance flowers reach 16-20 cm in diameter
Hot chocolate
Red peonies, Japanese form. The buds grow in mid-July, after blooming they produce large flowers measuring 16 cm. At close range you can feel a faint aroma. The bush is compact, reaches 90 cm. The petals are large and attractive.
The Hot Chocolate variety has a rich red color, with a golden border visible along the edges of the petals.
Paul M. Wild
A variety of red terry peonies with medium-late flowering periods (second half of July - early August). Peduncles are strong, tall, up to 90 cm. The first varietal signs appear externally in 2-3 years.
The color of the buds is red or dark red, the size of the bush is large (up to 80 cm)
Red Magic
Tall bush up to 1 meter, herbaceous shoots, bright, attractive peonies, up to 15 cm in diameter. The leaves are large, dissected, dark green in color with a shiny surface. The buds appear already in June. It is unpretentious in care - it is enough to provide periodic watering and fertilization 2-3 times per season.
Red Magic classic red color
Kansas
Large red flowers up to 20 cm on a tall bush that reaches 100 cm. The variety is characterized by high winter hardiness, which allows you to confidently grow it even in Siberia. Bright, round-shaped flowers appear already at the end of spring, their diameter reaches 20 cm. The petals are openwork, small and graceful in the center.
The color of the Kansas variety is scarlet or bright red.
Team Performance
An interspecific hybrid, obtained relatively recently - in 1996 in the USA. The flowers are large, 22-23 cm, shoots up to 80 cm, the bush grows very quickly even with minimal care. The stems are strong, but can sometimes sag. It is recommended to plant away from open areas where there are frequent drafts. Just in case, you can put 1-2 wooden supports.
The purple-red coloring of Team Performance always attracts attention.
Typhoon
A beautiful variety with lush bright red peonies measuring 16-17 cm. The buds are formed in mid-June, the timing is mid-late. The bush is low, 70 cm, the stems are quite strong, but can bend under the weight of flowers, so they need support. The foliage is dark green, with a characteristic feature - red petioles.
The petals of flowers of the Typhoon variety are bright red, glossy, the stamens are golden
Shinnichigetsu
A variety with very tall bushes (130-150 cm) and large flowers up to 30 cm. The buds are formed in mid-May, the timing is mid-early. The petals are satin in texture, the flowers are semi-double. Looks great in bouquet arrangements and decorates the garden well. At the same time, the Sinnichigetsu variety does not have any special care requirements.
Shinnichigetsu is distinguished by carmine-red shades; the size of the flowers is very large (30 cm), which is a record for peonies.
Mackinac Grand
A hybrid variety obtained in 1981. Attracts with its bright red color, against which the yellow stamens contrast. The bushes grow very quickly and confidently, buds form in mid-June. The stems are exceptionally strong, so they can withstand even strong winds and do not need supports.
Mackinac Grand attracts with its color and large size (18-20 cm) of flowers
Coral Altar
A very interesting variety, the bush grows up to 150 cm, sometimes even higher. The sizes of peonies are very large - up to 25 cm in diameter. The buds are formed in mid-June, the petals are dense and densely spaced. The variety is frost-resistant and does not require special care. It grows quietly in one place for up to 20 years in a row.
The coral altar has jagged, very dense petals painted in pink, coral tones
Scarlet Haven
Tall bushes (up to 1 meter) with large red peonies reaching 15 cm in diameter. Winter hardiness is high, tolerates Ural and Siberian frosts. A distinctive feature is a very strong aroma that can be clearly felt from a considerable distance.
Against the background of the rich color of Scarlet Heaven, the stamens in the center of the bud look good
Dragon Flowers
One of the most attractive red varieties, produces large peonies (20-25 cm) on very tall bushes (up to 150-200 cm).
The Dragon Flowers variety is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and resistance to both frost and disease. Flowering is abundant and begins at the end of June.
Red peonies in landscape design
Red varieties are some of the most sought after peonies due to their vibrant colors.
Thanks to their bright flowers, peonies contrast perfectly against the background of lawns, lawns, shrubs, and their own foliage.
Red peonies are most often used in single plantings. However, they can be used in other ways:
- red, orange, multi-colored flower beds in the center of the garden;
- mixborders;
- planting along paths;
- planting next to the gazebo, benches, and recreation area;
- rock gardens and rockeries.
Varieties of bright red shades go well with a wide variety of plants: hostas, dwarf firs, junipers; thujas, delphiniums, phlox, decorative onions, forget-me-nots, daisies, heucheras, tulips, chrysanthemums.
Red peonies go harmoniously with most other flowers
Rules for planting and care
Red peonies are planted mainly in open, spacious areas with a complete absence of shade or weak shading from neighboring trees or shrubs. It is advisable to choose a soil that is moderately fertile, light, with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. If you regularly fertilize, you can grow red peonies even on depleted soil.
The best planting time is early or mid-September, a month before frost. The soil selected is standard - garden soil with compost or humus. Immediately upon planting, you can add superphosphate, potassium salt and wood ash.
Caring for red peonies is not very difficult, but it is important to follow a few practical recommendations:
- Watering regularly, as needed. The soil should not be allowed to dry out.
- Fertilize at least 3 times per season - nitrogen in early spring, potassium and phosphorus during the formation of buds and after flowering, when the red petals wither and fall off.
- Mulching in spring and winter with peat, straw, hay and other natural materials.
- Periodic loosening of the soil, especially after watering and fertilizing.
Red varieties do not require special shelter for the winter, but in Siberia, the Urals and other regions with frosty winters, it is advisable to cover young seedlings with a large layer of mulch. You can throw in hay, spruce branches, straw, and leaves.
Conclusion
Red peonies are the simplest and at the same time spectacular way to decorate the garden. Often such plants are used in single plantings: the red shades are very bright, so they attract attention from any corner of the garden. At the same time, red peonies also look great in group plantings, especially against the backdrop of green low-growing shrubs and perennial herbaceous plants.
