Coral Sunset Peony: Your Complete Guide To This Beautiful Color-Changing Hybrid

‘Coral Sunset’ is a hybrid, herbaceous peony, meaning it dies back in the fall and comes alive with new growth in spring. Peonies are popular garden perennials for their over-the-top flowers that appear in late spring or early summer.

All types of peonies are well-suited for a variety of landscaping needs. Peonies can be good foundation plants, they shine as border plants, and also make for good specimen plants in romantic cottage gardens.

Because peonies are so popular, you can find thousands of peony varieties and hybrids. One with unique coloration is ‘Coral Sunset.’

Caring For ‘Coral Sunset’ Peony

This coral peony has more orange tones than most peony flowers. It is prized for its large, semi-double blooms that emerge an intense shade of coral and transition as they mature to coral-pink, yellow-cream, and finally, white.

Light

Grow your ‘Coral Sunset’ peony in full sun or in a spot that gets just a little shade, preferably in the afternoon. Peonies make great foundation plants, but be sure that your house doesn't shade them too much.

Water

Peonies have medium water needs. The soil should drain well but retain a medium amount of moisture. Water your peony weekly if it isn’t raining. It should get an inch or two (2.5 to 5.0 cm) of water per week. Water is especially important in the early spring as the peony develops leaves and flower buds.

Temperature & Humidity

Peonies are fairly hardy and need cold winters to reappear and bloom in spring and summer. During the growing season, their humidity needs are moderate. Too much moisture can lead to fungal diseases. This peony grows best in USDA zones 3-8.

Soil

Peonies can adapt to many soil types, but it must be well-drained soil. If your soil is too heavy and doesn’t drain, amend it before planting.

Fertilizer

Peonies do not need a lot of fertilizer. Use compost in the planting hole and apply some around the base of the plant annually. Or, use a small amount of bulb fertilizer every few years just after flowering.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Your ‘Coral Sunset’ is susceptible to bortrytis blight, a type of mold. Space your plants adequately to allow for airflow and to reduce the risk of mold and other common peony diseases.

Ants on peony buds and blooms are common and not damaging to the plant. If you are using the cut flowers for bouquets, simply shake the ants off before bringing the flowers indoors.

Pruning

Peonies do not need much pruning, but they do make great additions to cut flower displays. Once a peony has finished flowering, you can cut the stems back. Remove any dead or diseased stems.

If you need to trim stems for air flow or shaping, cut them back to above the first bud. Trim back all the dead foliage after the first frost in fall.

Propagation

Dividing peonies isn't usually necessary and they are happiest when left alone for years at a time. If you do want to propagate them, lift the entire root clump out, divide it, and replant. Use a sharp clean knife to cut the root clump into divisions. Fall is the best time to divide peonies.

Repotting

Peonies are generally not grown in containers. They grow fairly large and do not transplant well. If you have to move a peony, it might die back and reappear the following year. You also might not see flowers on it for a year or two.

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