SERGEY USPENSKY PEONY

The 'Sergey Uspensky' peony cultivar is recommended for planting in the central regions from mid-August to the end of September, allowing the plants to establish strong roots before winter. Spring planting is less preferred and should only be done as an absolute last resort, immediately after the soil thaws but before buds begin to swell. Peonies have two periods of active root formation: in spring (April-May) and in autumn (August-September), when a large number of fine, absorbing roots develop. The optimal planting time is before the mass formation of roots, which promotes successful rooting and plant development.

Before planting, it is important to properly prepare the plant material. If the peony bushes have grown too large, they must be divided. First, cut the stems at a height of 10–12 cm from the soil, then carefully dig up the bush without pulling by the stems to avoid damaging the buds. Clean the roots of soil using a stream of water; thereafter, the bush can be divided into divisions using a sharp spade, a wooden wedge, or by hand, gently separating the roots. Each division should contain 3–5 buds and the same number of roots, which should be trimmed to 10–12 cm. Small divisions with 1–2 buds are used for propagation, while large divisions with 6 or more buds are not recommended for planting as they develop poorly and may not bloom.

After division, inspect the divisions, remove damaged and rotten parts, disinfect in a manganese or copper sulfate solution, dust the cuts with wood ash, and dip them into a clay slurry for rapid healing. Small divisions are grown on fertile mounds before planting and covered with well-rotted manure for winter protection. If the peony is transplanted without division, keeping the root ball intact, the plant tolerates this stress easily and continues to develop normally.