Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Hawaiian Coral'

Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony

Height: 24–36 inches tall
Width: 18–36 inches wide
Flower color: Semi-double blooms in shades of coral-pink, fading through soft apricot
Foliage color: Glossy medium to dark green
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low, remove spent blooms, cut back foliage after frost; may benefit from staking in heavy rain; long-lived and seldom require division
Growing zone: USDA zones 3–8
Wildlife: Deer- and rabbit-resistant; highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

About this plant

Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' opens in early to mid‑spring with fragrant, semi‑double to double blossoms that begin in a rich coral‑pink and gradually fade to soft apricot‑pink as petals age. The rounded flowers are softly fragrant, revealing bright yellow stamens at their center, and sit atop sturdy, upright stems that readily support their blooms-making them superb for fresh-cut arrangements and garden display.

Registered by Roy Klehm in 1981 and awarded the American Peony Society's Gold Medal in 2000 as well as the Award of Landscape Merit in 2009, 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' is known for its generous bloom production. Its long vase life when cut in bud and excellent stem strength make it a garden and florist favorite. Early flowering-and often among the first coral-toned peonies to bloom.

Works well in

Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns

Design tip

The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen at Peonies at Glencoe Farms.