Cold-protection methods for overwintering tree peonies - northern gardeners, put these to use

18. Cold-protection methods for overwintering tree peonies - northern gardeners, put these to use!

This is the 18th article in the original "Tree Peony Cultivation" column by Lanyao

Tree peonies are extremely cold-hardy. According to relevant records, tree peonies can withstand low temperatures of -30 degrees, but winters in the north are extremely cold, so to be on the safe side, some anti-freeze measures are still needed.

Cold-protection methods for tree peonies in winter

Winter cold protection for tree peonies is mainly for cold regions. In the more southerly areas around Jiangsu and Zhejiang, no anti-freeze measures are needed, and they can overwinter outdoors in the open ground in winter.

There are mainly the following 3 methods for overwintering and cold protection of tree peonies in the north, which can be chosen according to local temperatures. Whichever anti-freeze method is chosen, a thorough watering should be given before the onset of winter.

1. Earthing up for cold protection

Earthing up for cold protection is more suitable for plants with a short, small stature. Carry it out from the end of October to the beginning of November.

First gently tie the tree peony branches together and bring them close, then earth up until the whole plant is covered, and then continue earthing up more than 10cm.

2. Film mulching for cold protection

For tree peonies with a relatively tall stature, the earthing-up method for cold protection is not suitable, so the film-mulching method for cold protection can be used.

From the end of October to the beginning of November, use chopped licorice as a covering material, covering to a height about 10cm above the branches, then cover tightly with thick plastic film, press the edges down firmly with soil, and finally put a straw curtain on top to protect against wind and block light.

3. Bundling and bagging

Bundling and bagging is commonly used for both larger and smaller tree peony seedlings. In late October, bundle the tree peony plant well, then wrap it with a straw curtain, then put a plastic bag over it. The lower opening of the bag should be pressed down firmly with soil, then wrap the outside tightly with a straw curtain and tie it firmly.

When the temperature stabilizes at 0-4°C, the cold-protection materials can be gradually removed. First remove part of the covering and the plastic film, keeping 2-3cm of covering material, and when the new branches have grown to about 5-6cm, remove all the covering material.

Overwintering methods for potted tree peonies

In the cold regions of the north, after the onset of winter, the potted tree peonies can be moved indoors to a sunny spot, kept at around 0 degrees, and moved back outside around Qingming.

In areas that are not too cold, the tree peony can be buried in the ground together with its pot, with the pot surface level with the ground, and after buds appear in spring, dig the tree peony out with the pot and manage it normally.

In the process of cultivating tree peonies, some pests and diseases will also appear. Tomorrow we will focus on the prevention and control methods for tree peony pests and diseases. Welcome to keep following.

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