Content
Peony Varenka is a common crop in Europe and Russia. It is cultivated in the East and West: beautiful flowers become an organic addition to landscape design, and unpretentious roots can take root in soil of any type and content. The plant is unpretentious, however, some nuances should not be forgotten.
Breeding history
The variety Varenka was obtained by selection in 1958. The leading botanist was N. S. Krasnova. Tests on “Varenka” were carried out over many years, during which winter hardiness, light-loving behavior and other characteristic characteristics were observed. The plant entered the State Register only in 1975. Then it began to be grown everywhere.
Description of the peony variety Varenka with photo
The herbaceous shrub has a compact shape and neat structure. In suitable conditions, the height of Varenka peonies is 85 cm. The stems grow towards the sun and are characterized by dense foliage.
The pointed plates of Varenka peonies always have a dark green color
Timing and flowering period
Budding begins at the end of May, in mid-latitudes a little later.The flowers of the Varenka variety are massive, densely double balls, growing up to 18 cm in diameter. They consist of many petals that differ in shape and size. In the middle part the bud is harder.
The culture has neither pistil nor stamens. The Varenka shrub produces over 30 flowers in just one flowering. Their color is delicate and attractive, which is why the plant is grown in different regions. Varenka peonies, reminiscent of a cross between lilacs and lilies, bring a spring atmosphere to the site. The look is completed with a lighter border.
Flowering duration is about a month. At this time the bush becomes very lush, increasing in size. This is also important to consider in the landscape.
Varenka peonies exude a light lilac aroma
Advantages and disadvantages
Culture is valuable for designers, as it helps to design a site in a new way. At the same time, peony does not create problems when growing, so even novice gardeners can plant it.
Varenka variety is one of the most winter-hardy, which is also an advantage
Pros:
- drought resistance;
- frost resistance down to -35 degrees;
- preservation of colors regardless of the degree of lighting;
- easy care;
- early onset of flowering;
- healthy immunity.
Minuses:
- risk of fungal infection in damp soil.
When and how to plant
Growing Varenka peonies is best done in the spring - from the middle of the season until its end. At this moment, the ground and air are warm enough to root the shrub. The area must be illuminated and ventilated. To avoid competition, flowers are planted at a distance from other crops.This is especially true for tall neighbors who create unnecessary shadow.
The crop is undemanding in terms of soil composition, but the flower should not be placed in a swamp or heavy clay. The same applies to lowlands, where groundwater actively circulates, and moisture from precipitation also accumulates. You can prevent waterlogging using drainage material - pebbles, sand, gravel.
A third of the planting hole must be filled with a fertile mixture consisting of rotted manure and peat.
Care Tips
Since Varenka peonies are not picky, they require almost no care. The main thing is that the flowers receive enough water. This can be determined by soil moisture. It should be wet at a depth of 30 cm. In cloudy weeks, it is better to hold off on watering.
Weeds are monitored separately. It is clear that in close proximity to grass there is no point in thinking about the lush flowering of Varenka’s peonies. Therefore, the beds are weeded at least once a month.
Fertilizers are used no more than three times a season. They are usually divided by periods:
- before the flowers appear - the first fertilizer;
- during budding - a second addition;
- after wilting - the third feeding.
Experts advise using store-bought mixtures designed for growing peonies.
Wintering
Varenka appeared in domestic conditions and is well adapted to them. The culture is not disturbed by minus temperatures, down to -35 degrees.
In late autumn, the bushes are pruned, covered with earth and mulched with spruce branches.
Reproduction methods
Varenka peonies can be propagated by dividing root shoots, cuttings and seeds. In practice, they often adhere to the first method, since it is the simplest and most effective.
The advantage of dividing the rhizome is that the gardener can preserve varietal characteristics. Disadvantage - only mature shrubs (over four years old) can be propagated. Work is carried out in the fall: they dig up the underground part of the peonies and dry them in the dark so that the cut is painless for the plant; after this, a bundle of “Varenka” roots 10 cm long is separated (buds must be present on them); planted in the ground.
Peony Varenka can be propagated by cutting a stem cutting. Experts recommend pruning branches after flowering. Most of the leaves must be removed, and the lower end of the cutting must be kept in a root formation stimulator. The cuttings are planted in a pot and covered with film. After the leaves appear, the shelter is removed. They are transplanted to a permanent place after a year.
Seeds are a natural method of propagation, which, if carried out artificially, requires stratification. In the event that the plant will be grown at home or in greenhouse conditions, stratification can be neglected.
Initially, the seeds are soaked in a growth stimulant diluted with water. They are kept for two days, then the raw materials are sown in plastic or wooden containers, which are pre-filled with drainage and fertile substrate.
The containers are closed. If there is no film, use plastic cups. The room temperature must be maintained at least +24 degrees during the day and +15 degrees at night. The seeds are ventilated weekly, and then the seedlings are watered with a sprayer.
After 55-60 days, the roots of Varenka’s peonies will be strong enough to be transplanted into separate containers. After picking, the seedlings are placed outside, ensuring the temperature drops to +8 degrees. If the weather is hot, the containers are transferred to the refrigerator.
With the appearance of leaves, Varenka’s peonies are placed in normal conditions.
Disease and pest control
The shrub has a healthy immune system that does not allow diseases to take over the green plant. With seasonal prophylaxis with fungicides, the risk of fungal infection and infections is minimal. Usually, simply following the rules of care is enough.
How it is used in landscape design
Varenka peonies are not uncommon in summer cottages. Gardeners fell in love with the culture not only for its unpretentiousness, but also for its “tolerance” towards other plants.
Varenka goes best with other peonies
For cultivation, you can use flower beds or separate areas located away from tall plants.
Peonies are also popular among florists
Conclusion
Peony Varenka is a noteworthy flower grown in domestic conditions. The variety is characterized by resistance to drought and frost, it can be planted in any region. The main thing is that the place is lit and the ground is moderately moist.
Reviews from gardeners about peony Varenka
