Peonies are popular garden additions, known for their lush blooms and vibrant colors. The ‘Coral Charm’ and ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ peonies are two varieties celebrated for their unique coral hues and captivating color transformations. This article compares these often-confused varieties, highlighting their distinct characteristics.
Understanding Coral Charm Peony
The ‘Coral Charm’ peony is a hybrid admired for its color evolution. Its semi-double blooms emerge in a striking, deep coral shade, often described as a vibrant salmon-orange. As the bloom matures, this initial color gradually fades, transitioning through soft peach and apricot tones before settling into a creamy, almost white shade.
Each bloom can reach 6 to 8 inches across. This early to mid-season bloomer typically displays its colors in late spring or early summer. Its sturdy stems hold the flowers upright. While not intensely fragrant, it carries a light, sweet scent.
Understanding Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony
The ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ peony is a semi-double variety known for its distinctive color journey. Its flowers begin as a vivid coral-pink, a slightly softer yet intense shade compared to ‘Coral Charm’. As blooms mature, their color softens and lightens, transitioning through pastel pinks and creams, creating a multi-toned effect within the same plant.
Individual flowers range from 7 to 9 inches in diameter. This variety blooms early to mid-season, often a few days after ‘Coral Charm’. Its strong stems support the cup-shaped blossoms, and it has a pleasant, mild fragrance.
Direct Comparison
The most striking difference between ‘Coral Charm’ and ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ is their initial color and transition. ‘Coral Charm’ starts with a pronounced orange-coral, evolving to peach and cream. ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ begins with a distinctly pinker coral hue that softens to lighter pinks and creams. Both offer captivating color changes, but their starting points and intermediate shades differ.
Both are early to mid-season bloomers, though ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ often blooms a few days later, extending the garden’s coral display if both are planted. While both are semi-double, ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ typically has a more open, cup-shaped bloom with prominent yellow stamens. ‘Coral Charm’ petals can appear more ruffled.
Both produce large flowers, generally 6 to 9 inches. Their fragrance is mild, with ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ sometimes noted for a slightly sweeter scent. ‘Coral Charm’ offers a warmer, orange-toned progression, while ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ provides a cooler, pinker experience.
Cultivation Considerations
Both ‘Coral Charm’ and ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ peonies share similar cultivation requirements. These herbaceous perennials thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. They prefer well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Amending clay soils with organic matter is beneficial to prevent root rot. Adequate watering is important during dry spells, especially in their first year, but established plants are drought-tolerant. Peonies require a cold dormancy period to set flower buds, making them suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Planting depth is also important; growth buds should be no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.
Making Your Choice
When choosing between ‘Coral Charm’ and ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’, consider your desired garden color palette. ‘Coral Charm’ is ideal if you prefer a warmer, orange-toned coral that transitions to peach and cream. If you prefer a vivid coral-pink that softens into lighter pinks, ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ is a fitting choice.
The subtle difference in bloom timing means planting both can extend the coral bloom period in your garden. Both varieties are robust and share similar care needs. Either will provide a spectacular display, each offering a unique take on the coral peony aesthetic.