The growth habits of paeoniarockii in summer are mainly affected by its native environment (arid and cool areas in northwest China), showing the following characteristics:
- Like coolness, avoid high temperature and humidity:
This is the core growth habit of paeoniarockii in summer. They are very intolerant to high temperature and humidity.
When the temperature continues to exceed 30°C, especially when the humidity is high at the same time (such as the plum rain season in the south and the hot weather in North China), the plant will enter a semi-dormant or growth stagnation state.
High temperature and high humidity are the biggest threats to the poor growth and outbreak of diseases and pests of paeoniarockii. - Like sufficient light, but need appropriate shade:
paeoniarockii is a sun-loving plant, and it needs sufficient light (at least 6 hours a day) during the growth period to ensure strong growth and flower bud differentiation.
However, in the hot summer (especially at noon and afternoon), strong direct sunlight will burn the leaves and aggravate high temperature stress. Therefore, in high-temperature areas in summer (especially in the south and low-altitude areas), it is necessary to provide about 50%-70% shade (such as shade nets, next to big trees) to avoid leaf burns and reduce the temperature around the plant. - Drought resistance and fear of waterlogging:
The root system of paeoniarockii is well-developed and fleshy, and it is very afraid of waterlogging. Summer is a season of concentrated rainfall and frequent rainstorms. Poor drainage is fatal and can easily lead to root rot.
Although it is drought-resistant, during the hot and dry summer period, the soil still needs to be kept moderately moist to avoid excessive drought affecting the vitality of the plant and even causing the leaves to burn. Watering should follow the principle of “see dry and wet”, avoid frequent small watering, and the best time to water is in the early morning or evening. - Post-flowering growth and new bud differentiation:
After the spring flowering period ends (usually in late May and early June), the growth focus of paeoniarockii shifts to vegetative growth (branch and leaf growth) and flower bud differentiation (preparing for flowering next year).
Summer (June-August) is the critical period for flower bud differentiation. At this time, the plant needs to accumulate enough nutrients and complete the morphological differentiation of flower buds at a suitable temperature. High temperature stress will seriously affect the quantity and quality of flower bud differentiation. - High incidence of diseases and pests:
The high temperature and high humidity environment in summer is very likely to induce various diseases and pests, and it is a key period for prevention and control.
Common diseases: leaf spot (brown spot, anthracnose, etc.), root rot (mainly caused by waterlogging), gray mold (when humid).
It is necessary to strengthen ventilation, clean up diseased leaves and branches in time, and spray protective fungicides and insecticides regularly for prevention and control. - Fertilizer is needed but avoid concentrated fertilizer:
After flowering (late spring and early summer), compound fertilizer mainly composed of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied once to supplement flowering consumption and promote flower bud differentiation and root growth.
Fertilization should be stopped during the high temperature period in midsummer (usually the hottest in July and August), especially nitrogen fertilizer. At this time, the plant grows slowly or even stagnates. Fertilization not only cannot be absorbed, but it is easy to cause fertilizer damage and burn the root system. - Proper pruning:
After flowering, timely cut off the remaining flowers to avoid fruiting and consuming nutrients.
In summer, you can appropriately thin out the dense, crossed, inward-growing branches, as well as the weak and dead branches, to improve ventilation and light transmission conditions and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. Avoid heavy pruning.
Summary of the key points of summer maintenance:
Core contradiction:
Solve the stress caused by high temperature and high humidity.
The first task:
Ensure that drainage is absolutely unobstructed!
It is better to be dry than waterlogged.
Proper shade:Avoid exposure to the sun and reduce local temperature.
Strengthen ventilation:Reduce humidity and reduce pests and diseases.
Water management: “See dry and wet”, avoid water accumulation, and avoid watering during high temperature periods.
Fertilization management: Supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers after flowering in early summer, and stop fertilizing during the high temperature period in midsummer.
Pest and disease control:
Regular inspections, timely prevention and treatment.
Pruning:
Cut the remaining flowers after flowering, and lightly thin in summer to improve ventilation.
Understanding and adapting to the core habits of paeoniarockii that they like coolness in summer and are afraid of humidity and heat, and taking the three most critical measures of shading, ventilation, and drainage, are the basis for helping them survive the summer safely and ensuring flowering next year.