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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Walter Mains, also known as Walter Mains Peony, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. It is native to China and has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental and medicinal properties. The plant has large, showy, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
The Walter Mains Peony grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has deep green, lobed leaves that are 6-8 inches long. The flowers are typically pink or white, although there are several cultivars with different colors. The flowers can be up to 7 inches in diameter and have a sweet, pleasant fragrance. The plant blooms for about 2-3 weeks in late spring or early summer.
Care Guide
The Walter Mains Peony is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant needs regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Walter Mains Peony is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on the leaves and flowers.
- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves.
- Nematodes: These soil-dwelling pests can cause stunted growth and root damage.
- Japanese Beetles: These insects can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant.
Habitat
The Walter Mains Peony is native to China, but is now widely cultivated throughout the world. It prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Walter Mains Peony grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How long does it take for the plant to bloom?
A: The plant typically blooms for 2-3 weeks in late spring or early summer.
Q: Can the plant tolerate drought?
A: No, the plant needs regular watering and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: Can the plant be propagated by cuttings?
A: No, the plant is typically propagated by division.
Related Plants
- Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
- Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’
- Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’
- Paeonia lactiflora ‘Felix Crousse’
References
- “Paeonia lactiflora.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 25 March 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276801&isprofile=0&basic=Paeonia%20lactiflora>.
- “Paeonia lactiflora.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 25 March 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/24977/Paeonia-lactiflora/Details>.
- “Walter Mains Peony.” Plant Finder. Accessed 25 March 2021. <https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1631/walter-mains-peony/>.
