The ‘Chestine Gowdy’ peony is a cherished garden classic, admired for its remarkable beauty and delightful fragrance. It is a popular choice for adding elegance and historical appeal to landscapes, promising bountiful blooms year after year with proper care.
Distinctive Features of Chestine Gowdy Peony
The ‘Chestine Gowdy’ peony is celebrated for its unique bomb-type double blooms. These substantial flowers feature a captivating color progression, beginning with soft pink guard petals that encircle a dense collar of creamy white inner petals. As the bloom matures, a central tuft emerges, often showcasing delicate flecks of crimson, adding depth. This impressive floral display creates a striking focal point in the garden.
Beyond its visual appeal, ‘Chestine Gowdy’ is valued for its strong, sweet fragrance, which can perfume a significant area. It blooms mid-season, providing a vibrant burst of color when many early spring flowers have faded. The plant’s lush, dark green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, offering a verdant backdrop even when not in bloom. These peonies exhibit a robust, upright growth habit, with sturdy stems supporting the large, heavy flowers.
Planting Chestine Gowdy Peony
Proper planting of ‘Chestine Gowdy’ peonies begins in early fall. This timing allows the plant to develop a strong root system before the ground freezes, which is crucial for its long-term health and blooming success. Selecting the right site is important, as these peonies thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Good air circulation around the plant helps prevent common fungal diseases.
Peonies prefer well-drained, fertile soil; amending with organic matter improves drainage and nutrient availability. When planting, position the rootstock so that the “eyes,” or growing buds, are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface after firming. Planting too deeply is a common reason for a lack of blooms. Ensure adequate spacing, about 30 inches between plants, to allow for mature growth and air circulation. After planting, water deeply to settle the soil and encourage initial root development.
Ongoing Care for Chestine Gowdy Peony
Consistent watering is beneficial, particularly during dry spells and the plant’s first year, but avoid overwatering to prevent root issues. Peonies are not heavy feeders, so fertilize sparingly. A light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can be scratched into the soil as leaves unfurl in spring, but avoid placing it directly on the crown. Over-fertilizing can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms.
‘Chestine Gowdy’ peonies may benefit from support for their large, heavy blooms, especially after rain, which can weigh down the flowers. Peony rings or staking systems help keep the plant upright. Deadheading spent blooms maintains the plant’s tidy appearance and directs energy towards root development. In the fall, after the foliage has turned brown, cut the stems back to the ground. This practice, along with removing all plant debris, helps prevent diseases that might overwinter in the foliage. In colder climates, a winter mulch can protect newly planted peonies’ roots during their first winter; remove it in spring before new growth emerges.
Addressing Common Peony Issues
A common concern is a lack of blooms, which can stem from several factors. Planting the peony too deeply is a frequent cause, as the “eyes” need to be close to the soil surface to initiate flowering. Insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily) can also inhibit bloom production. Young plants may need more time, as peonies often take a few years to establish and produce abundant flowers. Over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, can promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
While ants are often observed on peony buds, they are generally not harmful and are attracted to the sweet nectar secreted by the buds. No treatment is needed as they do not damage the plant or flowers. Peonies can be susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis blight or powdery mildew, particularly in humid conditions. Ensuring good air circulation and practicing fall cleanup by removing all foliage helps prevent these diseases. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, which can lead to root rot, or a nutrient deficiency, suggesting a need to assess soil moisture and fertility.