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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 with which you can decorate a country plot 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. It consists of several stems with numerous feather-like leaves of dark green color.
The variety "Bowl of Cream" has strong shoots. Therefore, even during the flowering period, the bush does not need garter. Additional supports are used only to give symmetry to the flowerbed.
Peony is sensitive to the degree of illumination. It is recommended to grow it in areas that receive sufficient sunlight. Planting in partial shade is allowed. In dark areas, growing “Bowl of Cream” peonies is excluded, since it does not fully develop in such conditions.
The flower has a gold medal since 1981
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.
Features of flowering
Peonies of the “Bowl of Cream” variety belong to the group of lactiflowers. It is the most numerous. Based on the type of flower, such peonies are classified as double peonies. The open buds are cup-shaped and consist of a large number of white petals with a yellowish center.
The diameter of the opened flowers reaches 19 cm. A pleasant but weak aroma emanates from them. The flowering period usually occurs at the end of May and beginning of June. The average duration is up to 15 days.
The inflorescences are whitish-cream, the color resembles whipped cream.
The splendor of flowering depends on the age of the peony, as well as the nutritional value of its soil and lighting. 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 requirements regarding proximity to other flowers. They are often grown independently, since they themselves decorate a suburban area well. The only drawback is the short flowering period.
For combination with the “Bowl of Cream” variety, other types of herbaceous and tree-like peonies are recommended. They are best placed in the background. In this case, even after flowering, they will green up the area and create a lush background for other bright plants.
They look beautiful with white peonies:
- hellebore;
- barberry bushes;
- red heuchera;
- irises;
- daylilies;
- primrose;
- daisies.
Peony can be grown on a personal plot, in a garden or in a country house
When planting peonies, it is necessary to take into account that they are demanding on the composition of the soil. In addition, they require free space. Therefore, plants that are unpretentious to the content of nutrients in the soil should be planted next to them.
Reproduction methods
Dividing the bush is recognized as the most effective method. The procedure is carried out at the end of August or September. It is imperative that at the time of division the flowering ends and the fallen buds are removed. Only healthy bushes that are more than 3 years old can be divided.
Procedure steps:
- Dig up the selected bush.
- Remove from the ground.
- Clear the roots from the soil.
- Separate the part of the plant with roots.
- Rub the separation area with damp sand.
- Return the mother bush to the ground.
- Cut the stem from the separated part.
- Plant it in the ground so that the buds are at a depth of 1 cm.
Reproduction occurs by dividing bushes, renewal buds and cuttings
The Bowl of Cream variety can be grown from seeds. But this will take a lot of time. The procedure takes place in two stages. First, the seeds are exposed to different temperatures to stimulate 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 select 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 the condition that during the day the plant will have access to sunlight for at least 2 hours.
You can plant peonies in the spring. But then the developing buds need to be cut off so that the plant spends energy on growing 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 settles. After this, the peony is planted.
Main stages:
- Cover the bottom with a 10-15 cm layer of drainage (river sand, expanded clay, broken brick).
- Fill the hole with clean soil mixed with compost and wood ash.
- Pour the soil remaining when digging the hole on top.
- Place a peony seedling or “cut” in the center.
- Sprinkle with soil until it is at a depth of 5-7 cm.
- Add water.
Peonies do not bloom when planted low or high
Planting to a depth of less than 5 cm is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, the peony roots will be close to the surface and may freeze in winter. It is also not recommended to plant the Bowl of Cream variety too deeply.
Aftercare
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 may stagnate in the roots. This provokes the process of rotting and can also cause infections. Loosening is carried out once every 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 maintain soil moisture at the required level. Sawdust, compost, peat and straw are used as mulch.
Mineral solutions are mainly used for fertilizer. 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 to each bush.
Peony bushes do not need to be replanted for a long time
Features of spring recharge:
The second feeding is carried out during the formation of buds. 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, bud formation occurs. 10-20 g of potassium and phosphorus are required.
Organic matter should be added in early autumn. For these purposes, compost, humus, straw, rotted leaves and tree bark are best suited.
Preparing for winter
The variety "Bowl of Cream" is resistant to frost. Autumn preparation includes trimming stems and additional feeding.
In autumn, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced. Pruning is carried out at the onset of the first frost. The above-ground part of the bush is removed almost to the soil level, leaving 3-4 cm.
Peony bushes must be covered for the winter
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. The exception is if persistent frosts are forecast. Young peonies must be covered, as they are not accustomed to low temperatures and may die.
Fallen leaves mixed with rotted manure are used as 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. The protective layer can be covered with film and tree branches on top.
Pests and diseases
The hybrid variety "Bowl of Cream" is practically not susceptible to infections. Most often, gray rot and powdery mildew occur in peonies. Both diseases are fungal in origin. To prevent damage to healthy bushes, they need to be treated with a fungicide and periodically sprayed with a solution of laundry soap.
Fungicides and soap solution protect against fungal diseases
Common peony pests include:
- bronze beetle;
- nematodes;
- aphid;
- thrips.
If damaged by pests, damaged areas of the peony are removed. For prevention, the plant is treated with Karbofos or a similar product. A solution of formalin, which is added to the soil around the bush, helps well against nematodes. Fitoverm and Actellik solutions 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 gardeners.
