Itoh Peony Paeonia 'Bartzella' (d)
ABOUT
The 'Bartzella' peony is a visually stunning plant known for its large, showy flowers. These blossoms boast a rich, bright yellow color and possess a soft, silky texture that can draw the eyes of any garden admirer. Each flower is semi-double to fully double, meaning they have multiple rows of fluffy petals that create a full, ruffled appearance. The heart of the flower often displays a hint of red at the base of the petals, adding depth and contrast to the bloom. In the center, a modest cluster of yellow stamens may be visible, adding to the flower's character. These stamens are surrounded by small, green carpels. The foliage of the 'Bartzella' peony is a deep green color and presents itself as a luscious backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The leaves are usually divided into several leaflets with a somewhat glossy finish and a leathery texture. The 'Bartzella' peony blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a period of captivating beauty in the garden. The plant is recognized for its robust nature and its blossoms emit a pleasant, sweet fragrance that can be enjoyed from a distance. This peony variant is a garden favorite, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its perennial nature, returning year after year to dazzle onlookers with its spectacular floral display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae
Synonyms
Itoh Peony, Intersectional Peony, Bartzella Peony
Common names
Paeonia 'Bartzella'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the Itoh peony is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, sensitive individuals may experience mild stomach upset if any part of the plant is ingested. It is always best to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual reactions or the presence of pesticide residues.
To pets
The Itoh peony is also not considered highly toxic to pets. However, if pets consume large amounts of the plant, they may experience gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is generally recommended to prevent your pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential problems.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Paeonia 'Bartzella' produces large, vibrant yellow flowers that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Long Bloom Time: This variety has a longer flowering period compared to other peony species, often blooming for several weeks in late spring to early summer.
- Fragrant Flowers: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance which can add an olfactory dimension to gardens.
- Ease of Care: Bartzella peonies are relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making them suitable for many gardeners including beginners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are quite tolerant to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which help in pollinating other plants and maintaining healthy biodiversity.
- Deer Resistant: This plant tends to be resistant to deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardens.
- Landscape Versatility: Bartzella peonies can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, foundation plantings, or as a focal point in a floral arrangement.
- Cold Hardy: This cultivar is capable of withstanding cold winter temperatures, making it an excellent choice for gardens in colder climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Petals of the peony 'Bartzella' can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering hues of pink or light red depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: 'Bartzella' peonies are often used as the subject in floral photography thanks to their bright yellow blooms and full, rounded shape.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use 'Bartzella' peonies as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, and other forms of art due to their striking appearance.
- Fragrance Collection: The petals of 'Bartzella' peonies can be collected and used in potpourris or sachets to provide a soft, floral fragrance to drawers and closets.
- Culinary Decoration: Peonies like the 'Bartzella' can serve as an elegant, organic garnish for desserts and other dishes at high-end culinary events, though they are not typically consumed.
- Bookmark Crafting: Dried petals of the peony 'Bartzella' can be laminated or pressed to create unique, floral-themed bookmarks.
- Wedding Confetti: Rather than using paper confetti, some couples choose to use biodegradable 'Bartzella' peony petals for their wedding exit toss.
- Handcrafted Paper: Petals of the 'Bartzella' can be incorporated into the pulp used for making handmade paper, creating a textured and decorative effect.
- Religious Ceremonies: In some cultures, peonies like the 'Bartzella' are used to decorate altars or religious spaces during certain ceremonies due to their symbolic meaning of prosperity and honor.
- Educational Tool: 'Bartzella' peonies can be used in schools and educational programs to teach children about plant lifecycles, pollination, and botany.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Itoh Peony is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Itoh Peony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: The 'Bartzella' peony, like other peonies, is often associated with wealth and good fortune, making it a popular choice in festivities or occasions aiming to attract prosperity.
- Romance: Peonies are traditionally linked with romantic love, with lush, full blooms that embody the ideal of beauty in a romantic context.
- Compassion: The soft and rounded petals of the peony can represent compassion and empathy, suggesting a gentle and caring attitude.
- Honor: Peonies have been regarded as a symbol of honor, especially in Eastern cultures, where they are highly revered and often depicted in art and literature.
- Wealth: Beyond material prosperity, peonies like 'Bartzella' can symbolize a wealth of emotions or personal growth, embodying an abundance of positive qualities.
- Happiness: The bright and bold appearance of 'Bartzella' peonies, with their cheerful yellow hues, is commonly associated with happiness and joy.
WaterThe Itoh Peony, including the 'Bartzella' cultivar, should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which equals approximately 0.623 gallons per square yard. During hot and dry weather, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. It’s important to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. In the fall, reduce watering to help the plant prepare for dormancy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot diseases.
LightThe Itoh Peony thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. The best spot for this plant would be an area that gets direct morning light and some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureItoh Peonies prefer temperate climates and survive best between 40°F and 75°F. They are cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°F, ensuring their survival through harsh winters. The plant enters dormancy in winter, and the ideal growing conditions occur in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate.
PruningThe Itoh Peony should be pruned to remove spent flower heads after blooming to promote plant health and appearance. In fall, cut the foliage back to the ground to prepare for winter and to help prevent disease. Prune only the dead or damaged wood in the spring to maintain plant vigor and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilItoh Peony (Paeonia 'Bartzella') thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix containing two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Regular organic matter additions will help maintain soil fertility and structure.
RepottingItoh Peonies, like Paeonia 'Bartzella', generally do not need to be repotted frequently as they are long-lived perennials. They should typically be repotted or divided every 5 to 10 years if they become overcrowded or if the soil conditions deteriorate.
Humidity & MistingItoh Peonies such as Paeonia 'Bartzella' are relatively tolerant of various humidity levels but prefer average humidity. They do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their appropriate climate zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Itoh Peony is not suited for indoor growing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Itoh peony 'Bartzella' starts its life cycle when the seed germinates in the soil, usually requiring a period of stratification (cold treatment) to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops its first true leaves and continues to grow, forming a root system and vegetative structures through spring and summer. As a perennial, 'Bartzella' enters a dormant phase during the autumn and winter months, where the above-ground foliage dies back, and the plant conserves energy in its root system. In the following spring, the plant emerges from dormancy, producing strong stems and lush foliage as it prepares for its flowering stage. The blooming period occurs in late spring to early summer, showcasing large, showy yellow flowers that are a distinctive characteristic of this cultivar. After flowering, the plant sets seed, and as the season progresses, it builds up reserves in its roots again for the next cycle of dormancy and growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Paeonia 'Bartzella', more commonly known as Itoh peony, is ideally propagated through division. This process is best done in the fall, when the plant is entering dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the peony plant, ensuring that you keep a generous amount of soil around the roots to reduce stress. Gently separate the root clump into sections, each with at least three to five eyes, which are the growth nodes where new stems will emerge. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were previously growing, ensuring that the eyes are just below the soil surface, typically around 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) deep. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and help with recovery and growth.
