The ‘Cora Stubbs’ peony is a beloved herbaceous perennial, celebrated for its distinctive flower form and captivating color transitions. It brings elegance and color to gardens, offering beauty and ease of growth. Its unique characteristics make it a focal point in any landscape.
Meet the Cora Stubbs Peony
The ‘Cora Stubbs’ peony is a Japanese-type herbaceous peony with striking semi-double blossoms. Its flowers feature an outer ring of raspberry-pink guard petals surrounding a dense center of creamy-white and pale pink petaloids. As blooms mature, the central petaloids deepen in pink, creating a captivating color evolution. This mid-season bloomer flowers heavily in late spring to early summer, with blooms lasting 7-10 days.
‘Cora Stubbs’ reaches 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) tall and spreads 24-36 inches (60-90 cm), forming a lush mound of glossy, dark green foliage that remains attractive all season. The plant offers a delightful fragrance, varying from mild to distinct. It is a robust and reliable performer, hardy in USDA Zones 3-8.
Planting Your Cora Stubbs Peony
Proper site selection is key for ‘Cora Stubbs’ peonies. They thrive in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Some light afternoon shade is tolerated, especially in warmer climates, as it can prolong bloom life. Soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend heavy clay or overly sandy soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Plant ‘Cora Stubbs’ peonies in the fall, allowing roots to establish before winter. When planting bare-root divisions, position the “eyes” (small, pink or white buds from which new growth emerges) facing upwards, covered by only one to two inches of soil. Planting too deeply, or with more than two inches of soil over the eyes, can prevent blooming. Space plants 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart for adequate air circulation. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care for Cora Stubbs Peony
Once established, ‘Cora Stubbs’ peonies are relatively low-maintenance, but consistent care promotes vigorous growth and abundant blooms. During dry spells, provide about an inch of water per week. Water deeply at the root zone, avoiding overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Fertilization is minimal for mature peonies. An annual application of compost or aged manure around the drip line in early spring is often sufficient. Alternatively, apply a light, low-nitrogen, balanced granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, and again after blooms fade in late summer or early fall. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers and can increase disease susceptibility.
Support for heavy blooms prevents stems from flopping, especially after rain. Install peony rings or stakes early in the season, before the plant reaches full height, to maintain an upright form. Deadhead spent flowers by snipping them just below the bloom; this encourages energy into root development rather than seed production. In the fall, after a hard frost, cut stems back to ground level and remove all plant debris. This practice prevents diseases from overwintering.
Addressing Common Peony Problems
While ‘Cora Stubbs’ peonies are robust, they can encounter a few common issues. A frequent concern is a lack of blooming, often attributed to incorrect planting depth. If peony eyes are buried too deeply, the plant may produce lush foliage but few or no flowers. Moving the plant in the fall to ensure proper shallow planting depth can resolve this.
Fungal diseases, especially in damp conditions, can affect peonies. Botrytis blight, caused by Botrytis paeoniae, is common, manifesting as young shoots rotting at ground level, buds turning black, or brown spots on leaves and flowers. To manage botrytis, remove and destroy affected plant parts immediately, improve air circulation, and ensure good drainage. Powdery mildew appears as a white or grayish coating on leaves, particularly in hot, humid conditions or shaded areas, though it is generally more unsightly than harmful. Proper spacing for air circulation and cleaning up fallen leaves can help prevent its spread.
Pest infestations are less common and typically not severe. Ants are frequently seen on peony buds, attracted to sugary secretions, but they are harmless and do not assist in opening blooms. Physical damage from strong winds or heavy rain can occur. Promptly removing damaged or diseased foliage contributes to the overall health of your ‘Cora Stubbs’ peony.