Chinese peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert'

Water

Peonies, including the Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert', should be watered deeply once a week during their active growth period, especially if the weather is dry. Provide about 1 inch of water to saturate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, which equates to roughly half a gallon per square foot. Adjust watering depending on rainfall, reducing it when rain provides moisture. During dormancy in the fall and winter, reduce watering significantly. Over-watering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.

Light

Peonies like the Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' prefer full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. They perform best in a spot that receives early morning sun, as this helps dry dew from the leaves and can decrease the likelihood of some fungal diseases. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in the afternoon, to protect the flowers from intense, direct sunlight which may shorten bloom duration; nonetheless, too much shade will reduce flowering.

Temperature

The common peony, including Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert', thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, withstanding minimum winter temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They enjoy a temperate climate and can survive brief periods of higher temperatures, but sustained heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental. Peonies flourish in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during their growing season.

Pruning

Peonies such as the Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' should be pruned to remove spent flowers after blooming to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the plant. In fall, after the foliage has yellowed, cut back the stems to just above ground level to prepare for winter and help prevent overwintering of diseases. Pruning is typically done annually; timing is essential to avoid cutting back early while the leaves are still green, as they feed the tuber for the next season's growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the best soil mix for Chinese Peony, combine two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part perlite or sand for drainage. Chinese Peony thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

Repotting

Chinese Peony rarely needs to be repotted as it prefers to be left undisturbed. It's best to replant or divide these perennials every 10 to 15 years, if necessary, in the fall after the plant has become dormant.

Humidity & Misting

Chinese Peony plants are tolerant of most humidity levels; they do well in the average humidity found in outdoor garden settings rather than being concerned with specific indoor humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and plant in deep pots for Chinese Peony.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sunny spot, well-draining soil, and space plants for Chinese Peony.

• Hardiness zone

  Chinese Peony is suitable for 3-8 USDA hardiness zones.

Life cycle

Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert', commonly known as Chinese peony, begins its life cycle as a dormant root that typically breaks dormancy in early spring when soil temperatures warm up. The plant then develops several stems that grow upward, unfurling compound leaves and eventually bearing large, showy flowers. After blooming in late spring to early summer, the plant sets seed if pollination occurs, within a seed pod that eventually dries and opens. Throughout the summer, the plant focuses on storing energy in its root system to survive the upcoming dormancy. As autumn approaches, the foliage begins to yellow and die back, and the plant goes dormant for the winter, withdrawing energy into its roots. The life cycle repeats each year, with the plant gradually increasing in size and flower production as it matures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early autumn

• Propogation: Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert', commonly known as the Chinese peony, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time to propagate this plant by division is in the fall, after the foliage has died back. This allows the plant to establish in cooler temperatures with less stress. To propagate, carefully dig up the peony clump and gently shake off the excess soil. Using a sharp knife or garden spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least three to five eyes, which are the potential growth points for next year's shoots. After division, replant the sections at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 3 feet (approximately 0.91 meters) apart to allow for mature spread. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and keep them moist until the ground freezes in colder climates.