Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora 'Red Charm'
Description: Peony Red Charm is a stunning herbaceous perennial that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any garden. It features large, fully double flowers with a captivating deep red colour. The plant has a strong and sturdy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for borders, cut flower gardens, or as a focal point in a landscape.
Features:
- Height: Peony Red Charm typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) when mature.
- Spread: The plant has a moderate spread, ranging from 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), creating a lush and compact display.
- Growth Habit: Peony Red Charm has an upright and bushy growth habit, forming a dense mound of foliage.
Light Requirements: To thrive and produce abundant blooms, Peony Red Charm requires full sun to partial shade. It performs best when exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water Requirements: Peony Red Charm prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate overly wet or waterlogged soil. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During dry spells, provide supplemental watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Soil Requirements: This peony variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (between 6.0 and 7.0). Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter, such as compost, can improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.
Maintenance: To ensure the continued health and beauty of Peony Red Charm, regular maintenance is necessary. Here are some key points to consider:
- Pruning: Remove spent flowers after blooming to encourage better plant health and prevent seed production. Cut the stems back to the foliage level.
- Support: Due to the heavy blooms, it's advisable to provide support with stakes or peony rings to prevent the plant from drooping.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Division: Peonies benefit from periodic division every 4 to 5 years. Divide the clumps in early autumn to rejuvenate the plant and promote better flowering.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the plant for common pests like aphids and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly to avoid damage. Peonies are generally resistant to diseases, but proper air circulation and hygiene practices can help prevent issues like botrytis blight.
