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For several years now, peonies have regained their popularity, and continue their triumphant march in flower arrangements at various events. Flowers look especially chic in wedding bouquets and hall decorations. Like other flowers, they require proper care. One of the most important agrotechnical measures is the preparation of peonies for winter.
Autumn range of work
It may seem to inexperienced flower growers that in the fall, when the active phase of the peony vegetation has already been completed and the flower is preparing for a dormant period, no care measures are required. Naturally, some procedures end with the departure of summer, the number of waterings is reduced, frequent loosening of the near-stem zone and the destruction of weeds are not required. But experienced gardeners know that in the autumn period, in addition to seasonal care, there are also preparatory winter procedures. From the beginning of September, the following procedures are usually carried out:
- feeding shrub varieties that continue to bloom;
- transplant (if necessary);
- autumn pruning;
- mulching of the trunk circle.
It is in the fall that the amount of watering is gradually reduced. It is important not to limit moisture too quickly: first reduce the amount of moisture with each watering, then reduce the frequency.
Video “Preparing peonies for winter”
From this video you will learn how to properly prepare peonies for the winter period.
Preparing for frost
The preparatory stage for the winter period begins with peonies pruning and ends with warming the shrub if necessary. For those who spend most of their time in the country, it is easy to allocate time for procedures. The main thing is not to miss the moment and carry out activities before frost.
Trimming
Pruning of plants is often transferred to the spring, considering the process of dying off leaves and shoots as natural. It is difficult to dispute this fact – the flower is preparing for a dormant period. However, you can’t argue with the fact that withering foliage and inflorescences continue to draw juices from a living peony and are an ideal place for wintering various pests and fungal spores. That is why the sanitary removal of withered, damaged and dying parts of the shrub is mandatory.
The first of two pruning is carried out immediately after flowering, removing only the dry parts. The second – after the first frost. This interval is due to the fact that the green leaves remaining on the shrub continue to accumulate useful substances in the process of photosynthesis, thereby helping the plant to nourish the root system and recover before wintering. Ordinary herbaceous varieties are cut almost to the root when they begin to creep along the ground. Tree-like varieties are cut to 70–90 cm for the purpose of shaping.
A rejuvenating procedure is carried out every 10 years in order to renew the shoots. When pruning, it is important to avoid the following mistakes: remove parts of the plant too early or late, leave stumps larger than 5 cm. You should not assume that high stumps will help the plant to successfully winter, the warming of the shrub is responsible for this, but they are quite capable of slowing down the growth and flowering of the peony .
Subsequent top dressing
Fertilizers are usually applied in late September or early October. However, the feeding time directly depends on the climatic conditions of the region, so it may vary. Feeding peonies does not have any characteristic features compared to other plants: nitrogen-containing fertilizers are not used, preference is given to mineral, phosphorus-potassium complexes. These fertilizers contribute to the root system with the accumulation of useful substances necessary for wintering.
Mineral fertilizers strengthen the peony root system, which in the next season has a beneficial effect on the size and color of the buds and the health of the plant as a whole. Apply top dressing in dry and liquid form. In the dry season, fertilizers are diluted with water and poured directly under the roots so that the liquid does not fall on the neck of the plant. During the rainy season it is better to use granules.
Shelter Tips
Severe frosts and withering wind can destroy the flower. Therefore, shelter is simply necessary in regions with a harsh climate and poor rainfall. Since the depth of the deposit of growth buds is not more than 6 cm, the first thing to do is spud the trimmed shrub. Then a layer of mulch is laid on top. Peony can be mulched with sawdust, high-moor peat, spruce branches, humus or compost.
It is not recommended to use dry foliage, as pathogens and pest larvae can hide in it. An additional layer of snow can serve as an additional shelter.
A special approach to tree varieties
Preparing a tree peony for winter has its own characteristics not only in the process of pruning, but also in terms of warming. In most regions with not too severe winters, tree peonies can be left uncovered. They perfectly tolerate temperatures up to 30 ° C when the ground freezes to a depth of 1 m. But it is recommended to cover young fragile bushes with a thick layer of peat (at least 20 cm), and put an inverted bucket on top.
Emphasis on regional features
It is possible to prepare a peony for winter correctly only taking into account the climatic features of the region. The regions of Siberia and the Urals are characterized by frosty winters, so shelter is a must. At the same time, the bush is covered not only with peat, but also with buckets, cardboard boxes or large plastic containers.
For the Volga region, additional shelter, except for mulching, is not needed. In the conditions of the middle lane, in particular the Moscow region, where winters can be unpredictable, you need to decide how and how to cover peonies for the winter.
Common mistakes
Novice flower growers or ordinary summer residents can make a number of typical mistakes when preparing shrubs for winter. Omissions or errors in care can cost a flower a life. The most common mistakes:
- Untimely pruning of the plant. Too early (before the arrival of the first serious frosts) will prevent the plant from accumulating the nutrients necessary for wintering.
- Transfer of sanitary cleaning of a bush. Leaving the foliage dry is fraught with the rapid reproduction of pests and the spread of fungal infections in the spring.
- Application of liquid fertilizers during the rainy season. Liquid top dressing in rainy weather is not completely absorbed.
- Wrong cover. Without taking into account the characteristic features of winters in the region, the use of natural materials that can become a breeding ground for pathogens and pests.
Preparing a peony for winter is not the only condition for the healthy growth and development of a flower. This requires a whole range of activities, including the correct planting and selection of a healthy seedling, as well as all seasonal procedures.