Paeonia lactiflora Peony Itoh Bartzella – 20cm
This is an Itoh peony which is a mid-season flowering form. Peony Itoh Bartzella produces stunning luminous large, ruffled, double butter-yellow blooms. Ideal for growing in mixed garden borders, cottage gardens or for cut flowers. Position: Full Sun Height: 50-60cm Width: 50-60cm Itoh Peonies: Thrive in colder climates where the winters have frost and low temperatures. The colder the weather, usually results in better and better flowers. Itoh Peonies are hybrids produced by crossing a tree peony and herbaceous. They are robust, sturdy plants which produce flowers quicker than traditional varieties.
Preparing the soil:
Make sure the soil is friable and well-draining. Best grown in humus-rich soil with lots of Horticultural garden lime. The soil pH of 7.5-8 is ideal.
Planting Tips:
Avoid planting Peonies roots too deep if purchasing dormant tubers. Planting the root too deep can result in zero flowers. Prepare a hole which is only a few centimetres deep. Plant the root with the pink tips upright; these pink shoots should be no deeper than 1-2cm under the soil surface. Cover with soil gently and water it in.
Growing Tips:
All Peonies dislike being disturbed once planted. It can take up to 3 years for one plant to bloom. In the first 12 months, the plant is settling into the soil and forming a strong root-network. In the second year, they produce large amounts of foliage which will die down to the soil surface in late Autumn as the plant goes into dormancy. As the foliage dies down, it will be feeding nutrients back into the roots/tuber. By their year, Peonies are established and will begin to produce beautiful booms. As soon as the plant has been shifted or disturbed, the 3-year process begins all over again. It is important to plant your Peonies where you want them permanently.