MARIA USPENSKAYA PEONY

The Peony variety 'Maria Uspenskaia' is the result of careful breeding work by the famous breeder and curator of the tree peony collection at MSU Botanical Garden, Maria Uspenskaia. This variety is grown in the cold climate conditions of Moscow and undergoes additional hardening in the nursery beyond Mozhaisk, ensuring its high resistance to low temperatures. During the breeding process, wild peony species possessing cold resistance genes were used, as well as hybridization methods applying pollen from the best foreign varieties to obtain double-flowered blooms. Plant selection was conducted based on multiple parameters, including drought and fungal disease resistance, decorative qualities, flower shape and color, as well as bush density and peduncle length. A feature of the breeding is slow growth and low ability for vegetative propagation, which requires careful care and attention during cultivation.

For successful cultivation of the 'Maria Uspenskaia' peony, proper planting and care are important. In the middle belt of Russia, the optimal time for planting is considered to be from mid-August to the end of September, which allows the plant to root well before the onset of cold. Spring planting is less preferable and is only possible within a short period immediately after the soil thaws, to avoid damaging buds that begin growth early. Peonies have two periods of active root formation — in spring and at the end of summer, so planting is best done before mass root formation.

When dividing and propagating the bush, caution must be observed to avoid damaging buds and roots. The bush is carefully dug up, cleaned of soil, and divided into divisions with 3–5 buds and a corresponding number of roots, shortened to 10–12 cm. Before planting, divisions are disinfected and treated for rapid healing of cuts. Large divisions with a large number of buds are not recommended, as this may lead to slowed plant development and worsened flowering. Small divisions are recommended to be grown out on ridges with fertile soil and covered for winter before transplanting. If transplantation is carried out without division, the plant tolerates it more easily, especially when the root ball is preserved.