Description
Garden Advice Notes
Paeonia ‘Bartzella’ is a herbaceous perennial peony cultivar that produces large, striking flowers with a unique color combination. This cultivar was developed by the American peony breeder, Roger Anderson, and introduced in 2002.
‘Bartzella’ peony flowers are typically 6-8 inches in diameter, and are composed of numerous layers of yellow petals with a red center. The flowers have a light, sweet fragrance and bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant itself has a bushy habit, reaching up to 3 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width.
One of the outstanding features of ‘Bartzella’ peonies is their longevity. The flowers can last up to 6 weeks, providing a prolonged display of color in the garden. This cultivar is also known for its disease resistance and ability to thrive in a range of growing conditions.
Soil type-Paeonia ‘Bartzella’ generally prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for growing this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as peonies do not tolerate waterlogged conditions well.
It’s important to note that peonies are sensitive to high levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which can cause lush foliage growth at the expense of flower production. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers to ‘Bartzella’ peonies.
If you’re planting ‘Bartzella’ peonies, it’s a good idea to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil fertility and drainage. You can also add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the planting hole to provide nutrients to the plant as it establishes. After planting, it’s important to water the plant deeply and regularly to help it establish a strong root system.
Location-Paeonia ‘Bartzella’ grows best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. In general, it prefers a site that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but can tolerate some shade in the afternoon.
It’s also important to choose a site that is well-ventilated, as peonies are susceptible to fungal diseases in humid, still air. Good air circulation helps to prevent this issue.
In terms of climate, ‘Bartzella’ peonies are hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, and can tolerate cold winter temperatures and occasional frost. However, they may struggle in areas with very hot, humid summers, so it’s important to choose a location with moderate summer temperatures and low humidity if possible.
Pest and disease problems-Like all plants, Paeonia ‘Bartzella’ can be susceptible to certain pest and disease problems. Here are some common issues to watch for:
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause gray mold to develop on the foliage and flowers of ‘Bartzella’ peonies, especially in humid conditions. To prevent botrytis blight, avoid overhead watering, thin out the plant to improve air circulation, and remove any infected plant material.
- Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. It can be difficult to treat, so prevention is key. To avoid verticillium wilt, plant ‘Bartzella’ peonies in well-draining soil and avoid planting them in soil where other infected plants have grown.
- Peony wilt: This fungal disease can cause the stems and leaves of ‘Bartzella’ peonies to turn black and wilt. It’s often caused by a soil-borne fungus, and can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overhead watering.
- Japanese beetles: These pests can skeletonize the foliage of ‘Bartzella’ peonies and other plants in the garden. To control Japanese beetles, hand-pick them off the plant, or use a natural or chemical insecticide.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves of ‘Bartzella’ peonies. They can be controlled with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap.
Regularly inspecting your ‘Bartzella’ peonies for signs of pests and disease, and taking appropriate measures to prevent or treat any issues, can help keep them healthy and thriving in the garden.
- Wait until the plant has finished blooming in the summer, and then carefully dig up the entire plant.
- Gently shake off any excess soil from the root system, and then use a sharp, clean knife or spade to divide the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least 3-5 buds and a healthy root system.
- Immediately replant the divided sections into well-draining soil, spacing them at least 3 feet apart to allow for future growth.
- Water the newly planted sections deeply and regularly to help them establish a strong root system.
It’s important to note that ‘Bartzella’ peonies can take several years to fully establish and produce a large number of blooms after being divided, so be patient with the process. Additionally, it’s generally recommended to divide peonies every 5-7 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy plant growth.
Pruning, cutting back and dividing-Pruning, cutting back, and dividing are important maintenance tasks for Paeonia ‘Bartzella’. Here are some guidelines for each task:
- Pruning: ‘Bartzella’ peonies do not require heavy pruning, but it’s a good idea to remove any dead or damaged foliage and flowers throughout the growing season. After the plant has finished blooming in the summer, you can also cut back the spent flower stems to the nearest leaf or bud to tidy up the plant’s appearance.
- Cutting back: In the fall, after the first frost, ‘Bartzella’ peonies will naturally die back to the ground. At this point, you can cut back any remaining foliage to ground level. This helps to prevent fungal diseases and also makes it easier to see where to dig when dividing the plant.
- Dividing: As mentioned earlier, it’s generally recommended to divide ‘Bartzella’ peonies every 5-7 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy growth. The best time to divide peonies is in the fall, after the foliage has died back. Follow the steps outlined in the previous answer to divide the plant into smaller sections and replant them.
Regularly pruning, cutting back, and dividing your ‘Bartzella’ peonies can help keep them healthy, tidy, and blooming well for years to come.
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