Evening star., 1940-05-25

they have succeeded Is very well at
tested by the many new varieties
embodying the above qualities which
are now In commerce.
A very good slogan for the peony
enthusiast to follow Is PLANT the
Peony Root Shallow" BY that it is
meant the eye (that part OF the root
which resembles a bud) should not
have more than an inch of dirt
covering it. A great deal OF the
trouble found with this most tenn
peramental plant probably is caused
by too deep planting.
Normally, the bud, or eye, emerges
from the crown or top of the root,
and if this condition is followed
throughout the life of the plant, the
plant should prove satisfactory, con-
sidering other factors such as good
soil, proper drainage and necessary
attention are a part Of the plant S
environment.
Eyes Should Form
On the Crown.
As above stated the proper place
for the eye to form is on the crown.
When a peony is planted too deep
the eyes will form on the stem just
under the surface of the ground.
This eventually results in stagnation
OF the flow Of the life blood from
the root to the bloom: consequent
ly the flowers begin to get smaller
and finally fail to mature at all
This, of course. is only one of the
causes for the failure of the peony
to function as it should.
While on this subject OF peony
trouble it may be we'll to call at
tention to another cause of worry
to the grower. This condition arises
from the effects of the garden
nematode, parasitic eelworm
(Carconema radicicola. You will
find this pest in small knots or
gals on the young roots, and it is
reasonable to assume that plants
affected with the nema are not of
the thrifty type.
Study of the nematodes shows
that they breed in the root itself
If they leave it is only to seek out
other young roots. BY the way, the
peony is only one of about CSC
plants which act as hosts to this
charming microscopic pest. I'm
mersion of the aHected root in water
at a temperature of lib degrees F.
for 80 minutes has proven a good
means of control. Be sure to ex-
anime any root you may purchase
| for signs of this visitor.
Fungus Disease
Harmful.
Probably the worst scourge to the
peony. especially if you have large
planting, is the fungus disease
known as Botrytis. 1t is a notice
able black discoloration of the
stems, the foliage and the flower
buds. 1t may be spread from one
plant to others by the hands, ants
other insects, or. in dry condition
by the wind. Applications of cop
per-lime dust early in the season
and at timely intervals have been
found to be the best control.
AS the Towering season of thu
peony should be at it's height ir
this locality in the next week OF
so, it is advisable for the peony
fancier to visit the various gardens
and make mental notes of what he
likes for use in making out his hst
of purchases in the fall. Catalogue
descriptions are fine and much i'm
proved over few years ago. But
the human eye is a better guide
to your personal likings, and be-
sides, there are many varieties sci
forth in catalogue that will not
bloom in this vicinity.
Peonies are grouped in three
colors, red, white and pink, with
various shadings. Among good va.
rieties which do we'll here might be
mentioned Richard Carvel, Adolphe
Rousseau, Cherry Hill and Felix
Grouse in the red class; Alice
Harding, Festiva maxima, Mrs. Ed
ward Harding, John M. Good, Kel-
ways Glorious in the white; jean
not. Therese. Jules Ellie, Refine
Hortense. Henry Avery in the pink
class.