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Peony Lemon Chiffon is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the group of interspecific hybrids. The plant was bred in the Netherlands in 1981 by crossing peonies Salmon Dream, Cream Delight, Moonrise. The name of the variety translates as “lemon chiffon”. The color lives up to its name thanks to its yellow tint. In 2000, Lemon Chiffon became the champion of the American Peony Society exhibition.
Description of Peony Lemon Chiffon
Interspecific peony Lemon Chiffon is a plant with powerful root tubers, the height of the stems is about 100 cm.
The bush has compact dimensions (45-50 cm), grows quickly
The leaves on the stem of the Lemon Chiffon peony appear in the spring. At first they have a dark burgundy hue, but over time they turn green. The shape of the leaves is slightly elongated, oval, pointed at the top. The stems are strong and do not require support when growing.
The Lemon Chiffon variety is frost-resistant. It is able to withstand temperatures down to -45°C. The plant is unpretentious in care. The Lemon Chiffon variety grows well in sun or partial shade. Wind protection will help extend the life of an exotic plant.In ideal conditions, the flower will delight gardeners for 20 years.
Peony Lemon Chiffon can be grown in any region of Russia, since the variety is classified in zone 3-4 in terms of frost resistance.
Features of flowering peony Lemon Chiffon
The peony variety Lemon Chiffon belongs to the group of early large-flowered crops.
The flowers on the stems are large, round, their diameter reaches 23 cm. The first year after planting they look double, but after some time they become full. During the blooming process, the color changes from snow-white to cream with yellowish stripes, and pink spots may be observed in some places.
The petals are tender, airy and light to the touch, the lower ones are located horizontally and directed to the side, the upper ones are larger and wider, forming a “bomb”. Pistils with purple stigmas.
Flowering occurs from May to June, again from August to September
During the flowering period, up to 3 light yellow flowers can form on one stem. Green leaves remain on the stems throughout the summer and die off by winter. In spring, the leaves on the Lemon Chiffon peony appear again.
Application in design
Garden plants are very popular among landscape designers.
Peonies Lemon Chiffon look equally good both in a single planting and in a group
The bush is best planted next to the same bright plants, or with other varieties of peonies.
Pale yellow buds will harmonize with roses, lilies, petunias, phlox, or with peonies of the varieties Duchess de Nemours, Ren Hortens, Albert Crusse
Flowers of the Ranunculaceae family are not compatible with peony plantings. These include anemone, adonis and lumbago.These plants can deplete the soil, thereby suppressing everything that is planted nearby.
Some designers prefer to plant Lemon Chiffon near decorative coniferous trees. The crop is also planted near gazebos, near the facades of buildings. But most often peonies are cut and flower arrangements are made with them.
The Lemon Chiffon variety is not potted, so it is recommended to grow it only in garden plots.
Peonies in landscape design harmonize perfectly with other bright plants
Reproduction methods
Lemon Chiffon is characterized by rapid growth and reproduction. There are several ways to breed this crop:
- Division of roots with renewal buds. Most often, this method of propagation is used if they want to obtain a large amount of planting material. The root system is cut into several cuttings with buds and roots 1-3 cm long. Rooting results are 80-85%.
- By layering. In early spring, the stem is buried, leaving the top intact. In the second half of September, check whether roots have appeared. After this, they are cut from the mother bush and planted in a box.
- Seeds. They ripen at the end of August. The collected seeds are stratified for two months and then planted in the ground under a glass dome. The first shoots appear after a couple of weeks. The cover is removed when 2-3 leaves are formed on the stems. Seedlings are planted in open ground only after 2 years.
- Dividing the bush. Gardeners can get a large amount of planting material if they divide a bush that is between 5 and 7 years old. By this age, the rhizome accumulates nutrients that help young seedlings grow.
- Cuttings.Reproduction in this way is rarely carried out, since the survival rate of interspecific hybrids is only 15-25%. To propagate peonies by cuttings, you need to cut the middle with two internodes from the stem. The cuttings are treated with growth stimulants and planted in boxes under glass. With regular ventilation and watering, the first roots will appear in 5 weeks.
This method allows you to completely preserve the species characteristics of the crop.
Rules for planting peony Lemon Chiffon
Peonies are planted in the autumn. Seedlings need to take root before frost. This process takes about a month, so gardeners advise planting the plant in early September.
Before you start planting, you need to choose a well-lit area. As for the soil, Lemon Chiffon prefers moist, well-drained soil, but does not tolerate stagnant water.
Before planting, planting material should be prepared by treating the rhizomes with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. This will help protect the seedlings from various diseases.
Landing algorithm:
- Dig a planting hole measuring 50*50 cm.
The dimensions of the planting hole depend on the size of the root system of the seedling
- Prepare a planting hole by laying a drainage layer on the bottom.
Broken brick, expanded clay or stones with a diameter of 1-2 cm can be used as drainage
- A mixture consisting of sand, peat, sawdust, ash and garden soil is poured onto the drainage layer.
- The flower is placed in the center of the hole.
The roots of the seedling are carefully straightened when planting in the hole.
- The seedling is watered, sprinkled with soil and compacted.
Aftercare
Peonies should be cared for regularly. Watering procedures are carried out in moderation, since the crop cannot be called moisture-loving. The soil is moistened only if it is dry on the surface.
Fertilizers are applied 2 times a year in spring and autumn. Mixtures based on nitrogen and phosphorus are used as fertilizers. The main thing is not to overfeed the bush, otherwise it will grow slowly and sluggishly.
Loosening the soil is carried out after it is moistened
The procedure should be carried out carefully so as not to damage the root system.
Preparing for winter
Lemon Chiffon peonies do not need pruning. Gardeners say that only young seedlings can be pruned. All unopened buds are cut off so that the bush directs all its energy to growth and not to flowering.
Adult bushes are not covered for the winter, since the Lemon Chiffon variety is considered very frost-resistant. However, young peony seedlings should still be covered, since the root system has not yet had time to adapt to harsh conditions.
Sawdust and peat are used as mulch, and a special material, lutrasil, is stretched on top. Mulch is removed in the spring, when the air temperature is +2…+4 °C.
Young peony bushes must be covered for the winter
Pests and diseases
Peonies of interspecific hybrids, including the Lemon Chiffon variety, are resistant to various diseases. Gardeners rarely encounter any problems during the growing process.
As for pests, you can find spider mites or ants on a flowering peony. They should be exterminated with insecticides, which are sold in specialized stores.
Conclusion
Peony Lemon Chiffon is a plant with strong stems and lemon-yellow flowers. Peonies of this variety amaze with their splendor and luxurious decorativeness. The flower is considered the best among yellow herbaceous varieties.
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