Paeonia 'Coral Charm'

Paeonia 'Coral Charm': Sunset Tones with a Modern Twist

Glowing like the sky at dusk, Paeonia 'Coral Charm' bursts into bloom with semi-double flowers in rich coral-peach, gradually softening to apricot and ivory as they age. Each cup-shaped bloom opens wide to reveal a golden centre, standing tall on strong, upright stems above deep green foliage. One of the earliest herbaceous peonies to bloom, it offers a bold and unexpected palette for spring borders.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 85–95 cm
• Spread: 80–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Coral-peach, fading to soft apricot and creamy blush
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves with fine texture and upright form
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil with organic content

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Coral Charm' is ideal for adding warmth and contrast to perennial beds, modern borders, or romantic garden designs. Its colour-changing blooms provide dynamic interest through their flowering period, while their strong stems make them excellent for cutting. Early to flower and resistant to flopping, this variety offers both visual impact and garden reliability—perfect for bridging the transition between spring and summer displays.

Companion Plants: Surround Paeonia 'Coral Charm' with Salvia 'Caradonna', whose smoky purple spires complement the coral tones and attract pollinators throughout summer. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sunset' for its sunset-hued umbels that mirror and extend the peony’s warm palette into the hotter months. Frame the composition with Andropogon 'Red October', a tall ornamental grass with blue-green blades that deepen to burgundy in autumn, offering season-long structure and contrast.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in rich, well-draining soil. Position the crown so that buds sit just below the surface. Water deeply during dry spells, particularly in the first season. Deadhead after bloom to maintain vigour, and cut foliage back in late fall. Like all peonies, it prefers to remain undisturbed and will reward patience with increasingly abundant blooms over time.

History: Paeonia 'Coral Charm' was introduced by breeder Samuel Wissing in 1964 and remains one of the most admired coral-toned peonies in cultivation. A recipient of the American Peony Society Gold Medal, it is celebrated for its unique colour, sturdy growth, and long vase life.

Final Thoughts: Radiant and ever-changing, Paeonia 'Coral Charm' brings warmth, movement, and modern energy to the spring garden—an unforgettable start to the season’s floral celebration.