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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. It is a hybrid variety that produces large, double, white blooms with a creamy yellow center. These blooms can reach up to 8 inches in diameter and emit a sweet fragrance. The plant is known for its long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Paeoniales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice has a bushy, upright habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. Its dark green leaves are deeply lobed and provide a beautiful backdrop for the white blooms. The blossoms appear in late spring to early summer and last for several weeks. As the blooms fade, they turn a soft pink color, adding interest to the plant.
Care Guide
Water: Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the fall.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the plant begins to bloom. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak stems and smaller blooms.Soil: Plant Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice in fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.5-7.0). Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent the blooms from fading.Hardiness Zones: Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice is relatively pest and disease-free, but it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as botrytis and verticillium wilt in humid conditions. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Spider mites and scale insects may also infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring before the plant begins to bloom.Q: Can I grow Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice in a container?
A: Yes, but ensure that the container is large enough for the plant’s root system and provides good drainage.Q: When should I prune Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice?
A: Prune the plant in late fall after the foliage has died back. Cut back the stems to ground level.Q: How long do the blooms of Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice last?
A: The blooms can last for several weeks in late spring to early summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Paeonia Lactiflora Mother’s Choice:
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Mother’s Choice’
- Royal Horticultural Society: Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Mother’s Choice’
- Gardenia: Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Mother’s Choice’
