Paeonia lactiflora Coral Charm

Paeonia lactiflora 'Coral Charm' is an unusual Chinese peony, both in the shape of its semi-double flowers, which are very globular at blooming, like some old roses, and in their coral pink colouring tinged with peach. At the time of its introduction in 1964, this old variety was in fact the first to sport this pretty shade between pink and orange. Close to the botanical species Paeonia lactiflora, this robust peony develops somewhat sparse but relatively tough foliage, of a fresh green, and strong stems that do not require staking. As unusual as it is charming, 'Coral Charm' blooms early in the peony season. Easy to grow and faithful, peonies sometimes take a little time to establish themselves, but they grow year after year and can live for well over 50 years.

Chinese herbaceous peonies are mainly derived from Paeonia lactiflora, a perennial native to central and eastern Asia (from eastern Tibet to northern China to eastern Siberia), where it naturally grows in woods and meadows. This plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae or Paeoniaceae family.

The Coral Charm variety is a rather extraordinary cultivar, resulting from crossbreeding between the botanical species Paeonia lactiflora and the Paeonia peregrina Otto Frobel. This variety received the gold medal from the American Peony Society long after its creation, in 1986. From spring onwards the plant forms an imposing and slightly suckering bushy herbaceous clump, reaching 85 cm (34in) in height when in flower with a minimum spread of 1.15 m (4ft). Its 15cm (6in) diameter flowers appear quite early in May, depending on the climate, and last for about two weeks. They emerge as a large bright pink bud, then open up into a very original, semi-double, rounded flower, displaying at full bloom a large bright heart of yellow stamens. The flower colour, a quite vivid salmon pink at first, fades over time into different shades of peach and orange, creating a subtle blend. Although quite heavy, they are carried on strong stems that do not require staking. The foliage consists of large, firm, highly cut and glossy dark green leaves. They disappear in winter, while buds (eyes) persist at ground level and will develop again in spring. This long-lived perennial plant grows from a large fleshy root that does not appreciate being moved.

Peonies are among those plants that form the foundation of a garden. In the past every garden, from the humblest to the most elaborate, proudly displayed clumps of peonies that made their way into the house, keeping lilacs and bluebells company in bouquets. Different, the Chinese peony Coral Charm deserves a prime location in the garden. It can be planted in flowerbeds or alongside pathways, associated with timeless perennials such as columbines, bellflowers, foxgloves, bearded irises, carnations, or Christmas roses. It can also be grown in the vegetable garden to supply cut flowers for the house. Growing it in a pot is not recommended, as its needs will not be met. Over time, the peony becomes majestic and blooms more and more abundantly, producing up to 60 flowers. It is not uncommon for it to outlive the person who planted it.