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PEONY
Peony, genus Paeonia, is the common name for about 33 species of perennial
flowering plants. The large showy flowers range in color from white to pink,
pink to red, red to purple and a few yellows. Peonies can be found in a single
bloom, semi-double and a double bloon. Bloom size varies between 3 inches
and 12 inches.
All are erect herbs or shrubs from tuberous roots. Height will vary with
the variety, but all normally range from 2 feet to 3 feet. Leaves are large
and attractive. The life span of this plant is normally 15 years.
Growing tips: Peonies need a deep, humusy, well-drained soil. Set "buds"
or "eyes" 1-1 1/2 inches below the soil surface in full sun to partial shade.
Planting too deep will inhibit flowering. Space them 3 feet apart.
Propagation: While some recommend not moving or separating the peony
I have had luck doing this. August is an ideal time of year for separating the
roots. Doing this every 4 years has not hurt the plants that I grow. I do
recommend a root stimulator and a good flowering shrub food. A water based
fertilizer is fine once in awhile, however a granular or pellet formula is what
I use.
Tree Peony: The Japanese tree peony is another you may want to try.
It grows 4-7 feet high. Flowers are up to 12 inches wide. I have seen these in
white, pink, red and purple. Full sun will fade these flowers.
happy gardening!
Iris
August is a great time for planting iris. These hardy plants
have been a favorite of gardeners for years. Irises can be found is nearly every
possible color; there are also bicolored cultivars, as well as ones with petals
edged in contrsting colors. The bloom time for the iris will vary from mid to late
spring. They range in height from 16 inches to over 3 feet.
Bearded Iris are easily grown. They prefer a moderate fertile, moist, well-drained
soil. When planting new rhizomes, remember to put them about 1 inch deep in full sun,
spacing them approximately 10-16 inches apart. It is best to plant them in groups of
three, with the fans pointing in the direction you would like for them to grow.
When I am shopping for new iris, I like to watch the bloom times. by doing this you
can enjoy your iris from the first of their season until the last possible bloom time. Also
there are other varieties of iris you may want to add to your garden. Miniatures, which are
planted in August or September which are very nice bloomers. The japenese iris which can
withstand some shade and the dutch iris. The dutch iris is favored by florists as a cut flower.
have fun gardening!
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last updated September 18, 1996
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