The Joker peony is a vibrant, bomb-shaped, double-flowered specimen of the peony family. It is characterized by its unusual color, frost resistance, and ability to thrive in poor soil. It is a young hybrid that can be grown in unfavorable weather and climate conditions, even in regions with high humidity.
History of creation
Complex intervarietal selection was used to develop the Joker variety, but the breeder remains silent about the specific peony species and varieties involved. The year of selection was 2004, the authors were Rogers and Landis, and the country was the USA.
Peony Joker: description and characteristics
It's hardy to zone 4, so it can withstand temperatures down to -34 degrees Celsius. It boasts beautiful flowers and shrubs:
- Bush. Its height depends on growing conditions, varying from 60 to 100 cm. The stems are strong and exceptionally upright, never leaning sideways. This explains why peonies grow like roses. The root system is tuberous, fleshy, and branched. The crown is neat, compact, and not spreading.
The leaves are pinnately divided, lacy, and elongated. They are typically dark green, but by autumn the green mass takes on a brownish tint. The bush is characterized by vigorous growth and requires no support, but in areas prone to strong winds, staking is necessary. The foliage is dense. - Flowers. They are quite large, ranging from 12 to 20 cm in diameter, but more commonly 15 cm. They are highly double, spherical, and rose-shaped. No buds form on the sides, with only one per stem. The petals are oval and closely spaced. The edges are ruffled. The fragrance is subtle and delicate.
Brief description of the variety:
- for development a lot of light is needed, but it should only be diffused;
- growing region – all;
- soil acidity – neutral or slightly alkaline;
- tendency to burn out under the influence of sunlight – absent;
- drought resistance – at a high level;
- Resistance to diseases and pests is excellent.
Features of flowering
Joker is a herbaceous variety with a mid-season blooming period. Buds open after June 20th, but the exact dates vary depending on the region and current weather conditions. Its main advantage is its ability to bloom for three weeks, during which time the petals do not fall off.
Other subtleties of flowering:
- the first budding after planting a seedling occurs the following season;
- the peak of decorativeness is reached in the third year in a warm climate and in the fourth in a cool one;
- To prolong flowering and get more voluminous bushes, you need to properly feed and plant peonies on the sunny side;
- Replanting in the spring reduces the level of budding (this should only be done in the fall).
Where is the best place to grow?
This sun-loving peony requires full sun and no drafts. Groundwater should be at a depth of 2 meters. Planting this variety in partial shade is acceptable, but shoot growth will be slow and flowering will be sparse.
Frost resistance
Since frost resistance is limited to -34 degrees Celsius, no shelter is required in many regions of Russia. However, when grown in the Central Russian region, the Urals, Siberia, and similar areas, covering the bushes is mandatory.
Do you need support?
The Joker peony has fairly strong stems, and only one bud forms per stem. Therefore, the plant doesn't require support. The exception is on a windy side—in this case, the stems will begin to bend. If the weather suddenly deteriorates and strong winds begin, simply temporarily tie the bush to a support post.
Application in design
This variety is considered a standout in any floral and plant ensemble, and therefore deserves a special place among landscape designers. Peonies can be planted anywhere in the garden, both in group plantings and as single specimens.
Directions for use:
- round and tiered flower beds;
- oblong flower beds;
- among the green lawn to enliven the lawn;
- in containers;
- next to wildflowers and roses;
- alpine slides;
- hedges;
- to create paths;
- decoration of benches, gazebos, entrance areas.
What plants and flowers go well with the Joker?
- hydrangeas - only white;
- daffodils - they are planted in front to create contrast;
- freesias – to enliven the lower tier;
- chrysanthemums - in autumn the brightness of the flowerbed will be preserved against the background of the crimson greenery of the peony;
- hosts - to emphasize beauty;
- geranium – creates harmony between large and small buds;
- tulips - they will decorate peony bushes in spring;
- petunias - create a frame for the Joker;
- nasturtiums - but only orange and red;
- irises - blue and yellow;
- asters - autumn flowers will stand out against the luxurious greenery of the peony;
- Astilbe - peonies will stand out in a special way against the background of panicles.
Do not plant next to:
- hellebore;
- buttercups;
- adonis;
- lumbago;
- tall trees and bushes.
Joker is also characterized by its long-lasting decorative appearance when cut – from 10 to 15 days, which is exceptional. Therefore, this variety is also grown for floristry. Furthermore, the unusual coloring and lush, spherical buds make it suitable for creating the most formal bouquets and arrangements.
Advantages and disadvantages
The hybrid is popular due to the following advantages:
Among the disadvantages, they note the impossibility of propagation by seed, since the characteristics of the mother bush will not be preserved.
Landing
The seedlings are planted using standard methods, but the requirements of the Joker variety must be taken into account:
- the optimal soil type is loam;
- distance between bushes – 100-120 cm;
- deepening of the upper bud – maximum 5 cm;
- Soil composition for the planting hole: garden soil with humus or compost, 80-90 g of lime, 150 g of potassium sulfate, 200 g of superphosphate and 300-400 g of crushed charcoal.
- ✓ The planting depth of the root collar should not exceed 5 cm, otherwise this may lead to a lack of flowering.
- ✓ The distance between bushes should be at least 100 cm to ensure sufficient air circulation and prevent diseases.
Reproduction
The Joker reproduces in only two ways:
- Division of rhizome. The period is from mid-August to late September, depending on the climate and the expected autumn weather. The optimal age of the bush is 3 to 5 years. Flowering occurs the following season.
- Stem cuttings. The bush needs to be at least six years old. Planting season is autumn, with spring planting in the permanent location. Flowering will begin in the third year.
Aftercare
The care procedures are all classic, but special attention should be paid to fertilizing. This promotes long and abundant flowering and strengthens the immune system to resist disease.
Peculiarities:
- in early spring, use 15 g of nitrogen and potassium per bush;
- during budding, add 15 g of nitrogen, 10 g of phosphorus and 15 g of potassium;
- After flowering, one bush will require 20 g of potassium and phosphorus.
- × Avoid overwatering the soil, especially in areas with high humidity, to prevent root rot.
- × Do not use fresh manure as fertilizer, as it may burn the roots and encourage weed growth.
What to do after flowering?
As soon as the buds begin to fade, they spoil the bush's appearance, so they should be cut off immediately. To maintain the decorative appearance, slightly shorten the stems. After all the flowers have finished blooming, remove them and trim the bushes to create a beautiful shape.
Preparing for winter
Immediately after flowering ends, stop watering, but do so gradually. Next, during pre-winter preparation, which begins two weeks before the expected frost, proceed as follows:
- apply fertilizer;
- shorten all stems to a height of 10 cm maximum;
- do a little hilling;
- mulch the soil;
- Sprinkle dry leaves on top.
- Gradually reduce watering after flowering has finished to prepare the plant for the dormant period.
- Prune stems to a height of 10 cm for ease of covering and disease prevention.
- Insulate the root system with a layer of mulch and dry leaves to protect it from frost.
If covering is required, use non-woven materials. The use of polyethylene film is strictly prohibited.
Pests and diseases
Joker has an extremely high level of disease resistance, so there's no need to worry about this. However, keep in mind that this is only possible with strict adherence to agricultural practices, proper fertilization, and avoiding excessive soil moisture. If you're growing Joker for the first time, carry out preventative treatments in early spring with insecticides and fungicides.
Reviews
The Joker peony is a true embodiment of modern beauty, thanks to its chameleon-like properties and vibrant, saturated hues. Being a hybrid, it cannot be propagated generatively, but its hybridity gives the bushes many positive characteristics, from frost resistance to resistance to all diseases and pests.