Contents
Description
Paeonia First Arrival is a stunning herbaceous perennial plant that produces large, fragrant, pink flowers. It was first introduced in 2005 by hybridizer Don Hollingsworth and has since become a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. This beautiful plant can be easily grown in gardens, borders, and containers, and it blooms in the late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Angiospermae |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus: | Paeonia |
Appearance
Paeonia First Arrival has large, double flowers that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. The flowers are a beautiful shade of pink, with a darker pink center and lighter pink outer petals. The petals are ruffled and have a silky texture, making them a favorite among flower enthusiasts. The plant itself can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and it has dark green foliage that is deeply lobed and attractive even when the plant is not in bloom.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Paeonia First Arrival thrives, it’s important to follow these care guidelines:
- Water: Water your plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once in the spring and once in the fall with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your Paeonia First Arrival in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sun per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Paeonia First Arrival is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, so make sure it’s suitable for your climate before planting.
Common Pests & Diseases
While Paeonia First Arrival is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, it can still fall victim to a few common pests and diseases. These include:
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers, and can eventually kill the plant if left untreated.
- Nematodes: These microscopic worms can damage the roots of the plant and cause stunted growth.
- Japanese Beetles: These pests can damage the foliage and flowers of the plant, and can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Paeonia First Arrival is native to Asia and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and mountain slopes. In cultivation, it can be grown in gardens, borders, and containers, and it prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
- Can Paeonia First Arrival be grown in containers?
Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its roots and the soil is well-draining. - What is the best time to plant Paeonia First Arrival?
The best time to plant this plant is in the fall, when the soil is still warm but the air temperature is cooler. - Does Paeonia First Arrival attract pollinators?
Yes, this plant attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens. - How long does Paeonia First Arrival bloom?
This plant typically blooms for 2-3 weeks in the late spring to early summer.
Related Plants
If you love Paeonia First Arrival, you may also be interested in these related plants:
- Paeonia Bowl of Beauty
- Paeonia Sarah Bernhardt
- Paeonia Coral Charm
- Paeonia Karl Rosenfield
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Paeonia First Arrival. Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Hollingsworth, D. (n.d.). Paeonia First Arrival. Hollingsworth Peonies.
- Gardenia.net. (n.d.). Paeonia First Arrival. Gardenia.
