Whether paeoniarockii needs watering in summer needs to be adjusted flexibly according to the specific situation. The following are detailed suggestions:
Does it need watering?
Yes, but it needs to be scientifically controlled
Although purple peony is drought-resistant, the high temperature in summer evaporates quickly, and long-term water shortage may affect its health. The key is to “water thoroughly when it is dry and avoid water accumulation”, which needs to be judged in combination with the following factors:
Key points of watering
- Observe soil moisture
Judgment method: dig 2-3 cm of the topsoil, if the inside is dry, water it; if it is moist, hold off.
Soil type: Sandy soil dries quickly and can be watered more frequently, clay soil has strong water retention and needs to reduce watering.
- Watering time
The best time: early morning or evening (avoid the high temperature at noon), to avoid burning leaves or rapid evaporation of water.
Check after rain: If it is cloudy and rainy continuously, water should be controlled to prevent root rot.
- Amount and method of watering
Principle of thorough watering: water the roots slowly to ensure that the water penetrates deep into the root system, and avoid only wetting the surface soil.
Drainage guarantee: ground planting needs to ensure that there is no water accumulation in the planting position, and potted plants need to have drainage holes and gravel pads. - Plant status and growth stage
New seedlings/transplanted seedlings: weak root systems need to keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid water accumulation.
Adult plants: strong drought tolerance, the watering interval can be appropriately extended.
Post-flowering management: summer is a period of nutrient accumulation, moderate watering helps recovery, but not too wet.
Precautions
Avoid getting leaves wet: high temperature and high humidity can easily cause fungal diseases (such as leaf spot), aim at the roots when watering.
Extreme weather adjustment: continuous drought can increase the frequency of watering; clear drainage in time after heavy rain to prevent waterlogging.
- Regional climate differences: dry areas in the north need to pay more attention to water replenishment, and rainy areas in the south should pay attention to waterlogging prevention.
Signs of water shortage or overwatering
Symptoms of water shortage: leaves wilt and droop, tender shoots become soft, and soil becomes dry and cracked.
Symptoms of overwatering: leaves turn yellow and fall off, roots turn black and rot, and soil is damp for a long time.
Summary
In summer, watering of purple peony should follow the principle of “better dry than waterlogged”, and adjust flexibly by observing the soil and plant status. Keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged, combined with appropriate shading (such as pulling a shade net), can help it survive the summer safely.