How to Grow Oilseed Peony? A Detailed Guide to High-Efficiency Cultivation Techniques
Although the oilseed peony also belongs to the Paeoniaceae family, it does not look as beautiful as the ornamental peony flower, because as an ornamental plant the oilseed peony is valued more for its practical use.
As the name suggests, the most important purpose of large-scale cultivation of oilseed peony is to produce oil. As an emerging oilseed crop, growers inevitably encounter aspects they do not understand during cultivation. Below is a brief introduction to oilseed peony cultivation techniques.
I. Selection of Planting Site
Divided into two types: flat irrigated land and dry slope land:
1. Flat irrigated land: The plot is required to be level, with fertile soil, complete irrigation canal systems, good soil aeration, and no previous peony cultivation, with a soil pH between 7.2 and 8.0.
2. Dry slope land: The soil is required to basically meet cultivation conditions, with good aeration and no previous peony cultivation; where annual rainfall is below 400 mm, irrigation conditions should be available, with a soil pH between 7.5 and 8.2.
II. Land Preparation
1. Flat irrigated land: Carry out full-scale land preparation, removing debris roots and weeds. Apply 1000-1500 kg of organic fertilizer (sheep manure, cow manure, chicken manure) per mu, or 150-200 kg of cake fertilizer, spread evenly, then deep-plow and level.
2. Dry slope land: According to the terrain contour lines, build reverse-slope terraces or level platforms. Reverse-slope terraces should be 1.5-3 m wide, and level platforms should be more than 1 m wide, with length depending on the terrain. Apply 1000-1500 kg of organic fertilizer per mu, or 150-200 kg of cake fertilizer, spread evenly, then deep-plow and level.
III. Planting
1. Planting time: Spring from March 20 to April 15, autumn from July 20 to October 10.
2. Planting density:
(1) Flat irrigated land: Use wide-narrow row planting, with wide rows 1 m wide and narrow rows 60 cm wide, single-row arrangement, plant spacing 50-60 cm, density 1110-1330 plants/mu.
(2) Dry slope land: Use equal-row spacing planting. Row spacing 1 m, plant spacing 1 m, density 667 plants/mu.
3. Seedling selection
(1) Varieties: Single-petal varieties of Paeonia rockii such as Ziban Bai, Xuelian, Xuezhongsongtan, Hongban Bai, Yudie, Zhongchuan Ziban Bai, Fenlian, Hongjinrui, Lanhe, Daban Lan, etc.
(2) Bare-root seedlings aged 2-3 years.
(3) Requirements: robust branches, intact root system, plump terminal and lateral buds, no mechanical damage, and no pests or diseases.
4. Planting method: Use the hole planting method. The planting hole should be 40 cm in diameter and 40 cm deep. Before planting, apply 150 g of fully decomposed fine organic fertilizer per hole, mix thoroughly with the hole soil, place the seedling in the center of the hole, cover with 20 cm of soil, then slowly lift the seedling upward to let the roots spread out, so that the point 2 cm above the root crown is level with the ground, then press firm, and cover with soil a second time until the soil is level with the ground.
5. Watering: After planting, water promptly to settle the roots. After the water has seeped in, loosen the surface soil to prevent evaporation and crusting.
IV. Field Management
1. Loosening soil and weeding: Loosen soil and weed 3-4 times per year. Starting from the third year, deep-plow the soil once each year.
2. Fertilizing and watering: Each October, in combination with deep plowing, apply 100 kg of cake fertilizer per mu by hole application or ring application; water 2-3 times per year depending on soil moisture.
3. Pruning: Prune twice each year, once in spring to remove dry and dead branches and sprouts emerging from the roots; and once more before winter to remove dead branches at the top and excessive vegetative branches that affect seedling growth.
V. Harvesting
1. Flower thinning and harvesting: When the seedlings enter full bloom, plants with too many flowers must be thinned to concentrate nutrients, improve seed-setting rate per plant and seed quality, and avoid the occurrence of empty seeds. The harvested flowers can promptly be used to extract peony essence and perfume by distillation.
2. Seed collection: In mid-August, harvest the fruits promptly according to seed maturity. When harvesting, it is strictly forbidden to damage the branches, which would affect the plant's growth and flowering the following year. Generally, it is best to cut the fruits off with scissors.
The above is the complete content on oilseed peony cultivation techniques. Welcome to follow Huinong Network, and we will continue to update related cultivation techniques and industry information for you in the future!
How to Grow Oilseed Peony
The oilseed peony is a shrub plant. Oilseed peony is widely cultivated in China. Now let us take a look at the oilseed peony cultivation techniques we have carefully recommended for you, hoping they can be of help to you.
Oilseed Peony Cultivation Techniques
I. Preparation of the Planting Site
The ecological habits of the oilseed peony are that it prefers cool conditions and fears heat, prefers dryness and fears dampness, prefers sunny locations, is relatively cold-tolerant, avoids blazing sun during flowering, and likes partial shade. Based on these characteristics of the peony, when planting peonies we should choose a place with high, open terrain, good ventilation and sunlight, and easy drainage.
(I) Site selection
Site selection mainly requires attention to two aspects: soil quality and terrain.
1. Soil quality
Since the peony root is a thick, long fleshy root, and when growing well the root can reach more than one meter in length, the soil for planting peonies must be deep and fertile, preferably loose loam and sandy loam. Peonies grow well in neutral soil, and the suitable soil pH is 6.5-8.3. It is strictly forbidden to plant peonies in raw soil, saline-alkali soil, clay soil, or waterlogged lowland. These soils must be improved before use.
2. Terrain
Choose the terrain appropriately according to the habits of the peony. It can be planted in both northern and southern regions. If the northern climate is dry, a higher terrain can be chosen for planting. In the south, because there is more rain and frequent continuous autumn rain, moisture prevention is the key to successful peony cultivation. Therefore, the cultivation site should especially be chosen in a high, open, sunny, and well-ventilated place. The soil should be deep topsoil, fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam. For flatland cultivation, beds should be raised and ridges made and trenches dug to lower the groundwater level and improve drainage.
(II) Land preparation
Peony is a deep-rooted crop. In order for the peony roots to grow well deep in the soil and achieve the effect of deep roots and lush leaves and large, brightly colored flowers, after selecting the planting site it is essential to deep-plow and prepare the land. It is best to deep-plow 2-3 months or even half a year in advance, to a depth of 30-40 cm, removing bricks, stones, and weeds, and applying sufficient base fertilizer in combination with land preparation. Apply 1500-2500 kg of mixed organic fertilizer per mu, or 150-250 kg of cake fertilizer plus 40-50 kg of compound fertilizer. Turn the fertilizer into the soil and rake it level carefully. At the same time, apply 10-15 kg/mu of phoxim granules and 4-5 kg/mu of soil fungicide such as Tubingling as soil insecticidal and sterilizing agents.
II. Planting
(I) Planting time
As the saying goes, “Plant herbaceous peonies in the seventh month, tree peonies in the eighth month,” which indicates that the best planting time for peonies is the eighth lunar month in autumn. Planting can be done from late September (Autumn Equinox) to early October. Each place can decide according to specific conditions. If the weather is still hot or if there is continuous rain, it can be postponed until around Frost's Descent. In the north, where temperatures are low, it can be done somewhat earlier; in the south, where temperatures are high, it can be done somewhat later. Within this period, earlier planting is better, because at this time the temperature is still relatively high, and before the ground freezes the underground roots can still grow for a period and produce many new roots, some reaching 7-12 cm. This is the key to helping peonies recover vitality and improve the survival rate. It is also very beneficial for overwintering and the following year's growth. However, it should not be too early, because if the temperature is too high and humidity is high, after planting the scale buds will sprout prematurely and cluster, causing “autumn growth,” consuming nutrients and also suffering frost damage during overwintering. If it is too late, although new roots can still form, the number will be fewer and shorter, or even no new roots will form that year, affecting survival. Experience tells us that timely early planting gives a high plant survival rate, vigorous growth the next year, better flowering, and drought resistance.
Generally speaking, peonies can only be planted in autumn and are not suitable for spring planting. “Plant peonies at the Spring Equinox, and they will never bloom even when old.” This is because in early spring the peony root system begins to become active, the scale buds sprout in early March, and then branches and leaves develop, buds appear, and flowers bloom. This process consumes a large amount of nutrients and water. Moreover, in spring the temperature gradually rises, and it is dry and windy. If roots are damaged due to division and planting, the peony's absorption of nutrients and water will be greatly affected, resulting in insufficient nutrient and water supply, making survival difficult, or after survival causing poor growth and development and no flowering. Therefore, people have long formed the habit of planting peonies in autumn.
(II) Planting methods and points for attention
1. Planting method
Dig holes in the already prepared land. The size of the holes is generally determined by the size of the plant's root system, with a depth of 25-30 cm. The spacing for established plants is generally 40 x 60 cm or 30 x 70 cm, or wide rows 90 cm and narrow rows (40 cm) x plant spacing 40 cm, which is about 2500-3000 plants per mu. When digging holes, be careful to place topsoil and subsoil separately, so that when planting the topsoil can be placed in the lower part of the hole, piled into a round mound, then a layer of unfertilized topsoil is scattered over it. Place the peony seedling on the mound with the roots evenly distributed and naturally hanging down around it, then cover with soil. When half filled, gently lift the seedling upward with the hands and sway it left and right so that the soil and roots are closely combined (when planting, the root tips can be trimmed by 2-3 cm; be careful to make the upper part of the peony root crown 2-3 cm below the ground). Be sure to keep the roots spread out and press firm with the feet. After planting, seal the rows with soil into a 5-10 cm earth ridge to preserve warmth and moisture. Observe and check soil moisture: dig open the surface soil layer and hold the soil in the palm; when the soil easily forms a ball, the moisture condition is good. If humidity is insufficient, supplemental irrigation should be carried out by sprinkler irrigation or drip irrigation. For 1-2 year old small seedlings, a shovel can be inserted deeply into the soil at the planting point to 25-30 cm, then swayed back and forth to form a 5-10 cm crevice. Insert the seedling into the crevice so that its roots spread out, straighten the plant, then press firm with the feet. After planting, also seal it into a 5-10 cm earth ridge.
2. Points for attention in planting
(1) When planting, it must not be too deep or too shallow, especially not too deep. If too deep, the leaves turn yellow, plant development is poor, and the root crown easily rots; if too shallow, the root crown is exposed above the ground, which is unfavorable for branching, and it is easy to die from sun exposure in summer. At the same time, fewer roots form. Generally, plants with many fibrous roots can be planted shallower, while those with only a few thick roots should be planted deeper.
(2) The planting density must not be too dense or too sparse. If too dense, branches and leaves touch and collide with each other and easily damage flower buds; if too sparse, when temperatures are high, the sun shines directly on the ground and easily damages the young roots.
(3) When planting, the roots should be fully spread out. It is strictly forbidden for roots to curl, overlap, or fail to contact the soil. The size of the hole should be determined by the length of the root system, with the aim of allowing the roots to spread out.
(4) When planting, the peony plant should be pruned and disinfected, which helps root growth. First cut off 2-3 cm from the root tips, then soak the roots in a 0.1% copper sulfate solution for half an hour, or dip the plant for 30 seconds in a mixture of 500-700 times thiophanate-methyl plus 800-**** times isofenphos-methyl, or soak in 800 times thiram for 5-10 minutes to prevent pests and diseases; then rinse the plant with clean water, and finally soak the plant in 300-500 times “rooting powder” for 5-10 minutes, take it out, and plant after it dries.
III. Field management of seedlings
(I) Cultivation and weeding
During the growing period of oilseed peony, hoeing is needed. Hoeing has the effect of “hoeing dry land when wet, hoeing wet land when dry.” First, it removes weeds; second, it increases temperature and preserves moisture. Herbicides: quizalofop-p-ethyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl, etc.
(II) Topdressing
Because peonies have large flowers and lush leaves, they need sufficient nutrients during growth and development. In order to help them grow and bloom better, timely fertilization is very important. According to the growth characteristics of “sprouting branches in spring, growing roots in autumn, dozing in summer, and dormancy in winter,” except for the year of planting when no fertilizer is applied, fertilizer should be applied every year.
1. Around Qingming in spring, this is called “flower fertilizer.” This fertilization is mainly nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer, 40-50 kg of each per application. “Flower fertilizer” is very important and has a great influence on peony flowering.
2. The second fertilization is carried out within half a month after flowering, roughly between the Beginning of Summer and Lesser Fullness, and is called “bud fertilizer.” This fertilization is mainly nitrogen fertilizer mixed with a small amount of phosphorus fertilizer, with an application amount of 25-40 kg. Because the flowering process consumes a large amount of nutrients, this promotes the plant's rapid recovery and robust growth, promotes smooth flower bud differentiation, and lays a rich foundation for flowering the following year.
3. The third fertilization is called “winter fertilizer.” Before the ground freezes in winter, apply it together with winter irrigation, or it can be applied dry. Commonly used are fully decomposed compost, or 150-200 kg of cake fertilizer and 40-50 kg of compound fertilizer. It can both supplement soil nutrients and play a moisture-retaining role, which is beneficial for protecting peonies through the winter safely and improving their disease resistance. Pay special attention that topdressing is absolutely not allowed in the hot summer.
4. Watering
Although peonies have the habit of preferring dryness and fearing dampness, because their branches and leaves are lush and their flowers are huge, they consume a lot of nutrients and water, so timely watering will help peonies grow better. The specific watering time depends on the timing and local moisture conditions. Note that during the April flowering period they must not be watered; after watering, flowering will be uneven. In the dry northern climate, watering should be done more often, while in the south, where the weather is hot and rainy, generally no watering is needed. Especially during the “plum rain” season, attention must also be paid to timely drainage. Newly planted seedlings should be thoroughly watered. When watering, pay attention to temperature: in summer, watering should be chosen in the early morning or evening, while in winter and spring it should wait until the temperature rises. If the ground is frozen and has not thawed, do not water. In short, the principle of watering peonies is to maintain soil moisture but not make it too wet, and even less to allow water accumulation; better dry than wet.
5. Pest and disease control
In early to mid-February, spray 500 times carbendazim solution, covering the entire ground when spraying. In early March, apply 10-15 kg of phoxim granules per mu. In early April, 7-10 days before the flowering period, spray thiophanate-methyl. Starting in late May, every 15-20 days, spray fungicides such as carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, or chlorothalonil until mid-to-late September. Before the growing period of oilseed peony, the number of sprays can be adjusted according to the occurrence of pests and diseases.
6. Clearing fallen leaves
After the leaves dry up in late October, promptly remove them from the plot, burn them, or bury them deeply to reduce the occurrence of diseases the following year.
7. Shaping and pruning.
Plots planted with 1-2 year old seedlings do not have pruning issues. Plots planted with 3-year-old seedlings require “stumping.” For stumping, the main stem should be cut off 5 cm above the upper part of the plant, and cut 10 cm above the scale buds. This work should be done after autumn and before frost. Then pile soil to form a 5-10 cm earth ridge. This is to encourage each plant to produce as many branches as possible, increase flower quantity, and raise yield. After 3 years of age, pruning mainly removes “soil buds” and “retracted branches.” Shaping measures should be flexibly controlled in spring and autumn according to the space distribution of branches and leaves.
IV. Sowing and Raising Seedlings
(I) Sowing time.
In the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, it is generally chosen after the End of Heat and before White Dew, that is, from late August to early September. If too late, few and short roots will form that year, and the seedlings will grow weakly the following spring. Pay special attention that oilseed peony seeds have the characteristic of epicotyl dormancy, which differs from most other plants. This characteristic determines that after sowing in late autumn of the same year, at normal temperature only young roots emerge; the young buds must undergo low-temperature winter conditions (more than 50 days below 10°C) to complete the physiological changes during dormancy, and only then can they germinate the following year.
(II) Pre-sowing treatment
1. Seed soaking
Peony seed coats are hard and not easily permeable to water. Before sowing, the selected seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24-30 hours, or soaked in 95% alcohol for 30 minutes, both of which can promote softening of the seed coat and promote germination (after soaking in alcohol, rinse thoroughly with clean water). However, during the about 2-month after-ripening period when the peony seed radicle is emerging, removing the seed coat and various physical and chemical treatments cannot significantly promote germination.
2. Seed dressing
After soaking, wash the seeds clean, then soak them in 200 ppm gibberellin for 8-10 hours. Take them out, mix with plant ash for seed dressing, and sow immediately. If sowing cannot be done in time because of rain, mix wet soil or wet sand in equal amounts, pile it indoors, and sow when the weather clears. Or pile the seeds on a moist indoor floor and cover with a wet cloth. Never put moist seeds in a sealed container, to avoid self-heating and mildew of the seeds, but the storage time must not exceed 25 days. When one third have broken white, they must be sown.
3. Sowing method
(1) Drilling or broadcasting
Open furrows or build beds in the open field for drilling or broadcasting. For broadcasting, the seeding rate is 50-70 kg per mu. The sowing site should be high and open, able to be irrigated in drought and drained in waterlogging, with loose and fertile soil. Before sowing, apply sufficient base fertilizer and prepare the land. Apply 2000-3000 kg of fully decomposed mixed fertilizer per mu, 40-50 kg of compound fertilizer, or 150-200 kg of cake fertilizer. Scatter it into the field and deep-plow 18-20 cm, then rake level. This is commonly called “building the soil.” The longer the soil-building time, the better. At least one month before sowing, the land should be prepared. If the soil is too dry, it also needs one thorough watering, then plowing and raking level again. The soil should be fine, the land level, and the soil should also be disinfected (the disinfection method is the same as for planting). It is strictly forbidden to use dry soil for sowing and raising seedlings. For drilling, make sowing furrows 30-50 cm apart and 4-6 cm deep, sow 1 seed every 2-3 cm, or broadcast within the furrow, with depth not exceeding 2-3 cm. After sowing, cover with 2-3 cm of soil. To preserve moisture and prevent cold in winter and improve the germination rate, it is best to also cover with plastic film.
(2) Bed sowing or mechanical sowing
For bed sowing, the bed height is generally about 10 cm. The bed width can be determined by the width of the plastic film. The sowing row spacing is 10-20 cm, the distance between beds is 40 cm, and 4-6 rows are sown per bed. After sowing, cover the seeds with 2 cm of wet soil, press lightly, and immediately cover with plastic film after covering with soil, to prevent drought, preserve moisture, and promote seed germination.
Mechanical sowing uses a row spacing of 12-16 cm, with a spacing of 40-50 cm between every 4 rows, and a seed rate of 75-130 kg per mu. The advantage of mechanical sowing is that after the seeds enter the soil, the depth remains consistent (no shallower than 3 cm and no deeper than 5 cm), which is beneficial for seedling growth, makes sprouting uniform, prevents the apical dominance of the plant from becoming prominent and causing uneven seedling growth, and improves the qualified seedling rate. After sowing, it is advisable to cover with plastic film.
V. Seedbed Management
1. Growth after sowing
Peony seeds exhibit epicotyl dormancy. In the year of sowing, they only form roots and do not sprout above ground. After sowing, peonies begin to form roots in 35-40 days. Before the ground freezes, the young roots of the seeds can grow to 7-12 cm. From late February to mid-March of the next year, when low temperatures rise to 4-5°C, the seed seedlings begin to sprout, germinate, and grow leaves. Remove the plastic film promptly according to temperature conditions, and then loosen the surface soil. The greatest management task for one-year-old seedlings is to pull weeds, estimated at more than 5-6 rounds. When the temperature reaches 18-25°C in April in spring, peony seedlings grow rapidly. In combination with spring plowing and weeding, foliar fertilization can be carried out to supplement nutrients. For foliar spraying, potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be used, with concentration controlled within 0.3%. At the same time, in April-May of spring, attention should be paid to preventing damping-off and black root disease.
Experience shows that planting some tall-stalk crops in the middle of the seedling field is beneficial to robust seedling growth. The main reason is that strong light in June-July can scorch tender leaves and thereby increase the chance of infection.
2. Management during the seedling stage
(1) Watering “winter water”
After sowing, if there is drought and no rain for a long time, water can be released into the furrows between ridges or beds to moisten the soil and raise the temperature, but it is strictly forbidden to flood-irrigate, which causes soil crusting and affects seedling emergence.
(2) Watering “sprouting water”
After the ground thaws during the period from Rain Water to Awakening of Insects in the second spring, the seeds begin to sprout. Remove the plastic film and covering soil so that the ground is level, and loosen the surface soil to facilitate seed sprouting and emergence. Before the seeds sprout and emerge, if there has been too little rain or snow in winter, water once with “sprouting water.”
(3) Cultivation, weeding, and fertilizing
Generally from late March to early April, the seeds begin to germinate and grow above ground. In early May, the seedlings reach 4-5 cm in height and bear small leaves, entering the seedling stage. In late May and early June, if dry, water to preserve moisture and fertilize. Fertilization should use fully decomposed organic compost, cake fertilizer, oil residue, dried human manure, etc., with an application rate of 175-200 kg per mu. Open a shallow furrow 5-6 cm deep on one side of the seedlings, spread the fertilizer evenly into the furrow, cover with soil, and then water.
(4) Pest control and disease prevention
If underground pests are found damaging seedlings, promptly hand-catch them or spray with omethoate or dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate at 500-600 times dilution. After April-May, seedlings are prone to disease and can be prevented by spraying 160-200 times Bordeaux mixture, 70% mancozeb at 800 times dilution, or 50% compound carbendazim at 1000 times dilution. Spray every 10-15 days, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.
VI. Intercropping and Companion Planting
(I) Intercropping.
After oilseed peony is planted, it takes 2-3 years to see returns. The way to solve this “long-necked” problem is intercropping. According to successful experience, using intercropping models with other economic crops gives relatively good returns.
(II) Companion planting.
It can be interplanted with poplar, apple, pear, walnut, or ornamental trees, which can both increase income and provide side shelter to protect peony growth.
VII. Pest and Disease Control Throughout the Peony Growth Cycle
During the growth and development of peonies, if managed properly, they can live for decades or even hundreds of years. However, if growing conditions are poor or there are no good cultivation conditions, they often suffer harm from many pests and diseases and adverse environmental influences, causing peonies to become spotted and incomplete, with weak, rotting branches and dry, withered roots, greatly reducing their economic value. Therefore, understanding peony pests and diseases and their control measures is very necessary.
Pests and diseases in the peony growth cycle include:
1. Peony gray mold
2. Peony brown spot
3. Peony anthracnose
4. Rust disease
5. Stem rot, root rot
6. Root-knot nematode
7. Red spider
8. Scarab beetle
9. Slug moth
10. Longhorn beetle
11. Mole cricket, white grub, cutworm
(I) Disease control
1. Peony gray mold.
One of the main diseases. This disease can occur throughout the growing season, has a long onset period, and causes serious harm to young plants, causing lodging and withering.
Symptoms: This disease endangers stems, leaves and flowers. When affected, brown water-soaked spots appear at the base of the stem, followed by rot, and the seedlings wilt and topple. The leaves, when infected, develop nearly round or irregular water-soaked lesions, with more lesions at the leaf tip and margin, appearing brown or purplish-brown. Lesions on the petioles and stems are mostly elongated. Dark black, easily broken. Infected flower buds turn brown and dry up. Petals turn brown and rot. This disease is a fungal disease.
Control methods: A. Promptly remove diseased leaves and diseased plants and burn them in a centralized manner.
B. Chemical spraying: 1% lime equivalent Bordeaux mixture, or 70% thiophanate-methyl 1000x solution; or 65% zineb 500x solution; or 50% dichloran 1000x solution. Spray every 10-15 days, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.
C. Drain promptly after rain, do not mound wet soil at the base of the plant, practice crop rotation, plant disease-free seedlings; seedlings can be soaked in 65% zineb 300x solution for 10-15 minutes for disinfection.
2. Peony brown spot disease
Also known as red spot disease, this disease is severe, causing premature leaf withering and affecting growth vigor.
Symptoms: It mainly harms peony leaves, branches, seeds and other parts. Nearly round or irregular large spots appear on the leaves, and the lesions are brown on both the front and back. Under humid conditions, a dark green mold layer grows on the underside of the lesions. After the stems and petioles are infected, elongated lesions appear, purplish-brown. When petals are infected, the edges become scorched and withered. This disease is also caused by fungi.
Control methods: (1) Before the plants sprout in early spring, spray 5% carbendazim 600x solution to kill the pathogens on the plants.
(2) Starting from early May, spray 50% zineb 500x solution once every 15 days; or 75% chlorothalonil 800x solution, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.
(3) In winter, clean the site and spray the stems with 7-10x lime-sulfur mixture.
3. Peony anthracnose.
A common peony disease, it causes peony leaf blight spots to merge into patches, diseased stems to twist, and young shoots to die.
Symptoms: Anthracnose harms the leaves, stems, floral organs and other parts of the peony. In late April, round purplish-brown spots appear on the leaf surface, petioles and stems, gradually expanding into nearly round lesions. Lesions at the leaf margin are semi-elliptical. The lesions are dark brown, and in the later stage the center becomes grayish-white while the lesion margin is reddish-brown. Many black dots are scattered on the lesions. Under humid conditions, reddish-brown sticky spore masses appear on the black dots; this is the characteristic of anthracnose. In the later stage the lesions crack and perforate. Lesions on the stems and petioles are mostly rhombic elongated spots, 3-6 mm long, reddish-brown, later grayish-brown with reddish-brown edges. When young stems are affected, they die rapidly. Damage to scale buds and petals can cause flower buds to die. This disease is a fungal disease.
Control methods: (1) Cut off the affected parts and burn them.
(2) In the early stage of the disease (May-June), spray 70% thiram 500x solution, or 1% lime equivalent Bordeaux mixture; or 65% zineb 500x solution, once every 10—15 days, for a total of 2-3 sprays.
(3) Keep the plants well ventilated and exposed to light, and avoid high temperature and excessive humidity.
4. Rust disease
The rust pathogen is heteroecious.
Symptoms: Leaves lose their green color, yellow spore pustules appear on the underside of the leaves, and in the later stage of growth, columnar hair-like structures grow on the diseased leaves.
Control methods: (1) Before the disease occurs, spray equivalent Bordeaux mixture 160x dilution, or spread 400x zineb.
(2) After the disease occurs, use lime-sulfur mixture, sodium rust-remover, triadimefon, etc. for control.
(3) Remove and burn diseased plants.
5. Stem rot, root rot
Symptoms: Water-soaked spots appear on the stem near the ground, gradually expanding and rotting, with white cottony growth appearing. Small spots first appear on the leaves, gradually expanding into grayish-white and light brown spots, with white cottony growth in wet weather. Affected flower buds develop dark brown spots and then rot, causing the roots to turn black and rot, and in severe cases the plant dies.
Control methods: 1. Pull out diseased plants and burn them, and disinfect the soil.
2. For stem rot, spray equivalent Bordeaux mixture.
(2) Pest control
1. Root-knot nematode.
This disease has two peak periods. The most root knots form in May-June and October, coinciding with the spring and autumn peak root-growth periods of peony feeding roots. Feeding roots in the 5-10CM deep soil layer are most affected.
Control methods: (1) Apply 15% aldicarb granules or 40% isofenphos-methyl 1-2 ml in holes, 5-10g per plant, hole depth 15-20CM, apply from May to August, 3 times a year.
2. Red spider mite
Control methods: (1) When grayish-yellow spots are found on the leaves, carefully check the underside and upper surface of the leaves. If red spider mites are found, remove the leaves and burn them.
(2) Spray 40% dicofol 1000-1500x solution, or 40% omethoate 1200-1500x solution.
Peony Paeonia suffruticosa Peony illustrated guide: How to grow peonies / How to propagate peonies
Peony profilePeony Paeonia suffruticosa
Peony cultivation methods and precautions Peony introduction
The peony originates from the mountainous areas of the Qinling and Daba Mountains in western China. It is a perennial deciduous small shrub with slow growth and a small plant form. The peony is a valuable woody flowering plant unique to China and is the national flower of China. It has thousands of years of natural growth and more than two thousand years of artificial cultivation history. The peony has long been known as "national beauty and heavenly fragrance" and "king of flowers."
Among cultivated types, mainly based on flower color, it can be divided into hundreds of varieties. "There are many peony varieties and also many colors. Yellow, green, flesh-red, deep red and silver-red are considered superior, with yellow and green especially prized. Peony flowers are large and fragrant, hence they are also known as 'national beauty and heavenly fragrance.'"
Liu Yuxi of the Tang Dynasty described the peonies of the capital Chang'an: "The herbaceous peony before the courtyard is bewitching but lacks rank; the lotus on the pond is pure but short on feeling. Only the peony is truly of national beauty; when it blooms, the whole capital is stirred." In the late Qing Dynasty, the peony was once regarded as the national flower of China. In May 1985, the peony was rated second among China's top ten famous flowers. It is a valuable woody flowering plant unique to China, with thousands of years of natural growth and more than 1500 years of artificial cultivation history. It is widely cultivated in China and has long been introduced around the world. The peony flower is hailed as the king of flowers, and there are abundant cultural and painting works about it.
Overview of the morphological characteristics of the peony
Deciduous shrub. Stems up to 2 m tall; branches short and thick. Leaves usually bipinnate with three leaflets per division, occasionally the leaves near the branch tip with 3 leaflets; terminal leaflets broadly ovate, 7-8 cm long, 5.5-7 cm wide, 3-lobed to the middle, the lobes unlobed or 2-3 shallowly lobed, green and hairless on the surface, pale green beneath, sometimes with a white bloom, sparsely short-pilose along the veins or nearly hairless, petiolule 1.2-3 cm long; lateral leaflets narrowly ovate or oblong-ovate, 4.5-6.5 cm long, 2.5-4 cm wide, unequally 2-lobed to 3-shallowly lobed or unlobed, nearly sessile; petiole 5-11 cm long, hairless, as is the leaf rachis. Flowers solitary at the branch tips, 10-17 cm in diameter; pedicel 4-6 cm long; bracts 5, oblong, of unequal size; sepals 5, green, broadly ovate, of unequal size; petals 5, or double, rose-colored, red-purple, pink to white, usually highly variable, obovate, 5-8 cm long, 4.2-6 cm wide, apex irregularly wavy; stamens 1-1.7 cm long, filaments purple-red, pink, white in the upper part, about 1.3 cm long, anthers oblong, 4 mm long; disk leathery, cup-shaped, purple-red, with several sharp teeth or lobes at the apex, completely enclosing the carpels, splitting when the carpels mature; carpels 5, rarely more, densely pubescent. Follicles oblong, densely covered with yellow-brown stiff hairs.
Plant form
Due to different varieties, peony plants may be tall or short, clumping or single-stemmed, upright or slanting, clustered or spreading, each with its own differences. Generally, according to their shape they are divided into five types:
Upright type: Branches are upright and tall, compactly arranged, with a small spreading angle; the angle between the branches and the vertical line is mostly within 30°. Internodes are relatively long, and the annual growth of new branches is 10-15 cm. Generally, a five-year-old plant is 40-50 cm tall, with taller ones reaching more than 1 m. Examples include 'Shou'an Hong', 'Zi Er Qiao', 'Yao Huang', etc.
Spreading type: Branches mostly spread out and curve in all directions, with the plant width greater than its height, forming a low, spreading plant shape. When the branches spread out, the angle with the vertical line is mostly more than 45°, and the new branches are long and relatively soft. Examples include 'Zhao Fen', 'Shou Zhong Hong', 'Shan Hua Lan Man', 'Qing Long Wo Mo Chi', etc.
Open type: Branches grow robustly and upright, slanting outward in all directions, with an angle between the above two types. The plant shape is full and upright, with moderate height. The annual growth of new branches is 6-8 cm, and generally a five-year-old plant is 30-40 cm tall. Examples include 'Zhuang Yuan Hong', 'Yin Hong Qiao Dui', 'Jin Yu Jiao Zhang', etc.
Dwarf type: Branches grow slowly, with short internodes and dense leaves. The branch distribution is compact and short, and the annual growth of new branches is 2-4 cm. Generally, a five-year-old plant is about 15 cm tall. Representative examples include 'Mei Ren Hong', 'Luo Han Hong', 'Hai Yun Zi', etc.
Single-trunk type: Mostly artificially cultivated artistic forms, with an obvious trunk. The trunk height varies, generally 20-80 cm. Several branches divide from the upper part of the trunk to form a crown (some have no crown). The form is antique and elegant, resembling a bonsai, and growth is relatively slow. Generally, it takes more than 8 years to take shape. Examples include 'Shi Ba Hao', etc.
Root system
The peony root system is well developed, with many deep-rooted fleshy main roots and lateral roots. The primary roots are initially white, gradually becoming yellow to brown. The flesh is white, in a few cases red, and the center of the flesh is lignified, commonly called the "wooden core." The fleshy part stores a large amount of nutrients and water for plant growth. Generally, plants with deep roots have luxuriant branches and leaves and are taller, while shallow roots result in shorter branches and a shorter plant form. Due to different varieties, peony root type and number also differ, but they can broadly be divided into three categories:
Taproot type: This type has deep roots (the roots of a four-year-old peony can penetrate more than 80 cm into the soil), but the roots are sparse, with no obvious main root, only dozens of thick, evenly thick "noodle roots." The roots are smooth, with white skin, and very few small roots branch off from them. The roots (called "danpi" after processing) have high yield and good quality. Examples include 'Feng Dan', 'Zhao Fen', 'Er Qiao', 'Mo Kui', etc. These peonies are mostly dual-purpose varieties for both medicinal and ornamental use.
Slope-root type: This type has roots of varying thickness and length, with many lateral roots branching off and growing in a crossing manner, commonly called "chicken-claw roots." Most penetrate relatively shallowly, with a large slope angle. Examples include 'Qing Shan Guan Xue', 'Bai Yu', 'Huang Hua Kui', etc. The danpi quality and yield of these peonies are lower than those of the taproot type, and they are not suitable for medicinal cultivation.
Intermediate type: This type has a moderate density of roots, with no obvious main root, and produces many evenly thick "noodle roots" with smooth root bark. The average soil depth is 70-80 cm. Examples include 'Zhong Sheng Hei', 'Yao Huang', etc. They can be used both ornamentally and medicinally.
Petiole
Peony petioles also differ in thickness, hardness and length. The longest can reach 40 cm, while the shortest is no more than 10 cm; the concave part of the petiole is mostly dark purple, purple-red, gray-brown, yellow-green and other different colors. The length of the petiole, especially the size of the angle between the petiole and the branch, varies greatly among varieties, and also has a considerable effect on the ornamental value of the flower. When the angle between the petiole and the branch is large, the leaf surface is flat or drooping, and the leaves are relatively sparse, as in 'Mo Kui'; the flowers all grow above the leaf cluster, forming a beauty of both flowers and leaves that enhances each other's ornamental value. Conversely, when the petiole is shorter and the angle between the petiole and the branch is smaller, because the branches and leaves are dense, the flowers are often hidden in the leaf cluster, causing the phenomenon of "flowers hidden in leaves," greatly reducing ornamental value.
Buds
Peony buds are enclosed by 6-8 scales on the outside, so peony buds are also called "scale buds." The peony overwinters by means of scale buds. According to function and degree of differentiation, peony buds are divided into four types: flower buds, leaf buds, latent buds and adventitious buds.
Flower buds: Peony flower buds are mixed buds, able to produce branches, grow leaves and bloom. Those borne at the tips of branches are called "terminal flower buds." On a branch that has already flowered once, the flower stem dries up and retracts a section by itself. Flower buds borne in the leaf axils below the dried flower stem are called "axillary flower buds" or "lateral flower buds." Flower buds are generally relatively plump and full. After removing the scales, the "flower embryo" (that is, the small young flower bud inside the scale bud) can be seen.
Leaf buds: Leaf buds only produce branches and grow leaves. Most are borne in the leaf axils below the flower buds, and some are borne at the tips of branches. They are thinner and smaller than flower buds, and after sprouting they develop into branches.
Latent buds: Latent buds are borne at the very lowest part of new branches. They are shrunken and small, like millet grains, commonly called "dog ticks." They normally do not sprout, and can only sprout after flower buds, leaf buds or branches are injured. They live relatively long, and can persist for 10-15 years.
Adventitious buds: Buds borne at the root crown are called "adventitious buds." After emerging from the soil they grow into sprout shoots, commonly called "soil buds." Adventitious buds have particularly strong sprouting ability and are the main source of scions, renewed old branches (stocks) and additional new stocks. Adventitious buds do not bloom in the same year. In vigorously growing ones, flower buds can develop and differentiate at the top in the same year, and bloom the following year.
Peony buds differ in shape, color and other aspects among varieties, with a great variety of forms, each with its own characteristics. Broadly there are conical, pearl-shaped, flat-round, long-conical, eagle-beak-shaped, etc.; among the shapes there are also differences in size, number of scales, and whether the bud quality is shrunken or plump, solid or empty; the colors also include blue-green, yellow-green, earth-red, earth-yellow, silver-gray, brown and varying degrees of purple-red; in addition there are flower colors and mixed colors. This is the main basis for distinguishing varieties in autumn. Therefore, it is difficult to identify peony varieties solely by bud shape, color, etc.; long-term patient and meticulous observation is needed to master the characteristics of the scale buds of each variety.
Branching
Because the internode length on the current-year effective branches differs, the number of buds borne and the sprouting ability of new branches also differ, and the branching habits also show obvious differences. The branching types are as follows:
Single-branch type: The current-year new branches have long internodes and bear fewer buds, with buds borne only at the basal 1-2 nodes or at nodes 1-3, and among these new buds only one sprouts in the current year to become a current-year new branch. This type generally has tall plants and sparse branches, such as 'Yao Huang', etc.
Dense-branch type: The current-year new branches have short internodes and bear more new buds, generally 3-5. The new buds have strong branching ability, and each new bud can produce a short branch in the current year, so the branches are many and relatively dense, clustered. Plants of this type are generally shorter, with dense branching. Examples include 'Ying Luo Bao Zhu', 'Dan Lu Hong', 'Zhi Hong', etc.
Leaves
Peony leaves are alternate and consist of leaf blade and petiole. Leaf shape, size, color, texture, etc. vary by variety and can be divided into the following categories:
Large round-leaf type: The whole leaf is large and round, more than 40 cm long and more than 25 cm wide. The leaflets are broad and large, round and thick, broadly ovate or ovate; the margins of the lateral leaflets lack notches; the leaf surface is mostly flat. Examples include 'Wang Hong', 'Da Hu Hong', 'Mo Kui', 'Shou'an Hong', etc.
Large long-leaf type: The whole leaf is the same size as the previous, but the leaflets are narrower and longer, oblong, relatively thin in texture, with few and pointed marginal notches, and the leaves are relatively sparse and flat or drooping, such as 'Yin Fen Jin Lin', 'Bing Ling Zhao Hong Shi', etc.
Small round-leaf type: The whole leaf is relatively small, about 20-30 cm long. The leaflets are short and thick, with few and round-blunt marginal notches. Examples include 'Ge Jin Zi', 'Lan Tian Yu', 'Mei Ren Hong', etc.
Small long-leaf type: The whole leaf is the same size as above, but the leaflets are narrower, with pointed and upward-curled marginal notches. Examples include 'Zhi Hong', 'Yan Long Zi', etc.
Medium-leaf type: The whole leaf is medium-sized, about 30-40 cm long. The leaflets are oblong, with many marginal notches that are relatively pointed and curled upward, and the leaves are mostly slanting. Examples include 'Jia Ge Jin Zi', 'Zhuang Yuan Hong', 'Da Zong Zi', etc.
In addition, there are special leaf shapes. For example, 'San Qi Ji Sheng' has only three irregular round leaflets on each petiole, two-thirds fewer than ordinary varieties, and is a bipinnate with one leaflet per division; and 'Rou Fu Rong' and 'Da Zong Zi' bear three groups of leaflets on each petiole, divided into five at the top and six at the rear, for a total of eleven leaflets, two more than ordinary varieties.
Peony leaf color is mainly green and yellow-green. The leaves of a few varieties have varying degrees of purple tinge; some leaf surfaces are also dotted with purple or yellow spots; the underside of the leaves is mostly gray-green and light gray, and a few varieties (such as 'He Bai') have particularly abundant fine hairs.
Petals
Peony flowers are large and brilliantly colored, with many varieties. Some varieties have complete floral organs, with sepals, stamens and pistils developing normally, such as 'Si He Lian', 'Feng Dan Bai', etc.; but some varieties have stamens and pistils petaloid or degenerated, forming multi-form and beautiful flower types and colorful blossoms.
According to the number of petal layers, flowers are traditionally divided into: single-petal (layer) type, double-petal (layer) type, and thousand-petal (layer) type. Within these three major categories, based on the morphological characteristics of the flower, they are further divided into: sunflower type, lotus type, rose type, hemisphere type, crown type, and hydrangea type (traditionally the crown type and hydrangea type are called raised buildings), six flower types in total. This classification method relatively intuitively reflects the various changing forms of the flowers.
Relevant peony experts and scholars, together with researchers in production areas, combined traditional classification methods, and after years of field observation and research and anatomical observation of peony flowers, after understanding the evolution rules of flower type and flower structure, proposed a new flower type classification, namely dividing peony flower types into single-petal type, lotus type, chrysanthemum type, rose type, thousand-layer terrace type, crown type, golden-ring type, crown type, hydrangea type, and storied terrace type.
Single-petal type: Petals 2-3 whorls, 10-15 pieces, broad and flat, stamens 200-300, pistils 4-6, stamens and pistils develop normally, with strong seed-setting ability. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Ya Pian Zi', 'Shi Liu Hong', 'Feng Dan Bai', etc.
Lotus type: Petals 4-5 whorls, 20-25 pieces, petals broad and large, similar in shape and size, clearly arranged, pistils develop normally, with strong seed-setting ability, but a few varieties occasionally show petaloid stamens or pistil stigmas. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Si He Lian', 'Jin Yun Hong', 'Yu Ban Bai', etc.
Crown type: Outer petals 2-5 whorls, broad and flat. Most or all stamens are petaloid into finely fragmented, curled and wrinkled petals, and the petal mass is dense and towering, shaped like a crown. Inner petals are irregularly arranged. Among the petals there are often normal stamens or degenerating stamens, and anthers often remain among the petals; pistils degenerate or become petaloid, occasionally setting seed. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Lan Tian Yu', 'Hu Hong', 'Yao Huang', 'Shou'an Hong', etc.
Hydrangea type: Stamens are fully petaloid, and the inner and outer petals are similar in shape and size, crowded and raised, forming a spherical shape; pistils are basically or entirely degenerated or petaloid, with no seed-setting ability. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Dou Lu', 'Lu Xiang Qiu', 'Xue Ying Zhao Xia', etc.
Chrysanthemum type: Petals 6 whorls or more, petals similar in shape, neatly arranged, with distinct layers, gradually becoming smaller from outside inward, and occasionally petaloid. Pistils 5-11, growing normally or degenerating and becoming smaller. Some varieties show petaloid stigmas and have relatively poor seed-setting ability. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Mei Gui Hong', 'Cong Zhong Xiao', 'Yin Hong Qiao Dui', 'Jin Pao Hong', etc.
Rose type: Petals in many whorls, petals gradually becoming smaller from outside inward, some stamens petaloid into normal petals, pistils degenerate and become smaller or petaloid, with poor seed-setting ability. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Zi Er Qiao', 'Wu Jin Yao Hui', 'Hong Xia Zheng Hui', etc.
Golden-ring type: Outer petals 2-3 whorls, broad and flat. In the center of the flower, some stamens are petaloid into narrow, long, upright large petals. Between the central petals and the outer whorl of petals there is a ring of normal stamens forming a golden ring shape. Pistils normal or slightly petaloid, with poor seed-setting ability. This flower type is very rare, represented by varieties such as 'Bai Tian E', 'Jun Yan Hong', 'Fen Mian Tao Hua', 'Yu Mei Ren'.
Crown type: Outer petals 2-5 whorls, broad and neat. Some stamens are petaloid into slender petals, with anthers or anther traces often remaining at the petal tips. Among the petals are mixed normal stamens, irregularly and sparsely arranged. Pistils normal or slightly petaloid, with seed-setting ability. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Shu Nü Zhuang', 'Jiao Hong', 'Xian E', 'San Bian Sai Yu', etc.
Storied terrace type: The lower flower has relatively fully petaloid stamens, similar in shape to normal petals, and pistils petaloid into normal petals or colored petals; the upper flower has slightly larger petals and fewer in number, stamens basically all petaloid or degenerated; pistils petaloid into normal petals or colored petals, and in some varieties degenerated and disappear. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Chi Long Huan Cai', 'Sheng Dan Lu', 'Yu Lou Dian Cui', 'Zi Chong Lou', etc.
Thousand-layer terrace type: The lower petals are 4 whorls or more, neatly arranged, similar in shape, with no stamens or degenerated stamens mixed among the petals. Stamens normal and few in number, or occasionally petaloid; pistils degenerate and become smaller or petaloid; upper petals few in number, flat or upright, stamens few and smaller, pistils degenerate and become smaller or petaloid. Representative varieties of this flower type include 'Ling Hua Zhan Lu', 'Zhi Hong', 'Shou Xing Hong', etc.
Fruit and seeds
Single-petal flowers bear five-angled follicles, each fruit angle setting 7-13 seeds, and the seeds are roundish. The outer fruit coat is initially green, hairy, and when mature is crab-yellow. The seeds are yellow-green, and when over-mature the fruit angles split open and the seeds are dark brown. Each kilogram can contain 2400-3000 dried seeds. Double-petal flowers generally set 1-5 angles, but the seeds are only partially viable, or completely non-viable; thousand-petal types set no fruit or seed.
Differences between peony and herbaceous peony:
The most fundamental difference: The peony is a woody plant that can grow to 2 m tall, while the herbaceous peony is a (perennial tuberous-rooted) herbaceous plant no taller than 1 m.
The peony blooms earlier than the herbaceous peony. The peony generally blooms in mid-to-late April, while the herbaceous peony blooms in early-to-mid May. The difference in flowering period between the two is about 15 days.
Peony leaves are broad, with the upper surface green and slightly yellowish, while herbaceous peony leaves are narrow, and both surfaces are dark green.
Peony flowers are borne at the tips of flowering branches, mostly solitary, with a flower diameter generally around 20 cm; while herbaceous peony flowers are mostly clustered at the branch tips, with a flower diameter around 15 cm.
The peony is called the king of flowers. The herbaceous peony is called the minister of flowers.
Peony leaves are more grayish-green, while herbaceous peony leaves are more glossy.
The peony has richer flower colors than the herbaceous peony.
Ecological habits of the peony
The peony prefers a warm, cool, dry and sunny environment. It likes sunlight, and is also tolerant of semi-shade, tolerant of cold, tolerant of drought, tolerant of weak alkalinity, averse to waterlogging, afraid of heat, and afraid of direct exposure to harsh sun. It is suitable for growing in loose, deep, fertile, high and dry, well-drained neutral sandy loam. It grows poorly in acidic or heavy clay soil.
Adequate sunlight is relatively beneficial to peony growth, but it is not tolerant of harsh summer sun exposure; at temperatures above 25°C the plant will enter a dormant state. The suitable temperature for flowering is 17-20°C, but before flowering it must undergo low-temperature treatment at 1-10°C for 2-3 months. It can withstand low temperatures down to -30°C, but in cold northern regions appropriate winter protection measures are needed to avoid freeze damage. The high-temperature and high-humidity weather of the south is extremely unfavorable to peony growth. Therefore, cultivating peonies in the south requires giving them specific environmental conditions in order to see the wondrously beautiful peony flowers.
Peony cultivation techniques
The peony has fleshy roots, likes dryness and avoids dampness, likes high, open, sunny locations, and also benefits from unilateral (side) shade. In view of these growth characteristics of the peony, the following issues should be noted when planting:
When planting peonies, adapt measures to local conditions. The planting site should be chosen in a high, dry, sunny place; in shady places the plants grow thin and weak and cannot bloom. Growth is best in places with side shade. For the soil, choose loose, fertile, deep and well-drained sandy loam or loam. The soil pH value is best neutral; slightly acidic or slightly alkaline is also acceptable.
For ornamental peony planting, pay attention to the matching of varieties, flower colors and flowering periods. Before planting, properly prune the roots, cutting off diseased roots and broken roots, then soak half the roots in 0.1% copper sulfate solution or 5% lime water for one hour for disinfection, then take them out, rinse with clean water, and then plant. The planting depth should be such that the junction of root and stem is level with the soil surface. The best planting time is from mid-September to mid-to-late October. Northern regions can plant somewhat earlier, and southern regions somewhat later. With suitable planting time, the wounds heal easily after planting and rooting is easy, which is conducive to growth and flowering in the following years.
1. Planting
Choose a sunny place that does not accumulate water, preferably a sunny slope, with fertile soil and well-drained sandy loam. Before planting, deeply dig the soil. The planting hole should be appropriately large. When the peony roots are placed in the hole, they should be spread out vertically and must not be bunched up. Do not plant too deep; it is best to just barely bury the roots. Generally, container cultivation is less common.
2. Light and temperature
Adequate sunlight is relatively beneficial to its growth, but it is not tolerant of harsh summer sun exposure; at temperatures above 25°C the plant will enter a dormant state. The suitable temperature for flowering is 17-20°C, but before flowering it must undergo low-temperature treatment at 1-10°C for 2-3 months. It can withstand low temperatures down to -30°C, but in cold northern regions appropriate winter protection measures are needed to avoid freeze damage. The high-temperature and high-humidity weather of the south is extremely unfavorable to peony growth. Therefore, cultivating peonies in the south requires giving them specific environmental conditions in order to see the wondrously beautiful peony flowers.
3. Watering and fertilizing
Before planting, water thoroughly twice. Before winter, irrigate once to ensure safe overwintering. After spring begins, water according to soil moisture, but do not overwater. Generally fertilize 3 times a year. The first is pre-flowering fertilizer, applying quick-acting fertilizer to promote large and good blooms. The second is post-flowering fertilizer, applying one organic liquid fertilizer. The third is autumn-winter fertilizer, mainly base fertilizer, to promote growth the following spring. In addition, pay attention to intertillage and weeding; when there are no weeds, shallow tillage to loosen the soil is fine.
4. Shaping and pruning
After the flowers fade, promptly remove the flowers and prune the branches. Cut according to the natural growth form of the tree shape combined with the tree shape you want, and at the same time apply wound-healing antiseptic film to the pruning cuts to protect the wounds and prevent pathogen invasion and infection. If you want a low plant with dense flower clusters, then cut back more heavily to inhibit branch expansion and root-sucker occurrence. Generally, it is appropriate to retain 5-6 branches per plant.
5. Flowering period control
Container-grown peonies can be forced in winter to bloom at Spring Festival. The method is to select robust peony varieties with plump scale buds 60 days before Spring Festival (such as Zhao Fen, Luoyang Hong, Sheng Dan Lu, Ge Jin Zi, Zhu Sha Lei, Da Zi Hu Hong, Mo Kui, Wu Long Peng Sheng, etc.), lift them with soil, injuring the roots as little as possible, air-dry them in a cool place for 12-13 days, then pot them, and carry out shaping and pruning, leaving 10 branches with plump terminal buds per plant, keeping the terminal buds and removing the rest. When potting, the pot size should match the plant to achieve a satisfactory plant shape. After watering thoroughly, manage normally. 50-60 days before Spring Festival, move them into a greenhouse at about 10°C and spray water 2-3 times a day, keeping the potting soil moist. When the scale buds swell, gradually raise the temperature to 25-30°C, with the night temperature not lower than 15°C. In this way, flowers can be seen at Spring Festival.
Peony cultivation methods
Commonly propagated by division and grafting, and also by sowing and cuttings. The suitable time for transplanting is late September to early October, and it should not be too early or too late. It likes fertilizer, and should be fertilized at least three times a year, namely "flower fertilizer," "bud fertilizer" and "winter fertilizer." After 2-3 years of cultivation, pruning should be carried out. For varieties with vigorous growth and strong branching ability, only thin and weak branches need to be cut off, retaining all strong branches, and basal suckers should be removed promptly to maintain a beautiful plant shape. Bud removal is also an extremely important task. To make the plant bloom abundantly and brilliantly and keep the plant robust, the number of flowers should be controlled according to the age of the plant. In the early bud stage, select and retain a certain number of well-developed flower buds, and remove excess buds and weak buds as early as possible. Generally, for 5-6 year old plants, retain 3-5 flower buds. For newly planted plants, all flower buds should be removed in the following spring, not allowing them to bloom, so as to concentrate nutrients and promote plant development.
The peony is a deep-rooted deciduous shrub flower. It likes sunlight, is cold-tolerant, loves a cool environment and avoids high temperature and stuffiness, and is suitable for growing in semi-dry, semi-moist, loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil. Therefore, the potting soil for growing peonies is generally a mixture of sandy soil and cake fertilizer, or a culture soil thoroughly mixed with fully decomposed barnyard manure, garden soil and coarse sand in a 1:1:1 ratio. If there is too much water in the cultivation soil, its fleshy roots are prone to rot. Therefore, during continuous rainy weather, drain promptly and never allow water to accumulate at the roots. The peony is not tolerant of high temperatures, and cooling measures should be taken promptly when the weather is hot in summer. It is best to set up a shade shed to provide shade. Cover with straw curtains or reeds before noon and remove them in the evening. If this measure is done promptly, leaf drop can be prevented; if it is allowed to overheat and drop leaves, later flowering will be seriously affected. Because the peony has relatively long roots and a relatively large plant, it is suitable for ground planting. If it is to be grown in a container, choose a large, well-draining clay pot, with a pot depth of more than 30 cm. It is best to use a clay jar 60-70 cm deep. Peony propagation can be done by sowing, division or grafting.
Pest and Disease Control for Tree Peonies: Leaf Spot
Leaf spot: Also known as red spot disease, this disease is caused by a fungus of the genus Pestalotia. The pathogen mainly infects leaves, but also infects new branches. The disease generally begins about 15 days after flowering, and becomes increasingly severe from mid-July as temperatures rise. In the early stage, brown spots the size of grains of rice appear on the underside of leaves, with slightly darker edges, forming irregular concentric ring-shaped necrotic spots that are dense at the periphery and lighter in the center, which merge and connect with each other, causing leaves to wither, scorch and drop. When petioles are affected, a dark green fuzzy layer forms; when stems and petioles are infected, raised lesions appear; the pathogen overwinters in the stems and leaves of diseased plants and in the soil.
Control methods:
Around early November (Start of Winter), sweep up the fallen leaves in the field, gather and burn them to eliminate the pathogen;
Before onset (in May), spray Bordeaux mixture at a 1:1:160 ratio, once every 10-15 days, until the end of July;
In the early stage of the disease, spray thiophanate-methyl or carbendazim at 500-800 times dilution, once every 7-10 days, for 3-4 consecutive applications.
Purple Root Rot
This is a fungal disease. It is spread through the soil. It occurs at the root crown and roots, most commonly at the root crown. The affected areas have purple or white cottony mycelium, initially yellow-brown, later dark brown, commonly known as "black lump head." In mild cases, dotted or patchy lesions form, no new roots grow, branches become thin and withered, leaves turn yellow, and scale buds shrivel; in severe cases, the entire root crown and root system rot, and the plant dies. This disease mostly occurs during the hot, rainy season from June to August; after September, as temperatures drop and rainfall decreases, the lesions stop spreading.
Control methods:
Select well-drained, high, dry plots for planting;
Cultivate the soil in a timely manner during the rainy season to reduce soil moisture;
Rotate crops once every 4-5 years;
Breed disease-resistant varieties;
When dividing and transplanting, apply 500 times dilution of quintozene solution to the affected areas before planting, or water the roots with 5% amobam at 1000 times dilution; ⑥ Disinfect the area around affected diseased plants with lime or sulfur.
Sclerotinia Rot
Also known as stem rot. The pathogen is Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. When the disease occurs, water-soaked spots appear on the stem near the ground, gradually expanding and rotting, with white cottony growth appearing. It may also infect leaves and flower buds.
Control methods: Select well-drained, high, dry plots for planting; promptly dig out diseased plants when found and disinfect the soil; rotate crops once every 4-5 years.
Other commonly seen diseases include anthracnose and rust. Anthracnose causes circular or irregular light brown sunken lesions on the leaf surface, with purple-brown edges after expansion; rust causes yellow spore masses on the underside of leaves, causing leaf chlorosis, and in the later stage columnar hair-like structures appear on diseased leaves. Control methods are the same as for leaf spot.
Yellow Leaf Disease
Diagnosis and treatment of yellow leaf disease in tree peonies? When tree peonies are deficient in phosphorus, plants grow slowly and stunted, thin and weak, with small leaves that drop easily, and the color is generally dark green or grayish green, lacking luster. It starts from the old leaves at the base of the stem and gradually spreads upward.
Deficiency of trace elements such as magnesium, manganese, boron and copper can also cause yellowing, necrosis, and withered leaf tips. In combination with pesticide spraying, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and micronutrient fertilizers should be sprayed after the flowering period to supplement nutrition. When tree peonies develop pathological changes, leaves may also show mottling with uneven color intensity, alternating yellow and green, known as "mosaic." This is the most common symptom of viral disease and needs to be distinguished.
Tree peony cultivation sites are mostly continuous cropping or repeated cropping plots over many years, which contain many pathogens, especially the fungus Fusarium, causing rot of the roots and stem base of tree peonies, thereby weakening water and nutrient absorption capacity, causing lower leaves to gradually turn yellow and drop or scorch upward, while the color of new shoot tips and new leaves remains normal. This is the yellow leaf symptom caused by root rot when tree peonies are drought-stressed.
Cultivar Classification of Tree Peonies
China is the birthplace of the tree peony and the world's tree peony kingdom. Chinese tree peony horticultural cultivars can be divided into 4 cultivar groups based on cultivation region and wild progenitor species, namely the Central Plains cultivar group, the Northwest cultivar group, the Jiangnan cultivar group and the Southwest cultivar group.
I. Central Plains Tree Peony Cultivar Group
1. Historical development
The Central Plains cultivar group has the longest cultivation history. The main cultivation center of Chinese tree peonies has always been located in the Central Plains (middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River) region. This became the main thread in the formation of the Chinese tree peony horticultural cultivar system. The Central Plains is the birthplace of Chinese tree peony horticultural cultivars.
2. Cultivation distribution
Mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, including Henan, Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi and other provinces. The distribution centers are Heze in Shandong, Luoyang in Henan and Beijing. In fact, the cultivation distribution of Central Plains tree peony cultivars extends south to Shanghai and Hangzhou; east to Qingdao and Yantai; west to Lanzhou in Gansu; and north to areas south of the Great Wall, where they can bloom normally. Now, with winter protection, they can also be cultivated in the open field and bloom normally in Harbin, Daqing, Mudanjiang and Shangzhi in Heilongjiang, as well as Xining in Qinghai; with slight cold protection they can overwinter safely. This shows that the Central Plains cultivar group has strong environmental adaptability. Abroad, they have been introduced and planted in Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the United States, Australia, Italy, Singapore and other countries.
3. Wild progenitor species
The main wild progenitor species is Paeonia spontanea, such as Paeonia rockii. In recent years, Paeonia ostii has also participated in the formation of Central Plains tree peony cultivars.
4. Main characteristics
(1) Plants in this cultivar group vary in height; under normal circumstances, they are shorter than other cultivar groups. However, a small number of cultivars with Paeonia ostii bloodline have taller plant types. This cultivar group has considerable variation in leaf shape.
(2) Some cultivars in this group have dark spots or dark halos at the base of petals, indicating blood relationship with Paeonia rockii. Among the 3 wild progenitor species that formed the Central Plains cultivar group, only Paeonia rockii has large dark purple spots at the base of petals, while Paeonia spontanea and Paeonia ostii have only slight light purple halos at the base of petals.
(3) The most complete range of flower forms.
(4) Diverse and richly varied flower colors. There are white, pink, red, purple, dark purple, green, pale yellow, snow blue and other colors as well as bicolor, with rich variation in color intensity, making it the most colorful among the 4 cultivar groups.
(5) There are as many as more than 500 cultivars, the largest number among the 4 cultivar groups.
II. Northwest Tree Peony Cultivar Group
1. Historical development
The ornamental cultivation of Northwest tree peonies began approximately in the Tang Dynasty. Tree peony cultivation already existed in the Tianshui area of Gansu. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, cultivation of Northwest tree peonies flourished increasingly. For example, the cultivation center Linfu was then known as "Little Luoyang."
2. Cultivation distribution
Distributed in the middle and upper reaches of the Weihe River in Gansu Province, including Tianshui, Gangu, Wushan, Longxi and Jingning; the middle and lower reaches of the Daxia River, including Xiahe, Linxia and Hezheng; the lower reaches of the Taohe River, including Lintao and Kangle, as well as Lanzhou and Yuzhong; and Pingliang in eastern Gansu also has considerable cultivation. In addition, Xining in Qinghai and areas to its east, Xi'an in Shaanxi and areas to its west, and the Guyuan area of Ningxia also have distribution. The cultivation centers are Lanzhou, Linxia and Lintao.
3. Wild progenitor species
The wild distribution areas of Paeonia rockii and Paeonia spontanea are mainly in the Loess Plateau and the Yellow River basin. From the main trait expression of Northwest tree peony cultivars, it can be proven that the main wild progenitor species of the Northwest tree peony cultivar group is Paeonia rockii, but it also carries the bloodline of Paeonia spontanea.
4. Main characteristics
(1) Tall plants. Annual growth is relatively large, leaf shape variation is relatively limited, and the common petiole is long.
(2) Petal bases have large dark purple or purplish-red spots. Petals are thick, and the floral fragrance is rich.
(3) The degree of flower form evolution is lower than that of the Central Plains cultivar group. The number of double-tiered flower cultivars is relatively small.
(4) A relatively large number of cultivars. There are about more than 100 cultivars. The flowering period is long.
(5) Cold-resistant, drought-resistant, alkali-resistant, vigorous in growth, with few pests and diseases, and can be planted in the vast cold and arid Northwest region.
III. Jiangnan Tree Peony Cultivar Group
1. Historical development
Since the Song Dynasty, there have already been dozens of cultivars with excellent traits. The shifts of its cultivation centers through the dynasties are as follows: Hangzhou (Song Dynasty) -> Jiyang (Ming Dynasty, present-day Jiangyin in Jiangsu, one account says Zhuji in Zhejiang) -> Tongling, Ningguo, Hangzhou, Shanghai (Qing Dynasty) -> Tongling, Ningguo, Hangzhou, Shanghai (present).
2. Cultivation distribution
Distributed in Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and other provinces. Tongling, Ningguo, Hangzhou and Shanghai are cultivation centers. Main cultivation areas include Yancheng (Jiangsu), Lechang (Guangdong), Nanchang (Jiangxi), etc.
3. Wild progenitor species
The main progenitor species is Paeonia ostii.
4. Main characteristics
(1) Tall plants. Annual branches are long, with few soil buds, strong branching ability, and abundant flowering, making a spectacular sight.
(2) Early flowering; the local flowering period is from early to late April.
(3) Historically there were a great many cultivars. For example, Ji Nan's "Peony Manual" (1890) collected 103 cultivars, and tree peonies in the Jiaxing area were renowned for a time.
(4) Shallow root system, tolerant of heat and humidity, suitable for widespread planting in the vast southern regions of China.
IV. Southwest Tree Peony Cultivar Group
1. Historical development
Tree peonies in Tianpeng (present-day Pengzhou City, Sichuan Province) began to be cultivated in the Tang Dynasty, with the main production area at Danjing Mountain, where many tree peonies were planted. By the Song Dynasty, Luoyang cultivars were introduced and cultivation flourished greatly. Lu You's "Tianpeng Peony Manual" (1178) records: "Generally there are nearly a hundred flower varieties, of which forty are notable." By the late Qing Dynasty, Tianpeng tree peonies declined, and now they have recovered and developed again.
2. Cultivation distribution
Distributed in Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Xizang and other places. With Pengzhou and Chengdu as cultivation centers, they are mainly cultivated in Dali, Lijiang, Zhaotong, Wuding, Guiyang, Lhasa and other places.
3. Wild progenitor species
Tianpeng tree peonies were mainly formed after the introduction of Central Plains tree peonies and Northwest tree peonies, with those cultivars that adapted to the local ecological environment surviving, and after generations of cultivation and selection together with local original cultivars. From this it can be seen that the wild progenitor species of Tianpeng tree peonies should mainly be Paeonia rockii and Paeonia spontanea, or may have the bloodline of Paeonia ostii.
4. Main characteristics
(1) Tall plants. Large leaves, long pedicels, and purple spots or red halos at the base of petals. Branches and leaves are stout but relatively sparse. Lijiang cultivars have narrow, long leaves, shallow apical lobes, few notches, and many basal shoots.
(2) Shallow root system, strong growth vigor.
(3) High degree of flower form evolution, with many double-tiered flower cultivars.
(4) Large flower diameter, relatively few flowers per plant, and a relatively long flowering period.
In summary: From the perspective of historical development, the Chinese tree peony horticultural cultivar system evolved from one main line and several secondary lines. The main line of development is the Central Plains cultivar group, and the secondary lines include the Northwest cultivar group, the Jiangnan cultivar group and the Southwest cultivar group, etc.
From the perspective of historical evolution, the various cultivar groups could mutually exchange and merge with one another. However, due to differences in the natural conditions and main wild progenitor species of the locations of each cultivar group, cultivar groups with distinctive characteristics still formed. Therefore, in areas where cultivar groups are close to each other, there is often obvious exchange between cultivar groups. For example, Yan'an tree peony cultivars show an obvious blending phenomenon of the Central Plains cultivar group and the Northwest cultivar group.
Cultivar Classification
(1) The 3 major classes of tree peonies: 1. Single-petaled class; 2. Thousand-layer class; 3. Tower class.
(2) The 11 flower types of tree peonies:
1. The single-petaled class is divided into: single-petaled type;
2. The thousand-layer class is divided into: lotus type, chrysanthemum type, rose type, double-tiered type;
3. The tower class is divided into: golden stamen type, anemone type, golden ring type, crown type, hydrangea type, double-tiered type.
Main Cultivars
At present, there are more than 300 cultivars produced throughout China with different flower colors (such as red, purple, purplish-red, pink, white, blue, green, yellow, black and bicolor, etc.), different flower forms (such as single-petaled type, lotus type, crown type, tower type, hydrangea type, etc.) and with characteristics such as drought resistance, cold resistance, heat resistance and moisture resistance, which can be planted in temperate, cold-temperate, hot and subtropical regions, as well as more than 100 cultivars from Japan, the United States and France. Native to China.
I. Tree Peonies with a Rich Variety of Flower Colors
(1) Bicolor class: Shiyangjin, Jiaorong Sanbian, Douyan, Erqiao Sanbian Saiyu, Agate Lotus, Caidie, Hua Hudie
(2) Green class
Lü Xiangqiu, Chunshui Lübo, Dou Lü, Lü Yu
(3) Yellow class
Yao Huang, Jingui Piaoxiang, Yuxi Yingyue, Huang Huakui, Jinyu Jiaozhang, Yuyi Huang
(4) Dark purple class
Guanshi Moyu, Yanrong Zi, Qinglong Wo Mochi, Molou Zhenghui, Wujin Yaohui, Hei Huakui.
(5) Pink class
Zhao Fen, Lu Fen, Fen Zhongguan, Taohua Feixue, Guifei Chacui, Xue Ying Taohua,
Ruanyu Wenxiang, Shunü Zhuang, Fenhe Piaojiang, Yinlin Bizhu, Sheng Danlu, Qinglong Wo Fenchi
(6) White class
Yeguang Bai, Jing Yu, Xiang Yu, Jinxing Xuelang, Liuli Guanzhu, Xue Ta, Bai Yu, Xue Gui, Kunshan Yeguang, Yulou Diancui, Yuban Bai, Xue Lian, Shuijing Bai, Baihe Yu, Fengdan Bai, Shuijing Qiu, Fengdan Bai, Yuban Bai, Qingxiang Bai
(7) Pink-blue (purple) class
Lantian Yu, Zilan Kui, Lan Baoshi, Linghua Zhanlu, Chuitou Lan, Zhusha Lei, Xiu Taohua, Yuhou Fengguang, Caihui, Daduo Lan, Si Helian, Lan Furong, Lu He Hong
(8) Purple class
Sheng Gejin, Wei Zi, Zhao Zi, Gejin Zi, Xiao Wei Zi, Zi Kui, Shen Hei Zi
(9) Purplish-red class
Hongxia Zhenghui, Hongxia Yingri, Jinpao Hong, Wulong Pengsheng, Cangzhi Hong, Baiyuan Hongxia, Yingjin Hong, Dazong Zi, Shou'an Hong, Zhuangyuan Hong, Panzhong Quguo, Jinxiu Qiu, Luoyang Hong
(10) Red class
Shanhu Tai, Congzhong Xiao, Chen Hong, Huolian Jindan, Jiaohong, Pingshi Yan, Jinzhang Furong, Yingri Hong, Shiba Hao, Nihong Huancai, Hong Baoshi, Hongtu, Shanhua Lanman, Zhihong, Mingxing, Chunhong Jiaoyan, Rou Furong, Yuji Yanzhuang, Feiyan Hongzhuang, Yinhong Qiaodui, Hu Hong, Hongzhu Nü, Yingluo Baozhu.
II. Northwest Paeonia rockii Tree Peonies with Tall Plants and Extremely Strong Cold and Drought Resistance
(1) White class
Shusheng Pengmo, Ziban Bai, Yuhu Bingxin, Yipian Danxin, Juhua Bai, Yu Die, Zhongchuan Yu, Xiao Xue, Guanyin Dou, Heyu Bai, Yunzhong He, Honghai Weibo
(2) Yellow-green class
Huang Yun, Chufeng Huancao, Fotou Qing
(3) Red class
San Zhuan, Hongguan Yuzhu, Da Hongpao, Zui Yanzhi
(4) Black class
Heirong Lian, Yeguang Bei, Hei Fengdie, Ziguan Yudai
(5) Purplish-red
Chatou Feng, Zidie Yingfeng, Jiuzhou Dazi, Hong Lian, Ning'an Hong, Yingxiong Hong, Chongban Hong, Yulan Zi, Xiqing, Hong Qiangwei, Gucheng Xianghui, Jinhua Zhuangyuan
(6) Pink class
Sufen Ling, Jincheng Fen, Heping Erqiao, Ziban Fen, Hong Yun, Fen Tianxiang, Fen Qilin, Fenmo Dengchang
(7) Purple-blue class
Longyuan Zhuangshi, Hua Heshang, Dahan Fengyun, Hui He, Lan He, Heping Lan, Landie Yingchun, Lanhai Yinbo.
Paeonia rockii (purple-veined tree peony) is a plant endemic to China and a precious floral germplasm resource. Propagation trials should now be actively carried out to promote its cultivation.
III. Foreign Peonies with Unusual Flower Colors
Fangji, Riyuejin, Taiyang, Xin Qifushen, Huawang
Rimu, Yachiyoharu, Wudazhou, Lianhe, Japan Daojin
American Princess, Jinge, Garden Jewel, Jindao, Zhengyu (Haihuang)
Jinhuang, Huadachen, Heiguangsi, Chuwu
Medicinal and Dietary Therapeutic Value of Peony
The medical information and health dietary therapy information on Huhuawang is for reference only and cannot serve as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. Any health issues should be consulted with professional medical personnel, and the treatment of any disease should follow medical advice.
Ultimate flower-protecting mission: To love yourself, start from reality and strictly follow medical advice. For illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope, face it bravely, warm the silent world with love, and care for the flower field within your heart with your heart.
Peony not only has ornamental value but also has high medicinal value. Processing the roots of peony into "Danpi" (moutan cortex) makes a precious Chinese herbal medicine. Its nature is slightly cold, its taste is pungent, and it is non-toxic. It enters the heart, liver, and kidney meridians. It has the effects of dispersing blood stasis, clearing blood, harmonizing blood, relieving pain, and promoting menstruation. It also has the effects of lowering blood pressure, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and long-term use can benefit the body and prolong life. It nourishes blood and harmonizes the liver, disperses stagnation and removes stasis. It is suitable for facial chloasma and skin aging. Regular drinking activates qi and blood and benefits the lungs, gives a rosy complexion, improves menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea, and stops spontaneous sweating and night sweats.
Traditional Chinese Medicines Related to Peony
Shan Mudan (other names: Geteng, Diedawang, Tengxuduan, Bainiuteng, Baimianshuiji, Beibaiteng, Xuanhuateng, Huangteng)
Medicinal material basis: The root bark or whole plant of Argyreia capitiformis, a dicotyledonous plant in the Convolvulaceae family.
Chou Mudan (other names: Dahongpao, Choubabao, Aitongzi, Dahonghua, Yezhutong, Choufengcao, Chouzhutong, Aitong, Fengxiancao, Choudengtong, Choushu, Choucao, Chouhuanggen, Choumoli, Choufurong, Chouwutong)
Medicinal material basis: The stems and leaves of Clerodendrum bungei, a dicotyledonous plant in the Verbenaceae family.
Chou Mudan Root (other name: Choufenggen)
Medicinal material basis: The root of Clerodendrum bungei, a dicotyledonous plant in the Verbenaceae family.
Ye Mudan (other names: Zhumucao, Shanshiliu, Dieqie, Baoyalangmu, Huoxuedan, Gaojiao Shanluosu, Tunkouba, Zhanzigan, Maozugan)
Medicinal material basis: The whole plant of Melastoma candidum, a plant in the Melastomataceae family.
Ye Mudan Root (other names: Wangbujiu, Lijiguan)
Medicinal material basis: The root of Melastoma candidum, a plant in the Melastomataceae family.
Xiu Ye Ye Mudan (other name: Daye Jinshiliu)
Medicinal material basis: The leaves of Astronia ferruginea, a plant in the Melastomataceae family.
Xi Ye Ye Mudan (other names: Pudi Ren, Shangongliu, Shuishe Ye Mudan)
Medicinal material basis: The whole plant of Melastoma intermedium, a plant in the Melastomataceae family.
Mudan Pi (Moutan Cortex)
Medicinal material basis: The root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa, a plant in the Paeoniaceae family.
He Bao Mudan Root
Medicinal material basis: The rhizome of Dicentra spectabilis, a plant in the Papaveraceae family.
Distribution Regions of Peony - Distribution in China
Main domestic production areas:
Heze, Shandong
Known as Caozhou in ancient times, it has long been called "the mighty and majestic prefecture." It is the "center of the world" described by Sima Qian and the hometown of famous military strategists Sun Bin and Wu Qi and the talent scout Bo Le. Caozhou has a history of several hundred years of peony cultivation. In the Song Dynasty, Luoyang had the most peonies, but from the Ming Dynasty onward, the cultivation center shifted to Caozhou. Pu Songling wrote in his Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio that "Caozhou peonies are the finest in Qilu." The characteristics of Heze peonies are upright and well-proportioned branches, luxuriant and graceful foliage, and magnificent and noble flowers, and they are praised as the finest among ornamental peonies.
Heze is the world's largest peony production base, research base, export base, and ornamental base in terms of area and number of varieties. The current cultivation area exceeds 120,000 mu, with nine major color series and 1,237 varieties. At the 1999 Kunming World Horticultural Exposition, it alone won 81 awards.
Scientific research on Heze peonies has produced abundant results. As early as the First National Flower and Grass Exposition, three research achievements from Heze - new peony variety breeding, research on field forcing techniques for peonies, and new peony varieties - won the National Science and Technology Progress Award, accounting for the largest number of peony research awards in the country. On January 14, 1997, Heze's peony research achievements passed national-level appraisal for the fourth time. In that single instance alone, seven achievements passed appraisal: cultivation of new peony varieties, soilless cultivation of desk peonies, screening of heat-tolerant peony varieties, application of grafting Fengdan seedlings onto ornamental peonies in commercial production, research on peony bonsai, screening of cut-flower varieties of Chinese peony, and breeding of new peony varieties - the largest number of peony research achievements appraised at one time.
In 2000, Heze was named "Hometown of Chinese Peonies" by the China Flower Association. In 2006, Heze was rated as "China's Peony City." The famous calligrapher Shu Tong once wrote for Heze peonies the inscription "Caozhou peonies are the finest under heaven." Mr. Pu Jie also left behind for Heze peonies the calligraphic work "The finest fragrance under heaven." On March 16, 2012, the China Flower Association officially named Heze "China's Peony Capital," giving Heze peonies an even better development platform. According to the Measures for the Administration of Naming and Awarding by the China Flower Association, upon application by the Heze Municipal People's Government and after expert inspection and review organized by the China Flower Association, it was decided to name Heze City "China's Peony Capital." The news documentary North and South of Mount Tai praised it highly: "Heze peonies are the finest under heaven; the world's peonies come from Heze." Every year in mid-April, when peonies are in full bloom, Heze holds the "Heze International Peony Festival."
Luoyang, Henan
Luoyang peonies are rooted in the land of the Yellow River and Luo River. They began in the Sui Dynasty, flourished in the Tang Dynasty, and became the finest under heaven in the Song Dynasty. Legend says that on the first day of the twelfth lunar month in the second year of Tianshou, heavy snow fell in Chang'an, the western capital. Wu Zetian, drinking wine and composing poetry, in high spirits and intoxicated, wrote an edict: "Tomorrow I shall tour the imperial garden; quickly inform spring, flowers must bloom overnight, do not wait for the morning wind to blow." All the flowers, overawed by this command, bloomed overnight, but the peony alone did not violate the season and kept its buds closed. In great anger, Wu Zetian banished the peony from Chang'an and sent it to Luoyang, and subjected it to fire punishment. The peony, suffering this calamity, was charred like coke, yet its roots and branches did not scatter, and it stood firm in the severe cold. When the spring wind blew strongly the following year, its flowers bloomed even more brilliantly, and it was praised as the "charred-bone peony." Luoyang peonies thus became famous throughout the world and were called the "chief" of flowers, and the people of Luoyang increasingly cultivated and admired peonies, which became a custom.
Emperor Xuanzong and the imperial consort were both greatly delighted and full of praise, and immediately had Li Guinian set it to music for the Pear Garden musicians to perform. A fine day, beautiful scenery, joyful hearts, and pleasant events - only the season of peony blooming could compare. Tang Dynasty poets Liu Yuxi and Bai Juyi wrote poems about it: "Only the peony is truly of national beauty; when it blooms, the whole capital is stirred" and "The flowers bloom and fall over twenty days; the whole city's people are all enchanted." Song Dynasty writer Ouyang Xiu also wrote in praise of Luoyang peonies: "The soil and veins of Luoyang suit flowers best; the peony is especially wondrous under heaven." According to historical records, by the Song Dynasty Luoyang peonies already had more than one hundred varieties, including many precious ones. Among them, "Yao Huang" and "Wei Zi" were praised as the "king" and "queen" of peonies and were especially loved by people.
The main ornamental part of Luoyang peonies is the flower. The blooms are magnificent and noble, rich and splendid, and have long been known by the titles "national beauty and heavenly fragrance" and "king of flowers." The reputation that "Luoyang peonies are the finest under heaven" has also spread through the world and is widely known. Luoyang peonies can be planted in specialized gardens in parks and scenic areas; they can also be planted on raised flower terraces in classical gardens and residential courtyards; and in garden green spaces they can be planted as natural-style specimen plants, in clusters, or in masses. They are also suitable for flower borders, flower beds, flower belts, and potted display, and their applications are highly flexible. By forcing or delaying the flowering period, they can be made to bloom in all four seasons. The root bark is used as medicine, and the petals can be used to brew wine.
Luoyang peonies have a great many varieties and very rich flower colors. To date there are more than 1,100 varieties in 9 major color series including red, white, pink, yellow, purple, blue, green, black, and multicolor, as well as ten flower forms including single form, lotus form, chrysanthemum form, rose form, anemone form, hydrangea form, crown form, golden-circle form, thousand-layer terrace form, and tower terrace form. Today Luoyang's peony commodity industry has taken shape, with more than 40,000 mu of commercial peony fields citywide and more than 48 million plants, and a "Mangshan Ten-Thousand-Mu Peony Industrial Belt" and the "Sui-Tang City Ruins Ten-Thousand-Mu Efficient Agriculture Sightseeing Park" in Luonan have been initially established. Peonies can be found throughout the city's garden attractions, street flower beds, institutional courtyards, and suburban nurseries. Driven by scientific and technological progress, Luoyang peonies have achieved year-round flowering, and the peak flowering period continues to be extended. Luoyang peonies are continuously entering the international flower market.
On September 21, 1982, the Standing Committee of the Luoyang Municipal People's Congress passed a resolution naming the peony as Luoyang's "city flower," and each year according to the peony blooming situation, the China Luoyang Peony Cultural Festival is held from a certain day in April to a certain day in May. Since 1983, Luoyang has successfully held 30 consecutive Peony Festivals (through 2012). Over these thirty years, the municipal party committee and municipal government have consistently implemented the guiding principle of "using flowers as a medium, making friends widely, promoting Luoyang, and expanding openness," with "Luoyang setting the stage and the whole province performing," turning the Peony Festival into a large comprehensive economic and cultural event integrating flower viewing and lantern watching, tourism, and economic and trade cooperation and exchange.
"When spring comes, who is the master of youth and beauty? It is the peony that leads all flowers." With its long cultivation history and numerous varieties, large production scale, rich wild resources, superb cultivation techniques, ever-improving scientific theoretical system, and profound peony culture, Luoyang peonies enjoy lofty status in the international horticultural and cultural circles.
Wuhan, Hubei
To create the number one peony garden in Jiangnan, the Huansu Management Office of the East Lake Scenic Area spent nearly ten million yuan and, using the characteristics of antique-style building complexes, created a brand-new Liyuan landscape. It also spent hundreds of thousands of yuan to bring in from Zhejiang a natural granite boulder weighing 99 tons and 12 meters high, creating a new landmark landscape in the garden - a marriage stone inscribed with the words "Number One Peony Garden in Jiangnan." During this year's Peony Festival, the peony garden not only prepared for visitors a series of activities including a Chinese folk cuisine festival, a peony matchmaking culture festival, a peony photography competition, a parent-child theme park, and performances of the classic opera The Peony Pavilion, but also specially prepared Hubu Alley Han-style snacks, allowing out-of-town visitors to enjoy flowers while tasting authentic Wuhan specialty snacks such as hot dry noodles, duck necks, soup dumplings, and doupi. At the same time, Wuhan also specially launched a Wuhan flower-viewing map.
The peony variety resources of the East Lake Peony Garden are extensive. It has ancient treasures such as Yao Huang, Wei Zi, Xiang Yu, and Yan Long, as well as new varieties such as Zhuguang Morun, Mingxing, Xueying Taohua, Zidie Feiwu, and Jingyu; Central Plains peonies from Heze, Shandong, and Luoyang, Henan; northwest Paeonia rockii from Lanzhou, Gansu, and wild Paeonia rockii from Baokang, Hubei; and exotic varieties such as Japan's fire-red Taiyang, Huawang, and Jinli, the bicolor Daojin, and the black Wugui Jin, France's brocade-yellow Jinzhi and gold-edged Jinge, and the American-bred Haihuang, totaling more than 200 varieties and more than 30,000 peony plants, covering 9 major color series and 10 major flower forms. The peony "Chunliu" in particular has a long flowering period and green color, and can be called the greenest peony in the world at present.
According to a senior engineer at the East Lake Peony Garden, the garden also plants four other flowers: azalea, peach blossom, cherry blossom, and crabapple. If visitors come to the East Lake Peony Garden in early April, they can also enjoy the beautiful scene of "five flowers blooming together."
Pengzhou, Sichuan
Danjing Mountain in Pengzhou City is the birthplace of China's Tianpeng peony. Since reform and opening up, the peony has been designated the city flower of Pengzhou City, and Tianpeng peonies have rapidly recovered and developed. With Danjing Mountain as the base for developing traditional famous flowers, a scenic area featuring peony appreciation has been built, known as the "Flower Mountain of Western China." The entire mountain has more than 3 million peony plants in more than 260 varieties. From early April to late May each year, peonies of various colors bloom successively from the mountain top to the foot, stunning visitors.
Luoyang, Heze, Hangzhou, Mudanjiang, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Jiangyin, Nanjing, Shanghai, Jiaxing, Pengzhou, Linxia, Lanzhou, and others are all important cultivation bases. China's peony has a history of about 1,650 years from being introduced from the wild into ornamental cultivation. Cultivated varieties gradually evolved from single flowers into semi-double, double, and even terrace forms. The main driving force that pushed peony varieties toward double forms was good cultivation conditions. It is known that by fixing the superior traits and branch mutations of varieties through grafting, large numbers of new varieties emerged.
Overseas Distribution
Peony is not only a flower loved by the Chinese people but is also cherished by people around the world. More than twenty countries including Japan, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Australia, Singapore, and Canada all cultivate peonies. Among them, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States have the largest number of peony horticultural varieties and the greatest cultivation quantities.
In fact, overseas peony horticultural varieties all originally came from China. As early as 724-749 AD, Chinese peonies entered Japan, said to have been brought there by the monk Kukai. Between 1330 and 1851, France carried out large-scale breeding of introduced Chinese peonies and developed many horticultural varieties. In 1656, the Dutch East India Company introduced peonies to the Netherlands, and in 1789 Kew Gardens in England introduced peonies, thus spreading Chinese peonies throughout Europe, with more than 100 horticultural varieties. In 1880, the French bred China's wild yellow peony, and in 1980 selected a group of yellow-series varieties, which later spread to Japan and other countries.
The United States only introduced Chinese peony varieties and wild species from China between 1820 and 1830, and later bred a black-flowered peony variety. In the United States, many national forest parks have peonies and Chinese peonies planted in them.
Kew Gardens in England is one of the specialized gardens with a relatively large collection of the world's peony varieties, including many ancient Chinese varieties and numerous horticultural varieties newly bred by countries around the world today.
The country with the widest peony cultivation area and the largest quantity overseas should be neighboring Japan. Japan is one of the countries in the world most influenced by Chinese culture, and the Japanese cherish peonies second only to the Chinese. Therefore, peonies are widely planted in numerous Japanese towns and cities, such as the Abe Peony Garden in Tokyo, Hase-dera and Shakko-ji in Nara, the Sukagawa Peony Garden, the Okayama Peony Garden, the Shinsaikei Daishi Peony Garden, the Peony Garden of the Faculty of Horticulture at Chiba University, and the Shimane China Peony Garden, among more than 20 locations, with more than 300 local horticultural varieties. These include Jinge, Jindi, Jinhuang, Jinyang, Huawang, Taiyang, Chudao, Baiyu Shizi, Huadachen, Fushi Zhifeng, Kamada Fuji, Yachiyoko, Rimu, and so on. According to the book Peonies and Chinese Peonies by Somei Takahiro, Japan currently has 312 varieties, of which 211 are improved Japanese varieties. In particular, the "winter peony" bred in Japan that blooms in winter astonished the world horticultural community.
Mr. Yu Heng wrote in his book Peony Flowers: "Peonies are also used for garden planting abroad. The plant height can reach 2 meters, and the flower diameter reaches 20-30 cm. Every year in late spring, the flowers bloom, enormous in size, with a rich fragrance filling the air, standing above all other flowers. Though far from their homeland, they still have the air of a 'king of flowers.'"
The Cultural Background of Peony
The peony flower is hailed as the king of flowers, and the related cultural and painting works are very rich. It is a specialty flower native to China and is China's national flower, with thousands of years of natural growth and more than two thousand years of artificial cultivation history. Its flowers are large, beautifully shaped, brilliantly colored, and richly fragrant, praised by people of successive dynasties. It has high ornamental and medicinal value. Since it was recorded as a medicinal plant in the Shennong Bencao Jing in the Qin and Han dynasties, it has appeared in various ancient texts through the ages, with no lack of writings. It has formed a peony culturology encompassing multiple disciplines including botany, horticulture, pharmacology, geography, literature, art, and folklore. It is a component of Chinese national culture and folklore, a cell of the complete organism of Chinese national culture. Through it, one can discern the general characteristics of Chinese national culture - this is the phenomenon of "cultural holography."
The origin of peony culture, if counted from the appearance of peony in poetry in the Classic of Poetry, dates back about 3,000 years. In the Qin and Han dynasties, peony was recorded as a medicinal plant in the Shennong Bencao Jing, and peony had entered pharmacology. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Yang Zihua of the Northern Qi painted peonies, and peony had entered the artistic field. Historical records state that Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty built the Western Garden in Luoyang and ordered the realm to present rare stones and flowers. Yizhou presented twenty boxes of peonies, which were planted in the Western Garden. From then on, peonies entered imperial gardens and became involved in horticulture. In the Tang Dynasty, peony poems emerged in large numbers. Liu Yuxi's "Only the peony is truly of national beauty; when it blooms, the whole capital is stirred" is widely admired; Li Bai's "Clouds remind me of her clothes, flowers remind me of her face; the spring breeze brushes the railing, and the dew is rich" is an eternal masterpiece. Beginning in the Song Dynasty, in addition to a large number of peony poems and lyrics, monographs on peonies also appeared, such as Ouyang Xiu's Record of Luoyang Peonies, Lu You's Genealogy of Tianpeng Peonies, Qiu Jun's Record of Peony Honor and Disgrace, and Zhang Bangji's Record of Chenzhou Peonies - there were more than a dozen in the Song Dynasty. In the Yuan Dynasty, Yao Sui wrote Preface to Peonies; in the Ming Dynasty, Gao Lian wrote Peony Flower Manual, Wang Xiangjin wrote Compendium of Fragrant Flowers, and Xue Fengxiang wrote History of Bozhou Peonies; in the Qing Dynasty, Wang Hao wrote Expanded Compendium of Fragrant Flowers, Su Yumei wrote Genealogy of Caonan Peonies, and Yu Peng wrote Genealogy of Caozhou Peonies, and so on. Peony poems, lyrics, essays, and rhapsodies scattered in various miscellaneous works and collected writings of successive dynasties, peony legends and stories spread throughout folk flower villages, and peony cultural phenomena in sculpture, carving, painting, music, drama, clothing, daily life, and food are too numerous to mention.
Peony culture is compatible with many sciences, and its composition is very broad. It includes philosophy, religion, literature, art, education, customs, and folk ways - all cultural fields. The cultural information provided in peony culture can reflect the basic outline of national culture and conforms to the "law of holography" in the universe.
Peony culture is part of national culture. Compared with other types of culture, peony culture has:
Relatively strong biological characteristics
Relatively strong pharmacological characteristics
Relatively strong horticultural characteristics
Relatively strong aesthetic characteristics
Relatively strong literary characteristics
A relatively strong local flavor
A strong sense of wealth and nobility
A strong aftertaste of life
A strong atmosphere of daily life
A strong tourism atmosphere, and other characteristics.
Peony culture is a product of the combination of spiritual civilization and material civilization. From the history of peony development in ancient and modern times, at home and abroad, this is indeed so. Peony development occurs in prosperous times; in times of peace and prosperity people enjoy peonies, and so it is with peony culture. "When the nation's fortune flourishes, the flower's fortune flourishes." History has once again proved this profound philosophy.
Historically, the ancient capital Luoyang had the most and the best peonies. There were two traditional famous varieties: one with yellow flowers called Yao Huang, and another with purple flowers called Wei Zi, which have been passed down to this day. "Luoyang peonies are unmatched under heaven." The peony has been designated the city flower of Luoyang, and April 11 to May 5 each year has been set as the "Luoyang Peony Festival." During each festival, Chinese and foreign tourists gather to admire the king of flowers. In addition, the peony is called the noblest among flowers in China.
The Peony Garden of Shanghai Botanical Garden collects hundreds of peony varieties, including Central Plains varieties, northwest varieties, southwest varieties, Jiangnan varieties, Japanese varieties, and European and American varieties. Every year around "Grain Rain," peonies bloom successively, with brilliant colors and rich flower forms, delighting the eye. To satisfy the many peony enthusiasts, Shanghai Botanical Garden regularly introduces popular peonies every year. At the same time, the work of breeding varieties is also continuously advancing. At present, peony researchers at Shanghai Botanical Garden have obtained two new peony varieties, making a contribution to the peony cause.
Painting
Because peony flowers are beautiful in form and brilliant yet elegant in color, they are a subject often depicted by contemporary painters, such as Yu Zhizhen and Wu Yuyang.
Poetry
Peony by Xue Tao
Last spring they scattered at late spring's hour, tears soaked the red paper, grieving parting's power. I often feared we'd scatter like Wu Gorge's cloud, why then meet again at Wuling's trysting hour?
Feelings are always conveyed through fragrance fine, though speechless, we still know each other's mind. I only wish to set a mat beside the rail, and in deep night leisurely share our longing tale.
Peony by Li Xiaoguang
In wealth and elegance it surpasses all compare, a hundred flowers bow their heads to its fragrant dust. Embroidered rails and canopies surround red jade fair, cloud brocade and sunset robes on green turf rest.
Heaven made it peerless, able to top the world, in all the land no beauty can be its neighbor. A famous flower is also hard to cultivate, it rightly costs heaven's work and ten thousand hu of spring.
Qingping Diao by Li Bai (Tang)
A branch of red brilliance, dew congeals its fragrance, cloud and rain at Wu Mountain vainly break the heart. May I ask who in the Han palace could compare, alas, only Feiyan leaning on her red adornment.
Inscribed on the Imperial Brush Peony by Wang Guowei (Qing)
Moluo of the Western Regions vies in fashionable dress, cherry blossoms of the Eastern Sea boast national fragrance. Having seen all the spring worlds of the great thousand, the peony through all time is the king of flowers.
White Peony by Wei Zhuang (Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms)
In the boudoir, do not envy the newly adorned wife, on the road, the powdered gentleman feels shame. Last night the moon shone deep as water, entering the gate one only feels a courtyard of fragrance.
Pitying the Peony by Bai Juyi (Tang)
Melancholy before the steps, the red peonies stand, by evening only two branches remain. Tomorrow when the wind rises they should all be blown away, at night I pity the fading red and hold a torch to see.
Planting Peonies by Lu You (Song)
Hoe in hand in the courtyard among green moss, dark purple and red I plant with my own hands. This old man, doddering, has passed eighty, before death how many more times will I see them bloom.
Peony by Pi Rixiu, Tang
When all fading reds have fallen, it begins to send forth fragrance, its fine name is called the king of a hundred flowers. All vie in praising its unmatched beauty under heaven, it stands alone as the finest fragrance in the world.
Admiring Peonies by Liu Yuxi, Tang
Before the courtyard, Chinese peonies are alluring but lack rank; on the pond, lotus flowers are pure but lack feeling. Only the peony is truly of national beauty; when it blooms, the whole capital is stirred.
Red Peony by Wang Wei, Tang
Green brilliance, leisurely and quiet, red robes pale then deep. The flower's heart grieves as if about to break; how would spring's colors know its heart.
Peony Flower by Luo Yin, Tang
As if sharing the east wind with a special cause, crimson silk high-rolled cannot bear the spring.
If it could understand speech it would overthrow a kingdom; even if it were heartless it would still move people.
The Chinese peony serves as your close attendant; where can the hibiscus avoid your fragrant dust.
Pity that after Lord Han's achievements were complete, he failed this lush splendor and passed his life.
Laughter Among a Hundred Flowers
Petals soft and gentle, layer upon layer of love, fragrant stamens downy and burning bright they open. Among a hundred flowers they smile against the sun, a whole expanse of spring color gathered in the embrace.
The Peony Pavilion by Tang Xianzu, The Peony Pavilion
Ask you what you desire, ask you what you seek; to die beneath the peony flowers, even as a ghost one is romantic!
You also desire nothing, you also seek nothing; do not let a lonely woman enter the bedchamber to dispel a thousand sorrows!
Legend of the Peony by Xu Shuxin (contemporary)
Expelled from the western capital and banished to Luoyang, proud in heart and beautiful in form, it surpasses all flowers. The absurd affair of cutting roots and charring bones has led poets to speak of Empress Wu.
Four Poems in Praise of Peonies by Dai Zhaoyang
No. 1
At Grain Rain's third morning the fragrance sways, its radiance seems to fill the clouds and sky. Having weathered snow and frost, its spirit remains; one night of spring wind brings forth Erqiao.
No. 2
Like soft rain, near the steps there is none, the bud-bearing peony's appearance is naturally rare. Wait until next spring when the colors are fine, the flowers will bloom and fragrance fill the new wine jar.
No. 3
Spring comes to the peony flower, greeting the wind it sends forth tender shoots. When the heavenly fragrance comes in season, today it arrives at my home.
No. 4
Gazing from the water's edge to the far horizon, wild geese come again across the vast sky. The spring wind turns the rain green, and first coaxes the peony into bloom.
The Language of Peonies
1. With full, generous petals, it is called the king of a hundred flowers, symbolizing completeness, deep affection, wealth and honor, and stately elegance.
2. Life, expectation, quiet love, wholehearted devotion.
3. Noble purity, dignified grace, ten thousand charms, national beauty and heavenly fragrance, a person of their word.
Peony pictures