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The peony Sorbet, beloved by gardeners, was named after the famous fruit dessert. Its extraordinary popularity is due to its unique flowering and ease of care. Compliance with the basic rules of cultivation enhances the decorative effect of the peony and protects it from diseases.
Description of the milky-flowering peony Sorbet with photo
The variety "Sorbet" belongs to the milky-flowering species of perennial herbaceous peonies. Strong shoots grow quickly and during the growing season the bush reaches a height of 80-100 cm. The leaves are large, dissected and pointed, dark green in color. They do not lose their original decorative effect until the end of the growing season, changing color to crimson at the end of the season. The bush is compact - it grows in width up to 80-90 cm. To prevent the branches from falling apart, use a support in the form of a ring.
Peony flowers can decorate the landscape of a summer cottage or garden plot
The “Sorbet” variety is hardy to zone 3, which indicates high frost resistance. The root system is able to survive temperatures of -40 °C even without high snow cover. Peony "Sorbet" can be cultivated almost throughout Russia. It is drought tolerant and tolerates light shade.Sunny areas are ideal for growing this variety. The greatest decorative value of the plant is manifested when grown in nutritious and well-drained soil.
Features of flowering
Sorbet peony flowers are double and have an interesting three-layer structure. Outside there is one row of large pink petals, in the middle there is a large number of narrow beige petals, inside there are wide pink petals gathered into a crown. This variety impresses not only with its unique flowers, but also with a pleasant, persistent aroma.
Flowering begins in the first half of June and lasts 2 weeks. During this period, the petals gradually lose their original brightness, becoming pale pink on the eve of wilting. The maximum diameter of flowers is 20 cm. Their size and number depend, first of all, on the lighting. In deep shade, a peony may not throw out a single bud.
The flowers have a unique three-layer structure and a persistent aroma.
Application in design
The hardiness of the Sorbet peony has made it an indispensable crop for beautifying public gardens and parks. Compact bushes look impressive near a house or pond, and also as a hedge that zones space. "Sorbet" is ideal for planting along walls, in parks and alleys. Neat dark green bushes go well with most ornamental plants.
Successful options for using the Sorbet variety in group plantings:
- with small coniferous or deciduous crops;
- next to small-flowered plants;
- in the center of a round flower bed;
- in the background there is a long flower bed;
- as an element of a multi-tiered flower bed.
The advantage of Sorbet peonies is that after flowering, their beautiful crown becomes a suitable background for the flowering of other plants. For the neighborhood it is better to select crops with lush greenery. Thuja, barberry, daylily, honeysuckle, sage, carnation, irises, phlox and asters work well.
Reproduction methods
The milky peony Sorbet is propagated in three ways:
- layering;
- cuttings;
- dividing the bush.
The first two methods are too labor-intensive and time-consuming. They are usually applied to new varieties with unavailable or expensive planting material. Reproduction by layering and cuttings produces a large number of seedlings with preserved varietal characteristics.
Dividing the bush is a simple and win-win option for propagating herbaceous peonies. It is in this way that planting material is produced for sale. The best period for dividing the roots of the Sorbet peony variety is considered to be the beginning of autumn, when the buds are dormant.
Landing rules
When choosing a place to plant the Sorbet peony, primary attention is paid to lighting. The ideal option is when direct sunlight falls on the bush all day. Partial shade is allowed for several hours. If the peony is exposed to the sun for less than 6 hours, it will not bloom.
It is recommended to plan planting of the Sorbet peony at the beginning of autumn. Favorable natural conditions and dormant buds will help it take root quickly. Planting is done immediately after dividing or purchasing the root. High-quality planting material does not have rot or stains, but there are 3-5 live buds. It is prepared by soaking in a biostimulant solution.
Planting peony varieties “Sorbet” is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Dig a hole 50 cm deep and wide.
- Lay a drainage layer.
- Fill in soil mixed with compost and humus.
- A week later, the root is planted, deepening the upper bud by 5 cm.
- Water the plant abundantly.
- Mulch the planting site.
The distance between neighboring Sorbet peonies should be at least 1 m. The knocked down soil can be loosened using peat and sand. Dried leaves, grass, sawdust or peat are used as mulch.
Aftercare
The value of the Sorbet variety is in its ease of care. Water the plant rarely, but abundantly. Use 2-3 buckets of pre-settled water at a time. The leaves should remain dry after watering. Periodically, the ground under the terry peony is loosened and mulched. Withered flowers are cut off immediately so that they do not provoke disease.
In the first year after planting, the plant has enough nutrients. Then at least three additional feedings are carried out per year:
- Organic - in the spring.
- Mineral mixture - during budding.
- Complex feeding - immediately after flowering.
Herbaceous peonies can live in one place for up to 7-10 years. But experienced flower growers advise dividing and replanting bushes every three years. This helps to rejuvenate plants and protect against diseases. Damaged planting material is rejected. Preventive spraying of peonies against pests and fungal diseases should be carried out annually.
Preparing for winter
The beginning of September is the time to apply potassium-phosphorus fertilizer if the peony is grown in infertile soil. This will prepare the plant for winter.In mid-October, before frost sets in, peonies of the “Sorbet” variety are pruned. Leave 2-3 cm from the length of each shoot. An adult plant does not require shelter for the winter. In regions with harsh climates, gardeners recommend mulching the planting site.
For the winter, the above-ground part of the Sorbet peony is cut off
A young plant needs winter shelter. It is made from spruce branches, sawdust, peat, immature compost or covering material. In the spring, as soon as the soil thaws, the cover is removed so that the buds “wake up” faster.
Pests and diseases
Most often, peonies suffer from viruses carried by sucking insects. When the first symptoms are detected, measures must be taken immediately, since infection occurs instantly. Virus-infected peonies become easy prey for various fungi. The flower can become infected from cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, potatoes and other garden crops.
The main disease of Sorbet peonies is the tobacco rattle virus. It appears as a bright marbled pattern or stripes on the leaves. There is no cure for viruses, so all that remains is to provide careful care and isolate sick plants from healthy ones. It is important to carry out regular spraying against diseases caused by fungi and pests.
Fungal diseases of peonies | Signs |
Gray rot | The stems are covered with gray spots, they are rotting |
Rust | Leaves are covered with yellow or brown spots |
Cladosporiosis | Brown or dark brown spots appear on leaves, stems and buds |
Septoria | Leaves have yellow-brown spots on both sides |
Root rot | Roots and stems rot |
The herbaceous peony Sorbet has few pests: bronze beetles, ants, root-knot nematodes, aphids. They are especially annoying to plants planted in shady areas. Ants are dangerous because of the spread of aphids, which are carriers of the virus. Modern fungicides and insecticides help successfully combat fungal diseases and pests of peonies.
Ants spread aphids, which can be controlled with insecticides.
Conclusion
Every year the Sorbet peony gains more and more admirers. Its graceful three-layer flowers amaze the imagination and delight with a delicate aroma. Lush greenery remains decorative until the end of the season, creating an ideal backdrop for other flowering plants. Compact bushes easily combine with most ornamental plants. For full development, the Sorbet peony needs good lighting and infrequent, abundant watering. It is extremely negatively affected by deep shade and stagnant moisture in the soil. Peony needs regular feeding for lush flowering and protection from diseases. It tolerates even harsh winters well without shelter.
Reviews of Peony Sorbet
The Sorbet variety has received a large number of positive reviews from flower growers from different regions. First of all, they note their unpretentiousness and gorgeous flowering.
Peony lovers appreciated the unique variety “Sorbet”. It is easy to find a place for it in a personal plot, because it goes well with many crops. The full potential of the plant is revealed with plenty of sunlight and simple care rules.
