PLANT PEONIES

Evening Star, Issue 22276, 29 February 1936, Page 21

PLANT PEONIES

The herbaceous pamnies are among the showiest of early summer flowers. They are hardy, will thrive and bloom freely in almost any soil and position, and are particularly free from pests. They are, perhaps, a little shy in flowering for the first year or so after plantin -r but once they become established they will bloom very freely year after year with the minimum of attention. The fragrant blooms often measure 6in to Sin in diameter (says ‘ Popular Gardening/ London). . Their foliage adds a distinctive charm and interest to the garden ; it is bright red as it conies up in spring, during summer it is a rich green, and in autumn it changes to tones of carmine, purple, and orange. To secure best results it is well worth taking a little extra trouble in the preparation of the site, for the plants can occupy the position for several years. The soil should be trenched or deeply dug and well manured. The root of the p;eony is rather like that of rhubarb; no matter how small the piece is it -will grow, providing it has an “eye.” Where quick effects are desired the roots should be planted ] Sin apart, removing each alternate root after the second year; but the best method is to allow plenty of space between the plants and set them 3ft apart. Plant firmly, covering the

crowns of the plants with 2in or 3in of soil.

Once planted they should be left undisturbed for at least four or five years, after which they should be taken up, divided, and replanted. Tread the soil well about the roots when planting, and if the weather is dry water freely. Water should also be given copiously during the growing season, and when tlie plants are established in the open mulch them in spring with well-de-cayed manure when the shoots are a few inches high. A few applications of liquid manure when the buds are advancing freely will help to produce bigger blooms. The old double crimson pfcony (P. officinalis rubra-plena) is still a great favourite, but it cannot compare with modern varieties, such as Admiral Sturdee, lilac; Blue Bird, violet; Bunch of Porume, sweetly fragrant, rose; Dorothy Kelway, pale rose-pink; Emperor of Russia, purple-crimson, Spion Hop, cerise-pink, edged white; Lady Alexandra Duff, white; and Una Howard, reddish-carmine, all double or semi-double.

Athelney, flesh ; Cherry Ripe, cherryred; English Elegance, flesh-pink; Heart’s Desire, peach; King Albert, rosy-violet; Mafeking, scarlet-crimson; Ruby Light, dark maroon; Silver Cup, white; and Wild Rose, x-ose, are good single varieties.