How to Manage Peony Flowers
Peony flowers are被誉为 the king of flowers, but many flower enthusiasts often encounter problems such as few blooms and weak plants during the maintenance process. In fact, by mastering a few key maintenance points, even beginners can make peonies bloom beautifully every year. Today, let's systematically sort out the key points of the full process of peony maintenance at home, from planting to daily management.
Ⅰ. Three Core Elements of Peony Planting and Maintenance
Soil Improvement and Planting Techniques
The best planting period is September to October, choosing loose and fertile neutral soil. It is recommended to mix decomposed sheep manure or soybean cake fertilizer into the planting hole in advance as a base fertilizer. When planting, spread the roots naturally, and after covering the soil, slightly lift the plant to make the roots fit tightly with the soil. Special attention should be paid to keeping the junction of the rootstock 2-3 centimeters below the ground, which is the key to ensure survival.
Water and Fertilizer Management System
Water thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil slightly moist during the germination period in spring. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer before flowering to promote bud differentiation, and supplement full-element fertilizer after flowering to recover vitality. It is especially recommended to use a combination of bone meal and straw ash as organic fertilizer, which can not only adjust the soil pH but also enhance plant resistance.
Shaping and Pruning of Plant Shape
Remove dead and weak branches early in spring each year, retaining 5-7 main branches to form a good ventilation structure. Prune the remaining flowers after flowering to avoid nutrient consumption, and pay attention to retaining leaf buds to store energy for flowering next year.
Ⅱ. Special Considerations for Maintenance in All Seasons
Management During High Temperature and Rainy Season
Avoid watering during the high-temperature period at noon in summer, and adopt drip irrigation in the early morning or evening. During the plum rain season, it is necessary to clear the drainage ditches in a timely manner, and set up temporary shelters if necessary to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Protection Measures for Overwintering
In the northern regions, earth should be added for insulation before November, with a height of 20 cm to protect the root neck. Combine winter irrigation with the application of decomposed barnyard manure, which can both keep warm and slowly release nutrients. It is recommended to wrap the branches with straw or non-woven fabric to prevent frost damage.
Comprehensive Control of Diseases and Pests
Spray lime sulfur mixture in the early spring germination period to prevent diseases, and hang yellow sticky insect boards during the bud stage to control aphids. If leaf spot disease is found, remove the diseased leaves in a timely manner and use garlic extract for biological control.
Through scientific water and fertilizer management and timely maintenance intervention, peony plants will reward your careful care with colorful flowers. Remember the key maintenance points and adjust the management plan flexibly according to the actual growth of the plant, and you will surely make this national treasure bloom beautifully every year, becoming the most eye-catching scenery in the courtyard.