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Peonies have always been in demand among flower growers, which is why many varieties and hybrids have been created. Plants with bomb-shaped inflorescences are especially popular. The herbaceous peony Red Grace is a perennial American selection that appeared in Russian gardens in the 90s of the last century.
Despite its youth, the variety has already won many awards:
- six years after its creation - a gold medal at the American Peony Exhibition;
- from 1991 to 2003 - won four times at the exhibition of flower growers in Moscow.
Several centuries ago, peonies grew only in the gardens of rich people, as seedlings were expensive
Description of Red Grace peony
The Red Grace peony is an interspecific hybrid. To create it, two types of culture were used:
- peony Lactiflora;
- Peony Officinalis.
The bushes are tall, the stems grow up to 120 cm. The variety is distinguished by dense, erect shoots. The peony is spreading and quickly grows green mass. In strong winds, the stems can break, so experienced gardeners recommend making supports up to 70 cm high around the bush. The foliage is dark green, openwork, since the blades are heavily dissected.
Like all peonies, the interspecific hybrid Red Grace is a sun-loving plant. In the shade, the buds lose their decorative effect and decrease in size.
The culture is frost-resistant, so it can be grown in all regions of Russia
Features of flowering
Herbaceous peony Red Grace - large-flowered, double. The flowers are about 18 cm in diameter with round, smooth, velvety petals. They are also called bomb-shaped.
The dark red or cherry petals are so elastic that from a distance they appear waxy. They are all the same size no matter where they are located. When the buds open, the edges of the petals curl slightly at the top, then straighten out completely. And the flower becomes like a huge red or cherry ball.
Flowering begins 2-3 years after planting the bush. This stage in the life of the Red Grace peony lasts about 21 days annually. Flowers are formed on the tops of the stems one at a time; there are no side buds. The petals are arranged so tightly that the core is not visible.
The Red Grace peony is also interesting because stamens and pistils are rarely formed, which means it does not form seeds. If we talk about the aroma, it is not strong: a mixture of caramel, chocolate and cinnamon.
The hybrid belongs to early flowering plants. Already in May or early June (depending on the region of cultivation) you can admire the beautiful buds, which look great against the backdrop of carved greenery. In order for the flowering to be abundant and lush, you need to follow the rules of agricultural technology.
Application in design
The Red Grace peony variety is valued for its decorativeness, and it attracts not only dark red or cherry buds, but also carved openwork greenery. With proper care, foliage does not lose its color until frost.
This property of the hybrid attracts landscape designers and gardeners. That is why flowers are grown not only on private plots, but also in parks. Red Grace peony looks great as a solitaire or in combination with other flowers.
Rules for use in design:
- On a grassy lawn, bushes are planted in the center so that lush buds are visible from all sides.
- Many gardeners grow Red Grace as a hedge along fences or buildings. You just need to take into account that the bushes are placed at a distance of 1.5 m so that the peonies have enough space to develop.
- It looks no less chic in group plantings if you choose the right neighbors. Next to foxgloves, sedums, phlox, and irises, the gorgeous buds look advantageous. Delphiniums and cottonweeds are suitable as neighbors.
The main thing is that the growing flowers are no taller than peonies
- Alpine slides, mixborders, garden zoning are excellent uses of the hybrid.
- If there are gazebos on the site, the peony will be a great addition. You can plant Red Grace near the porch.
Luxurious spherical buds last a long time when cut, the petals do not fall off
Red Grace herbaceous peonies, like other species and varieties of crops, can be grown in flowerpots on loggias and balconies. You just have to create special conditions.
Reproduction methods
As already noted, it is almost impossible to fertilize the Red Grace peony, so seed propagation is not suitable. To obtain planting material you can use:
- cuttings;
- dividing the bush.
It is best to plant a peony in divisions, using bushes older than five years. This will not only allow you to get several new plants on the site, but also rejuvenate the crop.
Landing rules
Peony Red Grace (translated as “grace of red”) can be planted in spring and autumn. Experienced gardeners recommend doing this at the end of August (September), depending on the region. Fall planting will give the plant a chance to take root when there is no heat.
Selecting a location
Since the Red Grace peony is sun-loving, a well-lit place without drafts is chosen for planting it. An area with openwork shade is also suitable, but the sun must give its light at least 8 hours a day.
The crop does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so groundwater should be located no higher than 2 m. Otherwise, the root system will begin to rot, which will lead to the death of the bush.
Preparing the planting hole
30 days before planting, they dig a hole. Its size must be large, because the Red Grace peony will grow in one place for several decades. Since the bushes are spreading, holes need to be dug at a distance of 1.5 m if several peonies are to be planted.
Stages of work:
- The dimensions of the seat, as for other varieties, are at least 70x70x70 cm.
- The bottom of the pit, regardless of the height of the groundwater, is filled with a drainage layer of about 15-20 cm so that excess water can successfully seep out.
All components for planting peonies are prepared in advance.
- The soil removed from above is mixed with humus, peat, sand, superphosphate is added and placed in a hole.
- Then they fill it with nutritious soil without fertilizer. It should be taken into account that peonies grow well in loose, slightly acidic soils. Reduce acidity using wood ash or dolomite flour.
Preparation of seedlings
No special preparation of seedlings is required. You just need to select healthy specimens with clean rhizomes, free of rot and blackness. In order for rooting to be successful, it is recommended to soak the planting material for a day in water or a solution of any rooting agent.
Peony planting algorithm
Proper planting is very important for peonies. If mistakes are made, then the bush will have to be moved next year, but the culture does not like this.
Landing rules:
- In the hole, raise the soil in the center to make a mound.
- Place the division with a slight slope, and sprinkle the roots to a depth of no more than 3-4 cm.
- Compact the soil a little.
You need to work carefully so as not to break the fragile buds
- Make a furrow around the plant for watering.
The bush will need about two buckets of water so that the moisture goes as deep as possible
- Mulch the soil with peat, compost or humus. When green grass appears, chop it up and sprinkle it under the bush. This is both mulch and fertilizer at the same time.
Aftercare
Peonies are very demanding of moisture, so they need to be watered abundantly. For mature bushes - up to four buckets. Once a week is enough. In rainy weather, irrigation is stopped; in drought, it is carried out as the top layer of soil dries out.
For the first two years, the Red Grace peony is not fed; in the future, the procedure is needed three times:
- early in the spring, when the buds awaken, apply fertilizers containing nitrogen;
- in May and June, when buds form, peonies require potassium and phosphorus;
- Autumn fertilizing is also carried out with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.
Preparing for winter
In the fall, after fertilizing, herbaceous peonies are pruned. Young bushes are sure to spud.Adult plants do not need special shelter. In regions with little snow, it is enough to mulch with humus or compost. Layer - about 20-25 cm.
Pests and diseases
A typical disease of peonies, including Red Grace, is gray rot. The problem is most often associated with warm, rainy summers and the presence of pests such as ants and aphids. When affected by rot, the stems begin to wither, and then the buds.
To avoid the disease, you must first deal with pests, and then treat the plantings with special fungicides.
Conclusion
Red Grace Peony is an ornamental plant that will decorate any garden plot. It is no more difficult to grow than other flowers. After all, judging by the description, the variety is unpretentious.
