How to Care for Peonies in Summer
This article introduces how to care for peonies in summer and the cultivation techniques for potted peonies, covering the knowledge of flowers and plants. Here is a comprehensive introduction.
Peonies are famous flowers in our country, suitable for cultivation in gardens, parks, and balconies. To ensure peonies survive the summer safely, special attention should be paid to light and water requirements. Improper care can cause the plant to wither. Proper summer care can result in full blooms the following year. With many varieties, peonies have a high ornamental value during their flowering period. In traditional Chinese paintings, peonies are diverse in shape and vibrant in color, making them deeply loved by people. Let's talk about how to care for peonies in summer.
I. Summer Care Methods
1. Light and Temperature Requirements
Peonies enjoy sunlight but are sensitive to direct exposure and high temperatures. Strong summer sunlight can burn the plants, so it's necessary to provide moderate shading. For potted peonies, they can be placed on east-facing balconies to receive morning sunlight, but if placed on south-facing balconies, they should be shaded and well-ventilated.
The optimal growth temperature for peonies is between 10 and 20°C. If the temperature is too high, growth may temporarily stop, so it's necessary to shade the plants to reduce temperature. You can also spray water on the leaves, but not too much to keep them slightly moist.
2. Air and Soil Moisture Requirements
Most peony varieties bloom in spring,集中在 April. Summer is also a period of vigorous growth for branches and leaves, requiring sufficient water. Some varieties, like the Central China peony, need increased watering during summer when they bloom.
Ensure adequate water supply and water when the soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. If there is积水 in the pot after rain, loosen the soil slightly and place it in a sunny, well-ventilated area to evaporate the excess water until the soil is slightly moist. Maintain relatively dry, loose, and well-draining soil. If the soil becomes compacted, it needs to be loosened.
3. Disease and Pest Control
During the hot and humid summer, black spot and gray mold diseases may occur. Preventive measures should be taken by spraying a 1180-fold稀释 of Bordeaux mixture or a 70% thiophanate-methyl 1000-fold dilution every 30 days. Additionally, spray fungicides like carbendazim or methyl thiophanate to prevent anthracnose. In severe cases, spray every 5 days until the end of September. To control longicorn beetles, you can bury camphor balls at the root. Use 40% omethoate emulsion to control scale insects and aphids.
II. Precautions
1. Maintenance Pruning and Weeding
To ensure plant health and promote blooming the following year, timely and appropriate pruning is necessary. Retain 1 to 2 full axillary buds on new branches and clear away weak buds. If seeds are not needed, prune the spent flowers promptly after blooming to prevent the plant from using nutrients to produce fruits.
If there are diseased branches or leaves, they should also be pruned promptly. Summer's high temperatures and heavy rain can promote weed growth, so it's important to weed in a timely manner.
2. Fertilizing After Blooming
After blooming, top-dress with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, or use decomposed cake fertilizer and organic fertilizer mixed with compound fertilizer. Be careful not to let the fertilizer touch the roots or get on the leaves. When applying compound fertilizer to potted peonies, do not exceed the recommended amount. Dilute the fertilizer and apply it near the root zone, fertilizing every 15 days.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of how to care for peonies in summer and the cultivation techniques for potted peonies. I hope it helps you.