The Quitzin Peony is a captivating herbaceous perennial, known for its unique floral display. It offers a blend of beauty and character, making it a desirable choice for enhancing outdoor spaces with elegance and charm.
Discovering Quitzin Peony
The Quitzin Peony (Paeonia Hybrid “QUITZIN”) features large, fragrant double flowers. These bomb-shaped blooms are creamy-yellow, often displaying two shades of yellow. Guard petals may show a peach tint at their base and subtle green blotches that fade as the flower matures. This tetraploid hybrid is known for its floriferous nature.
Lush, dark green foliage complements the fluffy flowers. The plant typically reaches 60 to 76 cm (24 to 30 inches) tall. It blooms from late spring to early summer. The Quitzin Peony is recognized for its “wild appearance” and relative rarity, making it a distinctive choice.
Growing Quitzin Peony Successfully
Quitzin Peony thrives in ample sunlight, ideally at least six hours of direct sun daily. While full sun is preferred, it tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates where afternoon shade helps flowers last longer. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Good air circulation prevents disease.
Plant Quitzin Peony roots in the fall. Prepare the planting site by digging a hole approximately 30 cm (12 inches) wide and loosening the soil at the bottom. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility.
Position the peony root with its “eyes” or growth buds facing upwards, no more than 5 cm (2 inches) below the soil surface. This precise planting depth is important for effective blooming. After placing the root, backfill the hole, gently firming the soil to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Caring for Quitzin Peony Through the Seasons
Once established, Quitzin Peony requires ongoing care for health and bloom potential. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, with deep watering once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which helps prevent certain diseases. Apply a 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inch) layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring when new growth is 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches) high, using a low-nitrogen fertilizer like a 5-10-10 blend. Cultivate about half a cup into the soil around the plant, taking care not to damage roots or allow direct contact. Due to their large, sometimes top-heavy blooms, Quitzin Peonies benefit from support, such as staking or peony rings, to prevent stems from flopping, especially after rain. Deadhead spent blooms to tidy the plant. In autumn, cut back foliage to ground level to reduce disease risk.
Integrating Quitzin Peony into Your Garden
The Quitzin Peony’s fragrant blooms are a striking focal point in garden designs. Its robust foliage provides a consistent green presence throughout the growing season, even after the flowers fade. This peony is well-suited for cottage gardens, formal beds, and borders, contributing both structure and vibrant color. With a lifespan of 50 to 70 years, it is a lasting landscape addition.
When selecting companion plants, choose those sharing similar growing conditions, such as full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, while avoiding competition for space or nutrients. Complementary plants include those that bloom alongside peonies (e.g., irises, alliums) or provide interest before or after the peony’s flowering period (e.g., delphiniums, salvias, hydrangeas). The Quitzin Peony also excels as a cut flower, its blooms and refreshing minty fragrance making them suitable for indoor arrangements.