Peonies are great plants for the June garden. Recently, thanks to new trends in landscape design, their types have become especially popular.
Genus Paeonia from the peony family (Paeoniaceae) has 32 species found mainly in the northern hemisphere [9]. 12 species grow on the territory of Russia, among which 3 - in Siberia (P. anomala, P. hybrida, P. lactiflora) [5, 6].
The study of decorativeness and biological characteristics of species and varieties of peonies is carried out in the laboratory for the introduction of ornamental plants of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (CSBS) in Novosibirsk, which is located in a sharply continental climate, with a frost-free period of about 120 days.
Rhythms of growth and development P. anomala, P. lactiflora, P. tenuifolia, P. obovata, P. oreogeton were studied by us using classical methods [1, 2, 4].
Peony evading or Maryin root (Paeonia anomala)... A perennial herb with fusiform root tubers, which have a specific smell and taste, and have medicinal properties. The flowers are purple-pink (color of varying intensity), 8-10 cm in diameter, fragrant. Annually from the buds of renewal, formed on the rhizome, several smooth, furrowed unbranched stems, up to 60-100 cm high, at the base covered with leathery scales, develop. In nature, it is most common in Siberia.
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In the conditions of Novosibirsk, with early snow melting, spring regrowth begins on April 18–20, with a later one - on April 30 - May 6. Before the onset of the budding phase, the growth does not exceed 1 cm per day. The first buds appear in 10-25 days. Before flowering, the most intensive development of plants is observed (3.0–3.5 cm / day). Flowering begins on May 27-28 and lasts for 2 weeks. The greatest number of flowers blooms on the 4-6th day from the beginning of flowering. The seeds ripen from late June to late August. When growing together, there are known cases of crossing with the fine-leaved item.
Milk-flowered peony (Paeonia lactiflora). Perennial herb with fusiform, brown root tubers. Large compact bushes have strong, bare, light green stems up to 100 cm high, with a reddish metallic tint at an early stage of development. The flowers are large (up to 10–16 cm in diameter), milky white, with a delicate aroma. After their withering, the buds on the side branches open on the main shoot. On average, flowering lasts 3 weeks. It is found in Siberia, the Chita and Amur regions, in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky territories, as well as in Mongolia, China, Korea and Japan. It grows in thickets of Mongolian oak on the slopes of hills, river banks, on steppe valley meadows, dry stony slopes with well-drained soil, on sandy and pebble deposits. Grows singly and in groups / Propagated by seeds [6].
As a result of the study of the phenorhythmics of the lactobacillus peony, it was revealed that spring regrowth begins on April 20–22 in case of early snow melt and on May 20–25 - with late soil warming. In favorable conditions, budding begins on May 4–8, and if the spring is cold, then on May 29 – June 1. All buds are formed by May 28th. Intensive plant growth occurs during budding and flowering (1.9–2.8 cm per day). Flowering begins later than other species: from 5-11 to 16-25 June, depending on weather conditions. The flowering period is long, which is morphologically due to the structure of the inflorescences, which have axes of the fourth order. Flowering ends June 29 – July 1, but sometimes drags on until July 21. Fruit ripening occurs in the 1st – 2nd decade of August.
Thin-leaved peony (Paeonia tenuifolia.). A perennial herb with a shortened rhizome, on which pineal root tubers are formed. Unbranched, densely leafy stem up to 40-50 cm high bears one, rarely two cupped dark or bright red flowers, up to 16-19 cm in diameter.
It is found in the European part of Russia, as well as in Dagestan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, in Asia Minor on the Balkan Peninsula, in northwestern Iran. It grows mainly in steppe regions, feather-grass-forb steppes, on calcareous-gravelly soils, stony taluses, along the edges of light oak groves, in thickets of bushes. Does not bear fruit at altitudes over 1350 m above sea level [3].
Regrowth begins on April 24-30 in early spring, and on May 4-8 in late spring. The first buds are formed on May 1-3, on average, the budding phase falls on May 13-20. The main formation of the vegetative mass occurs before flowering. In early June, the height of generative shoots is about 50-60 cm. Flowering begins in the 3rd decade of May - 1st decade of June, its duration is 3-4 days.
In the adult state, the bush forms 3-4 generative shoots, each of which bears only 1 flower. Fruit setting occurs in the 3rd decade of May - 1st decade of June. Seeds begin to ripen from 10-13 to 18-21 June, depending on weather conditions. At the same time, there is a rapid drying of the vegetative mass, which reduces the decorative effect of the plant.
Peony obovate (Paeonia obovata). Perennial herb 50–60 cm high, with cylindrically-elongated root spindle-shaped thickenings. The flowers are pink, about 10 cm in diameter. It opens in late May - early June, the seeds ripen in August. The fruits are very beautiful, dark blue, shiny, framed by raspberry pericarp. The leaflets are bent arcuate. In Russia, it is found in the Amur and Sakhalin regions, Khabarovsk and Primorsky regions, as well as in China, Korea, Japan. Mesophyte, grows in mixed spruce-fir and broad-leaved oak-aspen-birch forests, on the slopes of hills, along river banks and in floodplains. Propagated by seeds [7, 8].
The study of the seasonal development of this plant, introduced from Primorye, showed that early regrowth in spring begins on April 18–20, and later on May 10. The first buds are formed on April 25 (the latest budding was noted on May 15-17). The most intensive plant growth occurs before flowering, which usually begins on May 15-17 (sometimes, depending on weather conditions, this period is postponed to June 2-3) and lasts about 5-8 days. The flowers are solitary, which leads to a short flowering. Fruit ripening was observed in mid-August.
Mountain peony (Paeonia oreogeton). A perennial herb with cylindrical root cones and a sinuous, low-violet stem (60–90 cm high), at the base of which large reddish-violet scales are visible. Flowers are solitary, cupped, light cream or yellowish, up to 10 cm in diameter.
The fruit is a multileaf, usually solitary, glabrous, strongly curved, fully unfolding. Blossoms in early June; bears fruit in August – September. Seeds are dark blue, smooth, shiny, up to 7 mm long, 6 mm wide. It grows in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, in the Sakhalin Region. Found in China, Korea, Japan. It grows in coniferous-deciduous and deciduous forests, on the slopes of hills or in shady forests along rivers. Propagated by seeds [8].
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The rhythms of seasonal development of this peony were studied on specimens introduced from Primorye. The earliest spring regrowth was observed on April 18–20. With the onset of frost, the development of shoots was suspended and resumed only by May 15. The main regrowth occurs in the 2nd decade of May. For three years of observation, the plants did not bud. This is probably due to the differences in the climate of the Novosibirsk region, where it is too dry, and Primorye.
In 2010, 50% of the plants formed buds (May 11-13) and bloomed (June 3-4). Flowering lasted 4 days. Fruits ripen in the second decade of July. In Novosibirsk, mountain peony (in nature growing under the canopy of deciduous forests of Primorye) showed a full-fledged decorative effect only in artificial phytocenoses created on the territory of the CSBG.
Species peonies are an excellent material for landscaping, their bushes are very neat, compact, keep their shape perfectly. Group plantings look great both on the lawn and in the mixborder. Peonies go well with plants such as incense, scillas, crocuses, daffodils, tulips, in the background you can plant delphiniums, daylilies, dahlias, phloxes, lupins. The growing reddish shoots of peonies are in perfect harmony with the green foliage of early flowers, and later they cover the bulbous leaves dying after flowering with their lush greenery.
Peonies are one of the most durable crops. If you choose the place correctly (as a rule, you need a well-lit area), then they can grow and bloom without transplanting up to 50 years or more. The soil should be sufficiently moist, but without stagnant water. Peonies growing in under the forest canopy (Maryin root and mountain p.) Can be planted in partial shade. For rocky hills, a drought-resistant and light-loving item is suitable. Shrubs can protect peonies from the prevailing winds, which, however, should not be planted very close; also, you should not place plants near buildings, where snow is possible
drifts.
It is very important to plant the peonies correctly. If the plant is buried too deep, then it will bloom poorly. Renewal buds should be at least 5 cm from the soil surface. Peonies are unpretentious, but they prefer fertile loams with a slightly alkaline or neutral reaction of the environment. During planting, organic fertilizers must be applied to the pit. In the first year, the plants only form the root system, so only 1-2 shoots are formed. For normal growth, peonies need 3-4 years, after which they can be divided. When cutting, no more than half of the peduncles are removed from the bush, and 2 lower leaves are left on the shoot, so as not to weaken the flowering of the next year.
As a result of our studies, we found that the seasonal rhythm of plant development is due to the geographical origin and biological characteristics of the studied species.
Three phenorhythmotypes have been identified:
- spring-early summer-green (hemiephemeroid), grows from early spring to mid-summer (n. thin-leaved);
- spring-summer-green, vegetates from spring to the first autumn frosts (n. obovate, n. mountain, n. evading);
- spring-summer-autumn-green, grows vegetation from spring almost until the establishment of snow cover (p. lacto-flowered).
Meteorological conditions at the beginning of the growing season affect the generative development of peonies in the following way: frosts during budding slow down the onset of flowering, and hot weather during this period, on the contrary, accelerates this process.
Based on the results of four-year studies, it can be concluded that among the five species studied by us, 4 are promising and can be recommended for cultivation in the forest-steppe conditions of the Ob region. For the full development and flowering of the mountain peony, it is necessary to create special conditions that simulate the natural phytocenosis.
Literature
1. Beideman IN Methodology for studying the phenology of plants and plant communities. - Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1974 .-- 156 p.
2. Borisova IV Seasonal dynamics of the plant community // Field Geobotany. 1972.– T. 4. P. 5–94.
3. Grossheim A.A. Genus Raeonia L. // Flora of the Caucasus. M.-L .: Academy of Sciences of the USSR, 1950. - T. 4.P. 11-13.
4. Technique of phenological observations in the botanical gardens of the USSR // Bulletin GBS. 1979. Issue. 113 .-- S. 3-8.
5. Punina E.O., Machs E.M., Mordak E.V., Myakoshina Yu.A., Rodionov A.V. The genus Paeonia (Paeoniaceae) in Russia and adjacent territories: revision using the methods of karyosystematics and molecular taxonomy. // Fundamental and applied problems of botany at the beginning of the XXI century. Part 3. Petrozavodsk: Karelian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2008. - pp. 69-72.
6. Flora of Siberia. Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1993. - T. 6.P. 98.
7. Flora of the USSR, L .: Academy of Sciences of the USSR, 1937. - T. VII. S. 24-35.
8. Kharkevich SS, Kachura NN Rare species of plants of the Soviet Far East and their protection. Moscow: Nauka, 1981 .-- 234 p.
9. Hong De-Yuan Peonies of the World, Taxonomy
The magazine "Floriculture", No. 4, 2011
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