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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Golly, commonly known as peony, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width. This plant produces large, fragrant flowers in various shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. It blooms in late spring and early summer and has a long lifespan, with some plants living up to 100 years. Paeonia Lactiflora Golly is a popular ornamental plant that is commonly used in gardens, parks, and floral arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
| Species | Lactiflora |
Appearance
Paeonia Lactiflora Golly has a bushy, upright growth habit and produces large, showy flowers that can be up to 10 inches in diameter. The flowers have a cup-shaped structure with overlapping petals and a central cluster of yellow stamens. The foliage of this plant is dark green and deeply lobed, with a glossy texture. The leaves can be up to 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. Paeonia Lactiflora Golly is a deciduous plant, meaning that it loses its leaves in the fall and goes dormant during the winter.
Care Guide
To keep Paeonia Lactiflora Golly healthy and thriving, it is important to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
Water: Paeonia Lactiflora Golly needs moderate watering, with the soil being kept moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring using a balanced fertilizer, and repeat the process after the flowers have bloomed. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth and decreased flower production.
Soil: Paeonia Lactiflora Golly prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting to ensure that it has the right nutrients.
Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. Provide it with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but avoid planting it in areas with intense, direct sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: Paeonia Lactiflora Golly is hardy in zones 3-8, meaning that it can tolerate cold temperatures and frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paeonia Lactiflora Golly is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Botrytis blight: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves and flowers, as well as a grayish mold on the plant. To prevent botrytis blight, avoid over-watering and overcrowding, and remove infected plant parts immediately.
Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne disease causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow, and can eventually kill the plant. To prevent verticillium wilt, avoid planting in areas with infected soil, and remove infected plants immediately.
Japanese beetles: These insects can eat the foliage and flowers of Paeonia Lactiflora Golly, causing damage to the plant. To prevent Japanese beetles, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and handpick the beetles off the plant.
Habitat
Paeonia Lactiflora Golly is native to China, Japan, and Korea, and has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental value. It grows best in temperate climates with cool, moist summers and cold winters. In the wild, it can be found growing in woodland areas and along stream banks.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Paeonia Lactiflora Golly difficult to grow?
A: No, this plant is relatively easy to grow as long as it is provided with the right care and conditions.
Q: Can Paeonia Lactiflora Golly be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its size and growth habit.
Q: When is the best time to transplant Paeonia Lactiflora Golly?
A: The best time to transplant this plant is in the fall, after it has gone dormant.
Q: How can I encourage more blooms on my Paeonia Lactiflora Golly?
A: To encourage more blooms, deadhead the spent flowers immediately after they fade, and fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Paeonia Lactiflora Golly:
- Paeonia Suffruticosa
- Paeonia Veitchii
- Paeonia Tenuifolia
- Paeonia Lutea
References
- “Peony.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=256974&isprofile=0&pt=2.
- “Peonies.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/peonies.
- “Paeonia Lactiflora.” Plant Database, www.plantdatabase.info/plant-paeonia-lactiflora.html.
