Content
For several decades now, the Highlight peony has been in demand among gardeners. The peculiarity of the variety is not only its external resemblance to a red rose, but also its pleasant aroma and long-lasting flowering. Growing a plant does not require deep knowledge of botany. It is possible to get beautiful bushes by following basic agrotechnical rules.
How the variety appeared
This variety was grown in an American nursery in 1952. The leading breeder was Auten Edward, and the authorship is behind him.
Description of the milky-flowering peony Highlight
The plant is a perennial, has medium sizes and very long leaves that can grow up to 38 cm. The shoots have a dark green color, it remains throughout the growing season, and even in the fall the Highlight peony does not change shade.
The flowers are the most noticeable part of the variety. They reach about 20 cm in diameter and have a terry, rose-like structure, which has a positive effect on visual volume.The petals, velvety to the touch, are turned inward, the central part of the bud is somewhat thinner.
The color declared by the breeders is burgundy-red with a dark sheen.
Yellow stamens, located in the middle part of the flower, are adjacent to pinkish stigmas and a light pistil. In summer, the Highlight peony fills the garden with a light aroma, reminiscent of a cross between lemon and cherry.
Timing and flowering period
Peony Highlight is a medium flowering plant. Budding begins in the first half of June, and in the northern regions in early July. Flowering is long lasting, lasting about 30 days.
And if buds appear, it is advisable to remove them. This is necessary so that the Highlight peony can grow strong stems and roots.
Advantages and disadvantages
The culture differs from other peonies in that from the outside it strongly resembles a rose. However, it is much more unpretentious in care than the “queen of the garden”.
Peony Highlight is a frost-resistant variety with good adaptive qualities
Pros:
- aroma;
- long flowering;
- flower size;
- drought resistance;
- the buds do not fade in the sun.
Minuses:
- supports are needed to support large flowers;
- The variety is sensitive to excess moisture.
Planting Peony Highlight
Like wild peonies, Highlight prefers areas that are well lit by the sun - these can be clearings, meadows or stream banks. The crop does not grow near large bodies of water because it loves relatively dry soils. You need to pay attention to this when planting.
Other requirements include acidity: the soil must be neutral or close to it. The Highlight peony grows best in loam, but swampy soil, on the contrary, slows down its development.
Landing algorithm:
- Use a shovel. Dig a recess 60 x 60 x 65 cm.
- Form a drainage layer - it should be at least 25 cm. Use pieces of wood, small stone, crushed brick, sand.
- Fertilizer is applied, including humus, ash and slaked lime. The feeding lasts for several years.
- Fill the hole with soil diluted with compost. It will take 1-2 weeks for the soil to absorb nutrients.
- After this, the Highlight peony is placed in the hole. The root collar is left outside.
Peony care Highlight
Flower growers advise not to overdo it with fertilizing. The norm is one fertilizer (organic) in March and the addition of minerals during budding. Highlight seedlings are fed by foliar feeding, while adult peonies are watered from buckets.
Highlight loves weekly watering; up to 20 liters of water are used for each bush.
Pruning is done in the fall to prepare the plant for winter. The cut areas are covered with compost or garden varnish. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to use solutions:
- potassium permanganate;
- garlic;
- copper sulfate;
- laundry soap.
The Highlight peony does not require constant monitoring - it grows on its own. By following agricultural practices, the summer resident eliminates possible problems with diseases and insects.
Preparing for winter
Peony Highlight is resistant to sudden temperature changes and can withstand cold temperatures down to -36 degrees without shelter. Therefore, the variety is recommended for cultivation in all regions of the country.Young plants are prepared for winter by covering them with agrofibre. Adults spend the winter on their own, under the snow.
Reproduction methods
Planting material can be:
- seeds;
- ordinary and air layering;
- delenki.
Raw materials are prepared in the spring, since growth intensity increases during the growing season. If we are talking about seedlings, then it is better to plant them in the fall - to undergo stratification. In addition, the spring sun may be too hot, which will create difficulties for the Highlight peony.
In March, planting material is rooted at home, planted in a container with nutrient soil. For a month, the Highlight peony is kept in a cold room (balcony, barn), and by the end of April it is transferred to the garden. This can be done without removing the plant from the container. The place should be slightly shaded.
By the beginning of autumn, the Highlight peony is replanted a second time. By that time, its underground part should have become stronger. Now choose a sunny area for planting.
Autumn rains will keep the soil moist, which will have a positive effect on the development of roots
The most relevant method of propagation is harvesting cuttings. To do this, you need to have a Highlight peony at your disposal that is 5-6 years old.
Breeding order:
- In the last week of March, the roots of an adult plant are dug up, and with one sharp movement of a shovel, adventitious roots with a thickness of 15 mm or more are separated.
- Divide the root part into several divisions, each of which must have three renewal buds (minimum). The optimal division size is 10 cm.
- For better inspection, you can rinse the roots in warm water. Rotten specimens are not used for propagation.
- Fresh cuts are covered with crushed coal.After this, the Highlight peony is treated in a solution of potassium permanganate (1.5 g per 5 liters of water).
Disease and pest control
Fungal diseases harm not only peonies, but also all plants in the summer cottage. Rust and powdery mildew are especially common. Biological preparations – fungicides – are used against them. Sometimes the Highlight peony can be affected by gray rot, usually due to frequent rains or watering.
Pests (aphids and ants) are dealt with using Vallar and Anteater products.
Application in design
The variety is grown next to flowers that have more delicate colors
You can plant several bushes nearby to create a hedge - all designers use this technique
The culture looks good both in solitaire planting and in a flower bed.
Conclusion
Peony Highlight is an unusual flower brought to Russia from the USA in the middle of the last century. Over the course of several decades, the plant has taken root well: it is used by florists and summer residents. Designers also do not miss the opportunity to diversify the garden.
Reviews from flower growers about Peony Highlight
