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Paeonia 'Santa Fe' (Santa Fe Peony)
© Yoko Nekonomania, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Perennials

Paeonia 'Santa Fe'

Santa Fe Peony

PaeoniaceaeGarden hybrid; interspecific cross

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height28-34 inches (70-85 cm)
Width28-34 inches (70-85 cm)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (moderate)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Paeonia 'Santa Fe' is an interspecific hybrid peony with warm coral-peach to apricot-pink semi-double flowers, growing 28–34 inches (70–85 cm) tall and wide. The warm, sunset-toned coral-peach color evokes the desert light of its namesake city. Semi-double flowers 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) across with visible golden stamens appear in May to early June. The color sits in the warm coral-peach range between 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' (more pink) and 'Coral Charm' (more orange), offering a middle-ground apricot warmth. Like other interspecific hybrids, the color may shift slightly as the flower ages, moving from coral-peach toward softer peach. Early bloom timing — 1–2 weeks before lactiflora cultivars. Sturdy stems support the semi-double flowers without staking. Moderate sweet fragrance. Dark green glossy compound foliage. Same care as all herbaceous peonies: eyes no more than 2 inches (5 cm) deep, well-drained soil, full sun. Can live 50+ years. Mildly toxic.

Native Range

Paeonia 'Santa Fe' is an interspecific garden hybrid.

Suggested Uses

Used in perennial borders and cutting gardens. The warm coral-peach adds southwestern sunset tones to peony collections. Plant alongside 'Coral Charm' and 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' for a coral gradient.

How to Identify

Identified by warm coral-peach to apricot-pink semi-double flowers with golden stamen centers. The warm apricot-peach tone distinguishes this from cooler pinks and more orange corals. Semi-double form. Early bloom. Sturdy self-supporting stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2'4" - 2'10"
Width/Spread2'4" - 2'10"

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

coral
peach
apricot
pink

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

bronze

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Flowering in May to early June, approximately 2 weeks. Early bloom. Coral-peach semi-doubles with moderate fragrance.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Warm coral-peach to apricot-pink, semi-double

Foliage Description

Dark green, deeply divided, glossy compound

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Well-drained, humus-rich soil. Eyes no more than 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Sturdy stems rarely need staking. Remove spent heads. Leave foliage until frost. Mildly toxic.

Pruning

Remove spent flower heads. Cut all stems to ground level in late October–November.

Pruning Schedule

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fall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Mildly toxic if ingested