What plant is peony?
As one of the six famous traditional flowers in China, peony is deeply loved by people for its elegant and luxurious appearance. Is this peon-like plant a herb or a woody plant? Let us comprehensively analyze the true identity and growth code of peony from botanical characteristics to cultivation practice. Analysis of the attributes and morphological characteristics of paeonia lactiflora belongs to the perennial herb of the genus paeonia in the Ranunculaceae. Its underground root necks are clustered with fleshy root roots, which store nutrients in a spindle-like structure. The stem height is 30-80 cm, which is different from the lignified stems of woody peonies. 5-6 The blooming period of the full moon presents a shallow cup-shaped flower plate. The petals of the original species are obovate, with the number of 5-13. After thousands of years of cultivation, eight color colors such as red, pink, purple and yellow have been formed, and the number of double petals varieties can reach hundreds of petals. Growth cycle characteristics As a typical perennial herb, the aboveground part of peony withers in late autumn every year and relies on underground root roots to overwinter. The germination temperature in spring needs to reach above 5℃, and the suitable temperature for flowering is 18-25℃, fully following the phenological laws of herbs. Its life cycle is as long as 20-30 years, but it always maintains its herbaceous morphological characteristics. Geographical distribution Rule Wild peony is mainly distributed between 30-50 degrees north latitude and vertically distributed in areas with an altitude of 480- 2,300 meters. A continuous distribution zone is formed from northeast to Gansu in China, and there are also natural communities in Japan, the Korean Peninsula and Siberia. The artificial cultivation area has been expanded to the Yellow River Basin and provinces north of the Yangtze River, forming famous peony cultivation centers such as Luoyang and Heze. Scientific Conservation Guidelines Environmental factors control peony roots prefer an environment with sufficient light. It is recommended to maintain direct light for 6 hours a day. A substrate formula of garden soil: river sand: humus soil =5:3:2 is adopted, and the pH value is controlled between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintain soil moisture at 40%-60% in spring and autumn, properly shade and protect during high temperature periods in summer, and naturally wintering can be achieved above-15℃ in winter. Key points of cultivation techniques: rationing should be carried out from September to October, and rationing should be carried out every 3-4 years to ensure plant vitality. Apply NPK balanced fertilizer 3 times during the growth period, and add phosphorus and potassium fertilizer before flowering. Pay attention to the prevention and control of ring rot disease, remove diseased leaves in time and spray with mancozeb. It is recommended to use breathable pottery pots with a diameter of more than 30cm to ensure full development of the root system.
Through systematic analysis, it can be seen that peony is a typical herbaceous perennial plant, and its growth characteristics are completely in line with the characteristics of herbaceous plants. By mastering its biological characteristics and ecological needs, we can make this "May Flower God" bloom year after year. Whether it is courtyard landscaping or balcony potted plants, as long as scientific maintenance methods are followed, dazzling peony flowers can be successfully cultivated.