Coral Charm Peony
Paeonia 'Coral Charm'
Height
90–110 cm
Flower size
16–18 cm
Bloom time
Late May – June (early)
Light
Full Sun / Light Partial Shade
Watering
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone 3 (up to -40°C)
Fragrance
Specific (not floral)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Unique color play: from deep coral to the color of scalded milk
- Very powerful thick stems that do NOT require support
- High growth energy: develops quickly and blooms abundantly
- Early blooming (2 weeks earlier than classic varieties)
Disadvantages
- The scent is unpleasant (many find it off-putting)
- Fades quickly to white in intense heat
- Semi-double flower (shows the center), which isn't for everyone
- Rhizomes are more expensive than common varieties
Use in Landscape Design
Thanks to its sturdy stems, Coral Charm is an ideal landscape peony. It holds its shape without supports. It looks great in mass plantings on the lawn or with conifers (blue spruce, junipers), which highlight its warm hue. The best variety for modern garden styles.
Variety Description: Color Magic
An interspecific hybrid that won the American Peony Society gold medal. A true chameleon. The bud opens dark orange, almost terracotta. In full bloom, it becomes rich coral with bright yellow stamens. By the end of flowering, the petals fade to soft peach and finally ivory. One bush can display three different shades simultaneously.
Planting and Division
Plant like herbaceous peonies, but hybrids are more sensitive to waterlogging. Drainage is mandatory. Planting depth: 3-5 cm. Note: rhizomes are huge and hard like logs. Dividing them is harder than common peonies; you might need a saw. Best time is early autumn.
Watering and Site
Plant in sun, but if possible, provide light midday shade to make the color last longer. Abundant watering before blooming; reduce but don't stop after blooming if it's dry.
Feeding (Hybrid Nuances)
Grows fast, so 'eats' a lot. Nitrogen in early spring; complex fertilizer when buds appear. Hybrids react poorly to fresh manure — use only well-rotted compost.
Winter Pruning
In autumn, when the first heavy frosts hit and stems 'collapse,' cut all growth down to soil level. Don't leave stumps to avoid overwintering pests.
Diseases
Like all peonies, prone to Botrytis. Because of fast stem growth, tissues can crack, inviting infection. Spring treatment with copper-based fungicides is mandatory.