Coral Charm Peony

There are many different varieties of peonies, and many can look much the same, red, pink or white, with lots of fluffy petals. Some, however, stand out as unique, and attract attention whenever they are seen. The most dramatic and wonderful of all those special varieties is the Coral Charm Peony. Even if you are not especially a peony lover, this plant will appeal enormously – it does to everyone who sees it. To describe it ‘pink’ would be like calling a Porsche a car. The colors of these flowers are almost indescribable, changing from strong coral-pinks through apricots and peachy tones to variable shades of cream, as the flowers mature and age. They are wonderful blooms too, enormous, a full 8 inches across, and not a pom-pom but a bowl of incurved petals surrounding an open center. Only when you watch one open and develop over the days will you really understand why this award-winning plant is so justifiably popular. Plus, it is a vigorous bush with very strong, upright stems, and beautiful foliage that is attractive all summer, after the ‘main event’ has concluded. Perfect with perennial flowers or among shrubs, if you only grow one peony, this is the one.

Growing Coral Charm Peony

Size and Appearance

The Coral Charm Peony is a sturdy upright perennial plant, sending up each year a cluster of thick stems. These rise to a height of 3 feet, and the stems are exceptionally sturdy and strong. They easily support the large flowers, with no flopping of drooping over. The large leaves are divided into segments, and are a mid-green, with a smooth shiny surface and notched edges. The plant forms a dome-shaped, rounded bush about 3 feet across, with more and more stems appearing every year. It is a rapid grower, maturing much faster than many other peonies, but also living for many years without needing dividing.

The large flowers typically appear at the end of May or in early June, between early spring flowers and the main summer display. Flowers last for as much as 3 weeks, depending on temperature, and they begin as tight buds of a bright coral pink. These expand into a large bowl up to 8 inches across, of many incurving petals, with an attractive sheen. The flower is formally described as ‘semi-double’. The inner petals are smaller and less curving, and when the flower is fully open the reproductive parts, with golden stamens surrounding the future seed-pod. As the flowers open the coloring gradually changes to softer peaches and then apricots. Then it shifts towards dark creams and lighter tones, depending on light conditions. Stems of mature plants can be cut for display indoors in vases, but don’t cut too many from one plant as this can weaken them for several years.

After flowering the foliage remains attractive throughout the summer and into fall, before taking on colors of yellow, orange and red and gradually dying down for the winter.

Using the Coral Charm Peony in Your Garden

You can grow the Coral Charm Peony in a traditional way, in a bed with other peonies, or among a selection of perennials – many iris are in bloom at this time, and are perfect companions, especially blue and purple ones. With its excellent and attractive persistent foliage it fits well among shrubs too, adding bulk and substance even when not in bloom. It can be grown in formal settings or cottage gardens and more natural gardening. Choose the planting spot carefully, as this plant should not be moved unless absolutely necessary.

Hardiness

The Coral Charm Peony is very hardy and reliable, growing well even in zone 3. It grows just about everywhere else too, and is an excellent choice for hotter areas, right into zone 9.

Sun Exposure and Soil Conditions

Full sun will always give the best results. Grow this plant in rich, well-drained soils, with good soil preparation, adding rich compost and bone-meal. Plant with the base of the stems, or the dormant buds, no more than an inch or two below the soil surface, and mulch every year or two with rich organic materials. Water regularly the first year, and during extended dry periods after that.

Maintenance and Pruning

Remove flowers as they drop their petals, back to the first leaf. Staking is rarely needed, and a sign of insufficient light. Pests and diseases are normally not a problem, unless soil drainage is poor. Deer usually won’t eat peonies.

History and Origin of the Coral Charm Peony

Most peonies are selections of Paeonia lactiflora, the most common species in gardens. There are other species though, and one very attractive species is Paeonia peregrina, from southeastern Europe and Turkey. It has large single flowers, usually dark reds. There is a variety with bright red flowers, called ‘Otto Froebel’. It is named after a man who, with his father Theodor, were important and successful nurserymen, plant breeders and garden designers in Zurich, Switzerland in the 19th century. Peony hybridizer Samuel Wissing worked with that plant and plants of P. lactiflora for 27 years starting in 1955, creating a group of similar peony hybrids in his ‘Coral’ series.

Specifically, in the 1960s he crossed together ‘Otto Froebel’ with Paeonia lactiflora ‘Minnie Shaylor’, and gave the seedlings to the nurseryman Roy G. Klehm. He grew them at his nursery in Lombard, Illinois. He selected one and named it ‘Coral Charm’, patenting it in 1977 (PP# 4,247), which expired in 1995.

Buying the Coral Charm Peony at the Tree Center

Truly one of the most magnificent peonies in existence, you won’t believe how wonderful the Coral Charm Peony is until you plant one, and savor its beauty in your own garden. The American Peony Society thought so too when they gave it their highest honor in 1986, the Gold Medal. This is a plant you will enjoy for many years to come. Order now, because stocks of this plant are always in short supply.