We recommend planting with Bumper Crop a rich organic soil builder Common Name: Peony Bartzella' Itoh Peony brings a rare presentation to the peony world, with charming yellow blooms streaked crimson red at center. Each unusual bloom carries a sweet, citrusy fragrance and measures up to 8 inches across. Flowering in late spring, 'Bartzella' is both deer and rabbit-resistant and lasts for an impressive time when cut for arrangements. (Paeonia Itoh) Also called intersectional peonies, Itoh peonies share qualities with both parent plants, tree and herbaceous peonies. Like tree peonies, they have large, long lasting blooms and strong stems that do not require staking. They also have dark green, lush, deeply lobed foliage that lasts until autumn. While the foliage grows dense and healthy in full sun, the flowers will last longer if they get some light shade. Itohs are prolific bloomers and get a second set of blooms. They also can grow vigorously to 3 feet (1 m.) tall and 4 feet (1 m.) wide. Itoh peonies are also resistant to peony blight. Plant Itoh peonies in full sun to part shade and in rich, well-drained soil. Itoh peonies are sensitive to high levels of nitrogen. When fertilizing in spring and summer, be sure to use a fertilizer that contains a low level of nitrogen. Do not fertilize peonies in late summer to fall. Itohs can be deadheaded as needed throughout the spring and summer. In autumn, cut back Itoh peonies to about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm.) up from the soil level. Like herbaceous peonies, Itoh peonies will come back in spring from the ground. In fall, you can also divide Itoh peonies just as you would divide herbaceous peony.
