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Paeonia 'Pink Hawaiian Coral'
Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony
Garden hybrid; interspecific cross bred by Roy Klehm (1981); APS Gold Medal
Overview
Paeonia 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' is Pink Hawaiian Coral peony (coral-pink semi-double peony), a clumping herbaceous perennial growing 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) tall and 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) wide. Coral-pink to salmon-coral semi-double flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) diameter with golden stamens visible in the center. The flowers age from coral-pink to soft peach over 3-5 days. Interspecific hybrid. Dark green glossy deeply divided compound foliage with bronze-red new growth in spring. In Paeoniaceae. Bred by Roy Klehm (1981). APS Gold Medal. The coral color is rare among herbaceous peonies. Early-blooming — opens 5-7 days before most P. lactiflora cultivars. Semi-double form with strong stems — minimal staking needed. Two weeks of bloom (May-June). The brief bloom period (2 weeks) combined with the rapid color fade from coral to peach is the primary limitation. Moderate fragrance. Requires 600+ chill hours below 40°F (4°C). Plant with eyes no deeper than 2 inches (5 cm). Three to five years to full bloom production. Botrytis blight (Botrytis paeoniae) in wet springs. Cut flower: vase life 5-7 days — cut when coral color is freshest. Bronze to red fall foliage. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Mildly toxic to pets. Zones 3-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Garden hybrid. Interspecific cross bred by Roy Klehm (1981). APS Gold Medal.Suggested Uses
Grown in perennial borders (mid-border) spaced 30-36 inches (75-90 cm). Cut flower — vase life 5-7 days (cut when coral color is freshest). APS Gold Medal. Early-blooming. Moderate fragrance. Deer-resistant. Mildly toxic to pets. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 3'
Width/Spread2'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (May-June). Coral-pink to salmon-coral semi-double flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm). Ages from coral to soft peach over 3-5 days. 2 weeks of bloom. Early-blooming. Moderate fragrance. Bee-pollinated. Cut flower: vase life 5-7 days.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Coral-pink to salmon-coral semi-double flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) diameter, aging to soft peach; golden stamens visible in the centerFoliage Description
Dark green, deeply divided, glossy compound leaves; bronze-red new growth in spring; bronze to red fall colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (5-8 hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Plant eyes no deeper than 2 inches (5 cm). Requires 600+ chill hours — zones 3-8. Minimal staking (semi-double, strong stems). Do not remove foliage until frost. Botrytis blight in wet springs. Deer-resistant. Mildly toxic to pets.Pruning
Remove spent flowers at the first leaf below the bloom. Do not cut foliage until after the first hard frost (October-November). Cut all stems to ground level after frost. Do not compost foliage if botrytis blight is present.Pruning Schedule
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fall