Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii

Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii is a deciduous shrub plant from the family of the peony plants (Paeoniaceae). This subspecies are at home in the mountainous regions of China and is appreciated because of its impressive flowers, its robust growth and its historical meaning.

Morphology

Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii is a slow growing shrub that can reach heights of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. The plant forms an expansive crown with heavily branched, woody drives. The bark of the older shoots is gray to brown, while young shoots are reddish and finely hairy.

The leaves are changeable, twice feathered and up to 30 cm long. They consist of lanceolate, deeply cut tanks that have a blue -green color. In autumn, the foliage turns into bright yellow tones before it is dropped.

The flowers are the most striking feature of Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii. They appear in late spring to early summer, usually from May to June. Each flower reaches a diameter of 15 to 25 cm and is either simple or half -filled. The five to ten outer petals are colored to tender to delicate pink, with a striking, deep -purple to black spot on the base, which forms a characteristic high -contrast drawing. In the center of the flower there are numerous golden yellow stamens and a prominently emerging stylus.

After flowering, woody capsule fruits develop that contain black, shiny seeds. These tires in late summer and are mostly spread through gravity or animals.

Distribution and habitat

The natural spread of Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii is located in the mountainous regions of West and central China, especially in the provinces of Gansu and Shaanxi. The plant grows preferably in light forests, slopes and in gorges on calcareous, well -permeable soils.

Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii is adapted to rough climatic conditions and tolerates both hot summer and cold winter. It prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and requires a nutrient -rich, slightly alkaline soil.

Ecological meaning

The large flowers of Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, bumblebees and beetles. The seeds are absorbed by birds and small mammals, which contributes to the spread of the species. In its natural habitat, the plant plays a role as a ground stabilizer on slopes and contributes to the biodiversity of the local flora.

Use

Paeonia rockii subsp. rockii is cultivated in gardens and parks because of their impressive flowers and their resistance. The plant is also an important part of traditional Chinese garden art, where it symbolically stands for prosperity, honor and beauty. It also has a place in Chinese medicine, where extracts from their roots are used in treating inflammation and pain.

The breeding of hybrids and varieties on Paeonia Rockii Based, has contributed to the popularity of the plant worldwide, especially in regions with moderate climate.