Peony Miss America (Miss America)

Snow-white flowers with a yellow center are strongly associated with chamomile. But inflorescences of many other plants, in fact, fit this description. For example, among peonies, the Miss America variety has a similar appearance. However, he has a lot of other important advantages.

History of origin

Already from the name of the culture, it becomes clear that this perennial was bred in the United States. It is the fruit of the hard work of two breeders: Mann John R. and van Steen Julius J. The variety appeared quite a long time ago - in 1936. Despite its American origin, it is represented on the flower market by Holland, in particular by Greenworks. Miss America is the recipient of the American Peony Society (APS) Gold Medal. This noble culture received this award twice: in 1956 and 15 years later - for abundant flowering and unsurpassed beauty.

Description

The Miss America overseas flower is a herbaceous plant of the lactic-flowered peony class with a strong root system and strong, sturdy, erect shoots, slightly prone to branching. The culture looks like a compact, hemispherical shrub, covered (mostly in the lower part) with dark green, large, triple trifoliate leaves with a glossy sheen. Its strong shoots do not require tying, since they do not lean to the ground during flowering.

The buds of the plant, as mentioned above, are really snow-white. However, at the beginning of the dissolution phase, large flowers with folded petals in the outer row acquire a light pale pink blush. True, the fully opened inflorescences again become boiling white, similar to giant bowls with golden yellow stamens and light green pistils in the middle. The diameter of the flower is about 25 cm, which is impressive. The beauty of the wonderful buds is complemented by the magic aroma they exude.

Miss America is a perennial with an average flowering period, reaching a height of no more than 90 cm. The buds appear on this plant from May to June. The flowering of the variety is always abundant and long-lasting. It should be added that this variety of peony has a high winter hardiness. It is not damaged when the air temperature drops to -40 ° C.

Features of agricultural technology

The American beauty is responsive to sunlight, therefore it is impractical to plant it in the shade. At the same time, light partial shade between 11:00 am and 15:00 pm will not hurt the plant, as it will protect delicate flower petals from possible burns. The shrub should provide normal air circulation to prevent the development of pests and the appearance of diseases. To this end, it is recommended to place the culture away from trees and other large-sized plants, as well as buildings.

The plant requires fertile soil, with a high degree of water and air permeability, with a pH in the range of 6-6.5. When choosing a site for planting Miss America, you need to pay attention to the depth of groundwater: the more it is, the better. The most suitable soil for culture is loamy, but you can also use ordinary garden soil. The main thing is to add sand, peat and humus to it. Miss America is planted in early autumn or in April. A planting pit for a peony is dug taking into account the sizes recommended by specialists: up to 60 cm wide and deep. A drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the hole, as well as compost, humus mixed with soil, and 200 grams of ash. Then a little more earth is poured, after which they plant. At the end of the event, the root system of the culture is covered with the remaining soil, the soil is slightly compacted and the seedling is well watered.

Care for a perennial needs standard: regular watering at intervals of 1-2 times a week, applying fertilizers under the bush three times per season, frequent loosening of the soil, sometimes mulching, in the fall - pruning. For top dressing, mainly mineral concentrates are used, however, in the spring, at the beginning of the period of active growth, the culture is pampered with organic matter.Water for irrigation is taken exceptionally soft, without bleach, not cold. In the absence of rain for a long time, the soil under the plant is rarely moistened, but abundantly. Before the autumn frosts, the shoots are cut short above the ground level. The peony does not need shelter. But it will be necessary to process the stems and leaves with fungicidal-insecticidal solutions a couple of times during the growing season - in order to prevent the appearance of diseases and insects.

Use cases

Miss America is ideal for both planting alone and for arranging group, mixed compositions. It is suitable for placement in classic flower beds, beddings, mixborders. Landscape designers use a delicate flower to create rock gardens, find a place for it in gardens and parks.

As companions for our heroine, it is better to select plants according to the shade of the inflorescences. Miss America's gorgeous snow-white buds will look incomparable in combination with flowers aged in scarlet and dark red, wine tones. A wonderful example of such plant neighbors: carnation or heuchera. In addition, sage, bellflower, irises and honeysuckle will emphasize the freshness and whiteness of American perennial inflorescences. You can combine peonies of this variety with conifers and evergreens, with decorative deciduous plants and fragrant herbs.

Wonderful buds are suitable for cutting. They stand in water for a long time, without losing their magnificent appearance. Florists include snow-white inflorescences on strong peduncles in various compositions.