Paeonia x lactiflora Coral Sunset - Pivoine herbacée hybride Coral Sunset

The Paeonia ‘Coral Sunset’ is a herbaceous hybrid peony very different from classic Chinese peonies. Its large semi-double flowers open in a bright coral, between pink and orange, then gradually turn to salmon, peach pink and finally cream. As several shades coexist on the same clump, the flowering creates an astonishing gradation. Early-flowering, vigorous and with sturdy stems, this excellent variety catches the eye in a border and provides good cut flowers, very long-lasting in a vase.

This variety belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. It is neither a pure Chinese peony nor an Itoh peony, but a hybrid between two lineages of herbaceous peonies. Samuel Wissing bred it in Illinois, USA, by crossing ‘Minnie Shaylor’, from Paeonia lactiflora, with ‘Otto Froebel’, belonging to Paeonia officinalis. The first flowering of 'Coral Sunset' was observed around 1965. Samuel Wissing had devoted twenty-six years to creating this coral-toned line. Close to ‘Coral Charm’, of which it is thought to be a seedling sibling, it produces flatter flowers and shows a very recognisable colour evolution. Its vegetation is entirely herbaceous: red buds emerge from the ground in spring, the stems and leaves dry up after the first frosts, while the stump with thick fleshy roots remains dormant underground all winter. This perennial forms a clump 80 to 90 cm tall and 70 to 90 cm wide. With growth rather fast for a peony, it reaches full development in two to five years. Its thick stems resist the weight of the flowers better than those of many old very double peonies. Each carries only one terminal bud, without side flowers, providing long stems to cut for cut flower arrangements. In May, even early June in cool regions, large semi-double flowers open that can reach 20 cm in diameter. The broad, slightly crumpled petals first form a cup, then spread around a heart of golden-yellow stamens. On opening, the colour of the petals is a blend of intense orange coral and pink shades. It then evolves to salmon, peach pink, cream yellow and finally ivory. As the flowers do not all open on the same day, several colours coexist on the same clump. The dark green foliage is divided into oval to lanceolate leaflets. Dense and healthy, it remains decorative after flowering and can take on a red tint in autumn.
'Coral Sunset' received the American Peony Society Gold Medal in 2003, the Award of Landscape Merit in 2009 and the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

In a sunny border, this peony 'Coral Sunset' deserves to be placed prominently to be visible from a path or patio. Plants with soft or complementary shades will enhance its coral tones: ornamental alliums with light flowers like Allium ‘Silver Spring’, perennial salvias with mauve spikes like Salvia nemorosa ‘Amethyst’, hardy geraniums in blue-violet tones like ‘Orion’ or perennials with cream flowers like Baptisia ‘Vanilla Cream’. It is advisable to leave at least 80 cm of space around the stump, as the peony fears root competition.

Our secret for cut flower arrangements: cut your peonies at daybreak when the buds begin to colour up.