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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major, also known as the White Peony, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. It is native to China and is widely cultivated for its large, fragrant, and showy flowers. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It blooms in late spring to early summer and produces large, cup-shaped flowers that are white in color with yellow stamens. The foliage is dark green and deeply lobed, providing a beautiful backdrop to the stunning flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major has large, cup-shaped flowers that are white in color with yellow stamens. The flowers can grow up to 8 inches in diameter and are very fragrant. The foliage is dark green and deeply lobed, with each leaf consisting of 5 to 7 leaflets. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has a bushy growth habit and makes a great addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Water: Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major requires moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and again in early summer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil structure and fertility.
Sunlight: Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, which means it can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major is generally healthy and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases, such as botrytis blight and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. The plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major is native to China and is widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world. It prefers cool climates and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40°F. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot and dry weather.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major?
A: The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Q: When should I fertilize Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and again in early summer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Q: Can Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major grow in shade?
A: The plant can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
Related Plants
- Paeonia Lactiflora
- Paeonia Suffruticosa
- Paeonia Delavayi
- Paeonia Tenuifolia
References
- “Paeonia lactiflora”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
- “Paeonia Lactiflora Whitleyi Major”. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
- “Botrytis Blight of Peony”. University of Illinois Extension. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
