Content
- 1 What does “peony ITO-hybrid” mean?
- 2 How to propagate ITO peonies
- 3 The best varieties of ITO peonies
- 3.1 Hillary
- 3.2 Pastel Splendor
- 3.3 Viking Full Moon
- 3.4 Lois Choice
- 3.5 Julia Rose
- 3.6 Dark Eyes
- 3.7 Copper Kettle
- 3.8 Pink Hawaiian Coral
- 3.9 Yellow Emperor
- 3.10 Lollipop
- 3.11 Canary Diamonds
- 3.12 Lafayette Squadron
- 3.13 First Errival
- 3.14 Yellow Crown
- 3.15 Impossible Dream
- 3.16 Magical Mystery Tour
- 3.17 Cora Louise
- 3.18 Norwich Blush
- 3.19 Prairie Charm
- 4 Application in landscape design
- 5 Planting and caring for ITO-hybrid peonies
- 6 Caring for ITO-hybrids of peonies
- 7 Pests and diseases
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 Reviews
ITO peonies appeared recently. But despite this, they have already become popular all over the world. Today these are serious competitors to herbaceous and tree varieties. And it’s not surprising, because they have many advantages, including the main ones: high phytoimmunity, ease of care, large flower size.
What does “peony ITO-hybrid” mean?
ITO peonies (Paeonia ITOH) are herbaceous ornamental plants that were obtained by crossing tree and herbaceous varieties.
They got their name in honor of the Japanese who bred them in 1948, Toichi Ito.The hybrid has absorbed the best qualities of the parent varieties. Today scientists continue to improve it.
Description of ITO-hybrids pions
ITO hybrids are powerful large bushes with strong shoots. They have spreading roots located close to the surface of the earth. Over time, they grow greatly and become woody. This creates difficulties for transplantation. The height of the bush reaches 8.5 cm. Under the weight of the flowers, the shoots may bend, but do not lie on the ground. The leaves are densely arranged. They are similar to those of tree-like varieties - also carved. The green mass of ITO hybrids can be preserved until the onset of frost. Their shade changes by autumn only in certain varieties. Just like herbaceous peonies, ITO hybrids have shoots that die off every year. This happens in the fall. In spring they grow out of the ground again.
ITO peonies are a cross between herbaceous and tree type
How ITO peonies bloom
The buds of ITO hybrids are located at the very tops of the shoots. Depending on the variety and its care, the diameter of the flowers can reach 18 cm. The petals that make up them are characterized by waviness. They usually have spots at the base. The palette in this case is wide. There may be transitions from one shade to another. Almost all ITO peonies are prone to fading. As the buds open, the petals become lighter.
The flowering time of ITO peony hybrids depends on the variety. Early species can bloom as early as April. The buds of late varieties bloom after other types of peonies have faded. The duration of budding also differs. The best ITO peony hybrids bloom for about a month.
How to propagate ITO peonies
Reproduction of ITO hybrids is possible only by dividing the bush. Even if the grower manages to get the seeds, there is no point in using them. The plants that grow from them will have different qualities and will lose their species characteristics. You can divide the bush after five years of life. If this is done earlier, the plant will die. After the first separation, the procedure is repeated every 3 years.
To divide the bush, it is removed from the ground and the roots are shaken off the ground. From one copy, no more than 2-3 fragments with 3-5 buds and a similar number of roots are obtained. The rhizome is divided with a sharp garden knife. If there are rotten areas on the roots, they are excised. After the procedure, cuttings of ITO hybrids are treated with a growth stimulant and immediately planted.
The best varieties of ITO peonies
At the moment, there are different subtypes of aid. It is impossible to say unequivocally which one is better and which one is worse. Each has its pros and cons. After studying the description of peonies of the ITO varieties, and looking at their photos with names, everyone will be able to choose the option that suits them.
Hillary
Hillary is an ITO peony, the maximum height of which reaches 60 cm. The flowers are semi-double. Their size is 20 cm, fuchsia petals acquire beige shades over time. The color range is changeable. It happens that one bush blooms with different buds: from beige-white to amber-amaranth. The inflorescences begin to bloom in late spring.
A bouquet of Hillary peonies is the best gift for any occasion.
Pastel Splendor
Pastel Splendour is a medium growing plant. The height of the bush is 80 cm. The flowers are semi-double, with a diameter of 17 cm. The color of the petals combines shades of beige, lilac, lemon and pink.The petals have a purple-scarlet spot at the base.
Thanks to the special combination of shades, Pastel Splendour looks very delicate
Viking Full Moon
Viking Full Moon is a plant up to 80 cm tall. Its flowers are semi-double and reach 18 cm in diameter. The petals are yellow, but there are subtle shades of light green. There is a red-orange spot at the base of the petals.
Viking Full Moon growing in a flower bed cannot but please
Lois Choice
Lois Choice is an ITO peony, bred in 1993 in the USA. The flowers are double, complex in color. The buds open early. The base of the petals is beige-white. This shade transitions towards beige yellow and peachy pink towards the top. The shoots of the variety are strong, the leaf blades are rich green.
Peony Ito Lois Choice reaches 75 cm in height
Julia Rose
Julia Rose is an ITO variety that is characterized by fading to a yellow color. At the same time, the base of the petals always remains more saturated. Pink buds, unevenly colored throughout the plant, change color to soft yellow as they bloom.
Peony Julia Rose can be called a real miracle of the flower garden
Dark Eyes
Dark Eyes is an ITO variety valued for its unusual dark burgundy petal color. The height of the plant is 90 cm. The diameter of the flowers is not too large - 15 cm. This disadvantage is compensated by the fact that the peony produces many buds.
The Dark Eyes peony was developed back in 1996, but has not yet become widespread.
Copper Kettle
Copper Kettle means "Copper Kettle". This is another rare and unusual variety of ITO peonies. It is valued by flower growers due to its unpretentiousness.The tricolor semi-double flowers of this variety are real giants. Their diameter is 20 cm. Shades of scarlet, yellow and orange combined and gave the flower a unique “copper” appearance. The bush of this ITO hybrid grows slowly. Its maximum height is 90 cm.
Copper Kettle was introduced in the USA in 1999
Pink Hawaiian Coral
Pink Hawaiian Coral is a bush 85 cm high. It produces semi-double flowers with a diameter of 16 cm. Flowering lasts from May to June. When the buds fully open, the coral petals take on an apricot hue. There are beige-yellow stamens in the center.
Hybrid Pink Hawaiian Coral needs bright light
Yellow Emperor
Yellow Emperor is one of the ITO varieties that has been proven over the years. Its semi-double flowers reach 13 cm in diameter. The petals are yellow. At their base there is a rich scarlet spot. The buds of this variety are hidden behind a lush green mass. Rich flowering.
Peony ITO Yellow Emperor was one of the first to be bred
Lollipop
Lollipop is a hybrid up to 90 cm high. The buds are semi-double. Their diameter is 18 cm. The color of the petals is light yellow. They have a lot of purple spots on them. As they bloom, the shade of the petals changes from yellow to lemon, peach and soft coral.
Peony Lollipop looks very unusual
Canary Diamonds
Canary Brilliants is a hybrid whose maximum height is 70 cm. Its flowers are densely double. The color of the petals is formed from many shades of yellow. At their base there is an orange-colored spot. The buds begin to open in mid-spring or towards its end.
Canary Brilliants is a densely double representative of ITO peonies
Lafayette Squadron
Lafayette Escadrille was launched in 1989.The hybrid has simple flowers, which include up to 10 narrow petals. Their diameter is 10 cm. The color is bright – black and burgundy. The height of the ITO peony is 75 cm.
Breeders from the USA worked on the creation of Lafayette Escadrille
First Errival
First Arrival was launched in 1986. The semi-double graceful flowers of this variety are initially lavender-pink. However, over time, the edges of their petals turn light pink. The diameter of the flowers is 20 cm. The height of the bush itself reaches 75-90 cm.
Homeland of First Arrival – Holland
Yellow Crown
Yellow Crown can be called a low-growing ITO hybrid. Its height does not exceed 60 cm. The flowers are double, not large, but not small either. The petals are sunny yellow. At their base there are rich scarlet strokes. The number of simultaneously opened buds on one bush can reach up to 30.
Yellow Crown is characterized by abundant flowering
Impossible Dream
Impossible Dream is one of the least known peonies of the ITO group. Its semi-double lilac-pink flowers are among the largest and reach 25 cm in diameter. The petals are round, arranged in 4-6 rows. The size of the bush is 90 cm. It begins to bloom early.
Impossible Dream was released in 2004
Magical Mystery Tour
Magical Mystery Tour features a tall ITO peony. The variety was released in the USA in 2002. The diameter of the flowers varies within 16 cm. The color of the petals is creamy peach. There are brown spots at their base. As they bloom, the petals first become light beige, and a little later - pale pink. An adult bush can produce up to 50 buds per season.
The height of the Magical Mystery Tour peony is 90 cm
Cora Louise
Cora Louise is an ITO peony that blooms mid-season. Outwardly, it resembles to many a mountain peony. Its flowers are semi-double, up to 25 cm in diameter. The color of the petals includes white, soft pink, beige and lilac shades. At the base of the petals there is a deep purple spot. In the center of the bud there is a bunch of yellow stamens. Reviews about this ITO peony are positive.
Cora Louise flowers are gigantic in size
Norwich Blush
Norwegian Blush is an ITO hybrid with semi-double flowers with a diameter of 17 cm. Its petals are pink and white. There is a dark spot at the base. There are yellow stamens in the center. The height of the ITO peony is 85 cm. It is important to plant this plant on well-drained soil. Otherwise, its roots will rot.
Norwegian Blush has an average flowering time
Prairie Charm
Prairie Charm is another semi-double ITO peony. It was released in 1992 in the USA. The diameter of its flowers is 16 cm. The color of the petals is yellow, with a greenish tint. They have purple spots at their base. Peony height – 85 cm.
Flowering period of Prairie Charm is medium late
Application in landscape design
Peonies look ideal in large spaces surrounded by green lawn grass. However, not everyone has a large garden area. In this case, experts advise planting an existing flowerbed (of any size) with peonies and roses. To prevent it from being half empty, you can add your favorite bulbous flowers to the plantings in the spring. A good option would be to use tulips. After the flowering of ITO peonies is completed, lilies, petunias, asters, chrysanthemums and phlox will look wonderful against the background of their leaves.
ITO peonies look great on the lawn
When creating a flower garden, it is necessary to take into account that ITO peonies always dominate. They need to select the best place in the flowerbed and surround it with companion plants. The flowering of peonies, although abundant, is short-lived. Before it begins and after it ends, other ornamental plants will fill the space in the flower garden and please the eye.
For those who have a small plot, they need to plant ITO peonies in flower beds in tandem with other flowers
ITO peonies are categorically incompatible with plants from the Ranunculaceae family. The latter very quickly deplete the soil and release substances that inhibit other flowers.
Planting and caring for ITO-hybrid peonies
Immediately after planting, the ITO peony may look lethargic. There is no need to worry about this, this is normal. Hybrids always take a long time to adapt and recover. They don't bloom the first year. Usually this process begins at 2-3 years. Although there are also varieties that continue to bloom even after transplantation. This is the exception rather than the rule.
Planting dates for ITO-hybrid peonies
The most suitable time for planting ITO peonies is the last week of August and the whole of September. In the southern regions, this period can be extended until the end of the second autumn month. After planting ITO hybrid peonies in the fall, they have time to take root before the onset of severe cold.
Where and how to plant an ITO hybrid peony
Having chosen the best varieties of ITO hybrid peonies, you can begin planting. The most suitable place is an area with loose soil, which contains a lot of humus. It is desirable that the soil be neutral or slightly alkaline. Peonies should not be planted in close proximity to trees and shrubs.In this case, the plants will have to fight for light and nutrients. Peonies should not be placed near buildings where runoff may form from the roof during precipitation. Also, lowlands where melt and rainwater collects are not suitable for them.
Peonies love light and tolerate partial shade well. The ideal option is to place the hybrid aid in a place where it will be in the sun in the morning and late afternoon, and in the afternoon it will be protected from scorching rays. Then the peony will bloom for a long time, and its flowers will not fade.
The place for planting ITO varieties must be prepared a month in advance. In this case, the fertilizers will have time to dissolve and the soil will settle. A hole 50 cm in size is dug under each bush.3. Drainage is placed at the bottom (for example, expanded clay). This is especially important to do if the peony is planned to be planted in an area where groundwater lies close to the surface.
For the recommended volume of the pit, add 3 buckets of soil, 1 cup of phosphorus fertilizer, ½ bucket of ash, 6 cups of bone meal and ½ cup of any preparation containing a complex of minerals. The soil intended for filling the hole, as well as the prepared substrate, are sieved. Thanks to this, the soil is saturated with oxygen and remains loose for a long time.
How to plant ITO hybrid peonies
The seedling is placed in the center of the hole and covered with earth. The root buds should eventually be five centimeters from the surface. Plantings are watered abundantly. Then pour a bucket of soil over each peony and lightly compact it. With the onset of spring, the soil is removed.
ITO peonies are planted in autumn
Caring for ITO-hybrids of peonies
Contrary to popular belief, ITO peonies are not the most capricious flowers. Caring for hybrids is no different from caring for any other peonies.It does not take much time and does not require special skills. Even a beginner, if he approaches this task responsibly, will succeed.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
In the case of watering, they focus on the condition of the soil. If its top layer begins to dry out, then the peony needs watering. It is important not to allow water to stagnate, otherwise the hybrid ITO will begin to hurt. To moisten the soil, use settled water at room temperature. It is poured directly under the root, being careful not to wet the green mass. The procedure is performed in the evening.
Every spring, bone meal and ash are added under the peonies. If the ITO hybrid grows in one place for more than three years, then any complex fertilizers are added to this. If the peonies are not mulched with soil or manure, then in early May they are fed with Kemira. It is better to avoid applying preparations containing nitrogen. Their use can lead to the development of fungal diseases. The second (last) feeding is carried out in the middle of the last summer month. In this case, an ash extract or a superphosphate solution is used.
Weeding, loosening, mulching
To ensure that peonies grow strong and healthy, gardeners regularly remove weeds. The latter take away useful components and moisture from flowers. In addition, insect pests can breed in them.
After each watering, loosening is performed. This is done carefully so as not to damage the hybrid aid. This procedure is necessary to ensure that oxygen reaches the roots in sufficient quantities. How abundant the flowering will be depends on this.
To prevent overheating of the roots and rapid evaporation of moisture, ITO peonies are mulched.Dry grass is used as mulch. This procedure also helps control the growth of weeds.
Pruning rules
After the peony has faded, it is pruned. To do this, use sharp garden shears. They remove the very top of the peduncles, where the seed box is formed, before the second true leaf. The cut area is treated with ash. Some gardeners also advise removing the first buds so that they do not take away the strength of a young, weak peony.
Preparing ITO peonies for winter
Caring for ITO peonies in the fall is special. At the end of September they begin preparations for winter. Unlike herbaceous peonies, they do not get rid of green mass for a long time, so it is cut off at soil level. Then the plantings are mulched with horse manure and covered with cut tops. Preparing ITO hybrid peonies for winter is mandatory if the bushes are still young. Adult plants are highly frost-resistant and do not require shelter.
Pests and diseases
Most often, ITO varieties suffer from gray rot. It occurs due to the abuse of nitrogen-containing preparations, thickening of plantings, frequent and cold rains. Symptoms appear in the second half of May. Young stems begin to rot and fall. The pathological process can affect leaves and flowers. In this case, they will be covered with gray mold. To solve this problem, you must first remove all the diseased parts and burn them. This will prevent the spread of fiction. After this, the bushes should be watered with a 0.6% Tiram suspension.
Gray mold is one of the most common diseases
In addition, ITO peonies can be affected by powdery mildew. This is a mycosis in which the green mass is covered with a white flour coating. Over time, it turns yellow and dies.In this case, it is useful to irrigate the bushes and soil with a 0.2% Figon solution.
If you start fighting powdery mildew in a timely manner, the plant will recover
Among the pests that pose a threat are aphids. She lives in the green mass of the plant and drinks its juice. Insecticides (Ankara, Kinmiks) are used to control insects.
Aphids destroy peonies in the shortest possible time
Conclusion
ITO peonies are the best version of herbaceous and tree-like varieties. They inherited only the best qualities from their parent plants. Today this hybrid is extremely popular, so planting material is not difficult to find. Both young and mature bushes are undemanding to care. Anyone can grow them, regardless of experience in floriculture.
