Peony arboretum variety Maria is the result of long-term breeding work carried out by the well-known breeder Marianna Uspenskaya. This variety was developed using wild peony species with high cold resistance, as well as by sowing seeds from freely pollinated introduced plants. During the breeding process, special attention was paid to selecting seedlings for cold, drought, and fungal disease resistance, as well as for decorative qualities such as flower shape and color, bush density, and pedicel length. To obtain double flowers, hybridization was used with pollen from the best foreign varieties. Despite the challenges associated with slow growth and low ability for vegetative propagation, the Maria variety is distinguished by high adaptability and decorativeness. The Maria peony bush is compact, reaching a height of 1.0-1.2 meters, with green leaves and sturdy stems. The flowers are semi-double, saucer-shaped, of medium size, and positioned vertically. The petals are white with pink fuchsia spots and a large purple blotch at the base, giving the flower an expressive and attractive appearance. Blooming occurs annually, at medium terms, accompanied by a pleasant aroma. The staminal filaments and stigma have a reddish-purple tint, while the anthers are yellow, creating a contrast and emphasizing the flower's decorativeness. The Maria variety is characterized by good resistance to fungal diseases, heat, and drought, making it suitable for cultivation in various climatic conditions. The winter hardiness of the variety is moderate, which must be considered when choosing a planting site. Thanks to its qualities, the Maria peony is widely used in agriculture and landscaping, serving as an excellent decorative plant for gardens and parks, capable of adorning any landscape.
