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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. It is native to China and is widely cultivated in gardens for its large, fragrant flowers. The plant can grow up to 3 feet in height and spread up to 3 feet in width. The flowers are pink in color with frilly petals that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
The Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert plant has a bushy growth habit with dark green leaves that are deeply lobed. The flowers are large, usually measuring 4-6 inches in diameter. The petals are frilly and pink in color, with a yellow center. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer and requires specific care to produce such beautiful blooms.
Care Guide
Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for this beautiful plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in early summer with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:
- Bud Blight: A fungal disease that causes buds to turn brown and die before opening.
- Botrytis Blight: A fungal disease that causes flower buds and leaves to rot.
- Japanese Beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing damage.
- Spider Mites: These pests feed on the plant’s leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.
Habitat
Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert is native to China, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and hillsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: When should I fertilize Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert?
A: Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in early summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What hardiness zones can Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert grow in?
A: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Q: How often should I water Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert?
A: Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What pests and diseases are common for Paeonia Lactiflora Laura Dessert?
A: The plant is susceptible to pests and diseases such as bud blight, botrytis blight, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.
Related Plants
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Duchesse de Nemours’
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Paeonia lactiflora ‘Laura Dessert’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c636
- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Peonies. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/perennials/peonies
- RHS. (n.d.). Paeonia lactiflora ‘Laura Dessert’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/131330/Paeonia-lactiflora-Laura-Dessert/Details
