Peony Sarah Bernhardt: description and characteristics of the variety, subtleties of cultivation, propagation methods

One of the most luxurious varieties of peony is Sarah Bernhardt. First introduced over a century ago, this elegant and fragrant plant is popular with gardeners. They love this variety of peony for the harmonious combination of spectacular appearance, noble shades and unpretentiousness.

Description and features

Peony Sarah Bernhardt is a perennial herbaceous plant that can decorate and transform a garden or summer cottage. Its large flowers have a dense texture and a terry surface. Numerous concave petals are arranged in the form of scales.The stems are low, but strong enough and stable, so that the peony does not need support. The bush looks very neat.

The Sarah Bernard peony variety is characterized by openwork leaves with a slight dissection, which retain their rich green color from April until late autumn.

The flowering period starts relatively late, lasting about 1-2 months. The color scheme is very noble, it is represented by white, red, pearl pink and milky flowers.

The story of the origin of the flower

The hybrid variety of peony was born more than a century ago. Its author was the famous breeder Pierre Lemoine, who was a contemporary and admirer of the talented actress Sarah Bernhardt. In his creation, he decided to embody the main features inherent in her - sophistication, charm, sophistication, grace and aristocracy.

Varieties

Peony Sarah Bernhardt is divided into several varieties.

Red Sarah Bernard

The Red Sarah Bernhardt peony variety is characterized by an expressive aroma, as well as strong, strong flower stalks. Large flowers have a truly luxurious color - dark red with a copper and ruby tint. The terry surface of their petals is in harmony with the glossy dark green foliage. The average height of such a bush is 85-90 centimeters.

White

White variety is characterized by snow-white flowers with a delicate terry surface and a pleasant sweetish aroma. Silver tint gives nobility and sophistication. The height of the peony bush is about 75 centimeters.

Unique

Sarah Bernard Yunick - a flower in pearly pink tones with pale lilac tints. Begins to bloom in the first half of summer.

Landing

Before planting peonies, soil requirements must be considered.

Choosing a seat

The peony likes plenty of light, so it is most comfortable in areas with natural sunlight and little shade. Strongly shaded places are not suitable, as they adversely affect flowering.

Soil Requirements

The best soil option for peony Sarah Bernhardt is loamy soil with a slightly acidic reaction. In the case of the predominance of clay in the composition of the soil, it is necessary to add purified river sand. If the soil contains more sand, you need to dilute it with clay. The soil with the highest pH needs to add lime at the rate of 300-350 grams per 1 m^{2 - this will optimize the acidity of the soil.}

Timing

Start planting a grassy peony Sarah Bernhardt should be in the spring, preferably at the end of April. Mandatory conditions are the absence of snow and frost, as well as stable warming of the air to a temperature of +12 ° С.

How to plant

Pits for planting peony bushes need to be prepared in advance - about two weeks in advance. At the bottom of each seat, add a nutrient mixture consisting of 200 g of superphosphate, 0.5 liters of wood ash solution, as well as equal parts of soddy soil, coarse river sand and humus.

Prepared for planting peony seedlings Sarah Bernhardt must be inspected for disease and any damage. If defects are found, hold the rhizomes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 15 minutes.

Then make a mound in the planting hole, place the seedling in it and sprinkle with the prepared substrate. Planting depth should not exceed 2.5-4 centimeters.

Care

A competent and regular move is the key to the development of a peony without disease.

Irrigation

The first watering of the plant is carried out immediately after planting. In the future, this luxurious flower should be watered at least twice a month in the evening. Each bush needs 30 liters of water. In prolonged dry weather, the frequency of water procedures should be increased.

Loosening and weeding

Weeding the soil in which the Sarah Bernard peony grows is required as weeds appear. After each watering, loosening is necessary. In autumn, all dry and damaged inflorescences should be removed to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Before wintering cut the stems. After the cut, there should be 1-2 centimeters above the kidneys.

Mulching

Mulching the soil with a mixture of wood ash and peat is recommended in spring to increase fertility.

Pion Sarah Bernard usually endures wintering with ease, but sometimes you need to play it safe. A layer of peat or immature compost can be used to cover bushes.

It is necessary to remove the covering material in the spring, immediately when the soil begins to thaw.

Feeding

The first top dressing made at the planting site will provide the peony bush with all the necessary nutrients for three years in advance. Subsequently, you will need to periodically fertilize the plant.

Nitrogen-based fertilizers favorably affect the budding process. And for the optimal formation of the root system, the peony will need fertilizers with a predominance of potassium and phosphorus.

It is unacceptable to apply any top dressing in dry soil conditions, as this can lead to burns of the roots and subsequent death of the plant.

Feed peonies only after rain or scheduled watering.

During the spring-summer period, Sarah Bernhardt peonies need top dressing in three stages:

1. In early spring, before the snow melts, sprinkle a mixture of carbamide and potassium sulfate (15 grams of each component) around the bush.
2. Before planting flowers, fertilize the plant with a mixture of 20 g of superphosphate, 15 g of potassium sulfate and 10 g of urea.
3. At the end of the peony flowering period, use a mixture of potassium and phosphorus supplements (15 grams each) to stimulate bud formation.

Diseases and pests

Peony Sarah Bernhardt, with proper care, is practically not susceptible to diseases and pests, but in some cases it can be bothered by gray rot, viruses and rodents.

Grey Rot

The disease, called gray mold, is a danger mainly to young and immature plants. Its main symptom is a gray coating on leaves, flowers and stems.

There are two effective preventive methods:

• Bordeaux mixture - 3 liters for 1 bush;
• garlic solution - 1 chopped head of garlic to 2 liters of water.

Both products are used to treat bushes in early spring.

Rust

Rust is a dangerous disease that leads to disruption of the metabolic process, as well as a decrease in immunity and winter hardiness of the plant. The causative agent is a rust fungus. It is easy to determine the infection - spots of a characteristic brown color appear on the leaves of the peony. To get rid of the disease, it is necessary to cut and burn all the affected areas of the bush.

Mosaic

Mosaic, or ring mosaic, is a viral disease that manifests itself in the form of yellow and light green spots and stripes localized on the surface of the leaves. Not amenable to treatment. In order to prevent further spread of infection, it is necessary to uproot and burn the bush.

Nematodes

Nematodes are small roundworms that infect leaves, flowers, stems and even plant roots. The main symptoms of pest activity are:

• stem curvature;
• bloating on rhizomes;
• yellowish shade of leaves.

It's hard to fight the nematode, since the abundance of chemicals is undesirable for the garden plot. The infected plant must be completely dug up and burned.

As a preventive measure, before planting a peony, you should carefully examine the roots, and clean the garden tools from the remnants of the earth and pour boiling water over them.

Rodents

Mice and other rodents are also enemies of peonies. They spoil the roots of plants, as a result of which the leaves begin to curl.

In order to protect, it is advisable to plant several plants next to peonies that have a deterrent effect on rodents. These include:

• black elderberry;
• chamomile;
• common tansy;
• peritrum girlish;
• wormwood.

Reproduction

There are several ways to propagate the variety.

Division of rhizomes

The easiest and most effective way is to divide the peony rhizomes in August or September.

It is recommended to carry out this procedure only on the 3-5th year after planting, so that the plant is strong enough and strong:

1. Retrieve the bush from the ground.
2. Clean the rhizome, remove rotten parts.
3. Keep the root in the sun for a few hours.
4. Carefully drive a wooden wedge into the center of the bush and split the root. Separated parts should have one root and 2-3 buds each.
5. Clean the cut surfaces with charcoal.
6. Place the obtained parts of the rhizomes in the previously prepared planting holes and water.

Collection and storage of seeds

Seeds must be collected from mid-August to early September, while their shells are moderately soft. In place of the flower, a box is formed, filled with rounded seeds. When the doors of the box open a little, it must be torn off and all contents removed.

For subsequent propagation, shiny large seeds of light brown color should be collected. You can store them in cardboard boxes or small glass containers.

Why doesn't bloom

Mistakes in care lead to lack of flowering.

Wrong choice of landing site

In a heavily shaded area, do not expect lush flowering. You can correct the situation by transplanting the peony to a small hill, well lit by the sun and blown by the wind.

Frequent transplants and divisions

Replanting a peony more than five years later will weaken the plant.

Wrong fit

Greater planting depth is unfavorable due to too far roots. It is also not recommended to plant a peony at a minimum depth, since the buds will freeze and the flowers will not be able to develop. The optimal depth is 3-4 centimeters.

Respectable age

In bushes growing for several years, the intensity and quality of flowering decreases. Therefore, every five years, a transplant or division is required.

Too acidic soil

Reduce soil acidity by adding magnesium and calcium. Ground limestone, wood ash or crushed chalk can be used.

Potassium deficiency

Lack of potassium also negatively affects the flowering of peony Sarah Bernhardt. In this situation, you need to feed the plant with a solution of potassium magnesia or potassium sulfate.

Insufficient watering

Dry soil during the peony budding period leads to a lack of flowering. For proper development, at least 30 liters of water per bush is required.

Diseases or pests

As a result of damage to the roots of the peony by nematodes or rodents, the bush stops blooming. Affected plants must be destroyed and preventive measures used.

Landscape use

This variety of peony adorns parks, squares, rock gardens, gardens and home gardens.

This flower looks most impressive next to barberry, sage, honeysuckle, hellebore, arborvitae, poppies and irises.

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