Paeonia 'Coral Sunset'

Paeonia 'Coral Sunset': Glowing Embers of Spring

Suffused with the colours of a setting sun, Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' opens in brilliant coral-orange before softening to peach, then fading to a warm ivory as the blooms mature. Its large, semi-double flowers are held upright on strong stems, rising above a refined mound of dark green foliage. Fragrant and ever-evolving in hue, this early-flowering peony adds dynamic beauty and lasting warmth to spring plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 80–90 cm
• Spread: 80–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Coral-orange fading to peach and ivory; semi-double
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves with a full, upright habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' is a showy, early-season highlight for borders, cutting gardens, and curated perennial collections. Its rich colour and fade-to-cream progression offer continual interest through its bloom time. Strong stems make it an ideal cut flower, while its tidy form suits both formal layouts and relaxed cottage schemes. Pollinators visit its open-form blooms early in the season, adding ecological value to its aesthetic charm.

Companion Plants: Pair Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' with Nepeta 'Walker's Low', whose long-blooming violet flowers cool the warm tones of the peony and attract pollinators throughout summer. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sangria' for its rich red-bronze umbels that complement the coral palette and extend interest into the hottest months. Complete the design with Miscanthus 'Little Miss', a compact ornamental grass with arching foliage that shifts from green to burgundy and offers soft motion, contrast, and late-season colour.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or light shade with well-drained, fertile soil. Avoid planting the crown too deep—buds should sit just below the soil surface. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first growing season. Deadhead spent flowers and cut back stems in fall. Once established, peonies require little maintenance and will bloom reliably for decades without division.

History: Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' was bred by Samuel Wissing and introduced in the 1960s. A recipient of the American Peony Society Gold Medal, it was one of the first peonies to feature the now-celebrated coral hues, paving the way for modern breeding and remaining a staple in gardens and floral design.

Final Thoughts: With glowing colour and graceful form, Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' brings a painterly transition of tones to the spring garden. It’s a bloom that feels alive with light—radiant, responsive, and impossible to overlook.