The Jadwiga Peony is a highly sought-after variety, known for its elegant, abundant blooms. It offers a luxurious touch to any landscape, making it a favored choice among gardeners.
Jadwiga Peony Characteristics
The Jadwiga Peony features large, densely double flowers with tightly gathered petals, 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) across, displaying a bomb-type or rose-form shape. Their color ranges from pink with a pearly sheen to deep raspberry-pink or purple.
This peony has a mild, sweet fragrance, attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. As a herbaceous peony, its foliage dies back to the ground each winter. It typically grows 70-90 cm (2.3-3 feet) tall and spreads up to 1.2 meters (4 feet). Its dark green foliage provides a contrasting backdrop for its buds and flowers. ‘Jadwiga’ blooms mid-season, generally in June.
Planting Your Jadwiga Peony
Planting Jadwiga Peony begins with site selection. This perennial thrives in full sun (at least six hours daily), though it tolerates some partial shade. Good air circulation is important. Avoid planting near large trees or shrubs, as their roots compete for nutrients and moisture.
Soil preparation is crucial. The plant requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter, like compost. While tolerant of clay, loam, and sand, the ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and deep enough to accommodate it.
Planting depth is critical. Position the root with “eyes” (buds) facing upward, ensuring the crown is no more than 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the soil surface, as planting too deeply often prevents blooms. Backfill the hole, gently firming soil to remove air pockets. Space plants 3-4 feet apart for adequate growth and air circulation. Water thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist to help it settle.
Caring for Jadwiga Peony
Consistent watering is important for Jadwiga Peonies, especially during dry periods and establishment. While mature plants tolerate some drought, regular watering is needed, particularly when flower buds form in spring. Provide about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. After blooming, water deeply every 10-14 days if rainfall is insufficient, supporting the development of next year’s flower buds. Apply water directly to the soil around the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization should be approached with care, as Jadwiga Peonies generally do not require heavy feeding. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms. A light application of a balanced (1-1-1 ratio) or low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a bulb fertilizer or bone meal, can be beneficial. Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges, and again in late summer or early autumn after petals fall to support root development. Apply fertilizer around the plant’s drip line, 8-18 inches from the center, not directly on the crown.
Due to their large, heavy blooms, Jadwiga Peonies benefit from support to prevent flopping, especially after rain or in windy conditions. Stake early in the growing season before plants reach full height. Deadheading spent flowers by removing them at the stem base improves appearance but isn’t necessary for future blooms. For winter, cut back brown foliage after the first heavy frost. Removing old stems and leaves helps prevent disease carryover.
Common Jadwiga Peony Problems
A common concern for peony growers is the absence of blooms. Factors contributing to this include incorrect planting depth, insufficient sunlight, and over-fertilization (especially with high-nitrogen formulas). Newly planted peonies may also take two to three years to establish and produce abundant flowers.
Ants are frequently observed on peony buds but are generally harmless, attracted to sweet nectar. Thrips can occasionally affect blooms, causing distortion. Botrytis blight, a fungal issue common in wet conditions, causes brown, crusty buds that fail to open and rotting stems. Prevention involves good air circulation, well-drained soil, and cleaning up plant debris in fall. Wilting or yellowing leaves can indicate improper watering (too much leading to root rot, too little causing moisture stress).