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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple is a beautiful, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Paeoniaceae. It is a hybrid cultivar that was first introduced in 1949 by Samuel Wissing, a renowned American horticulturist. The plant is named after Shirley Temple, the famous American actress and singer who was popular in the 1930s and 1940s.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple has large, double flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are light pink in color and have a slight fragrance. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with dark green foliage that turns reddish-brown in the fall.
Care Guide
For optimal growth and healthy blooms, Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple requires the following care:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant may be susceptible to the following:
- Botrytis blight: A fungal disease that can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers.
- Nematodes: These are microscopic worms that can damage the roots and stunt the growth of the plant.
- Japanese beetles: These insects can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant.
Habitat
Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple is native to China, Japan, and Korea. The plant prefers cool climates and grows well in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I prune Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple?
A: Prune the plant in the fall after the foliage has died back. Cut the stems to ground level and dispose of the debris to prevent the spread of disease.
Q: How often should I fertilize Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Can I grow Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the roots and the soil is well-drained.
Q: When is the best time to plant Paeonia Lactiflora Shirley Temple?
A: The best time to plant the plant is in the fall, when the soil is cool and moist.
Related Plants
- Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima
- Paeonia Lactiflora Sarah Bernhardt
- Paeonia Lactiflora Karl Rosenfield
References
- “Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281460&isprofile=0&.
- “Shirley Temple.” American Peony Society, www.americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-cultivars/shirley-temple/.
- “Paeonia Lactiflora.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1005/paeonia-lactiflora/details.
