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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Paeoniaceae. It is also known as the ‘Peony’ and is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is popular for its large, showy flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. It has a bushy growth habit and dark green foliage that is deeply lobed and attractive. The flowers of this plant are medium-sized with a diameter of about 6-8 inches. They are double-flowered, meaning they have multiple layers of petals, and are a bright magenta-red color. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are a popular choice for cut flowers and floral arrangements.
Care Guide
Water: Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior prefers evenly moist soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. Use a slow-release fertilizer or apply liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Soil: Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting. Sunlight: Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade. Hardiness Zones: Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior is generally a low-maintenance plant that does not suffer from many pests or diseases. However, some common issues that may arise include: Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes gray mold on the flowers and leaves. Remove affected plant material and improve air circulation around the plant. Phytophthora Blight: This fungal disease causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Remove affected plant material and avoid overwatering. Japanese Beetles: These insects can defoliate the plant. Handpick them off the plant or use a neem oil spray to repel them.
Habitat
Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior is native to East Asia and grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and along riverbanks. In cultivation, it prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior? A: Water the plant deeply once a week or more if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Q: What is the hardiness zone for Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior? A: Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Q: Can I use Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior as a cut flower? A: Yes, the flowers of Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior are popular for cut flowers and floral arrangements. Q: Does Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior attract pollinators? A: Yes, the large, showy flowers of Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Paeonia Lactiflora Illini Warrior:- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Paeonia lactiflora ‘Illini Warrior’. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286097&isprofile=0&- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Peonies. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/perennials/peonies
