SKU: 00840369420831 Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Hawaiian Coral') in a One trade gallon pot

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial grown from thick, fleshy bareroot crowns with sturdy stems and lush, deeply divided foliage.
• Bloom Color: Large semi-double blooms that open vivid coral-pink with salmon and peach tones, gradually fading to soft apricot, blush, and creamy ivory.
• Fragrance: Light, sweet fragrance.
• Fruit Flavor: None; ornamental seed pods may develop after flowering but are not grown for edible use.
• Culinary Uses: None. Peonies are not considered edible plants.
• Medicinal Uses: Some peony species have a long history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Asia, but ornamental cultivars such as 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' are grown for decorative purposes and should not be used medicinally without professional guidance.
• Possible Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Plant tissues contain compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea. Sap may also cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators during bloom. Generally resistant to deer and rabbits once established. Occasionally susceptible to botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and ants, although ants do not harm the flowers and simply feed on nectar produced by the buds.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8.
• Sun Preferences: Full sun is ideal, though light afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates. Best flowering occurs with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established; performs best in evenly moist, well-drained soil.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 30–36 inches tall with an equal spread of 30–36 inches.

When and How to Prune

• Remove spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed production and encourage the plant to direct energy into root development.
• Leave the foliage intact throughout the growing season to nourish the crown for the following year's blooms.
• After the first hard frost, cut all stems back to 1–2 inches above the soil.
• Remove and discard all foliage in autumn to reduce the risk of overwintering fungal diseases.
• Avoid pruning healthy foliage before fall, as this can reduce flowering the following spring.

Planting Instructions (Bareroot into the Ground)

1. Plant bareroot peonies in fall, ideally 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes, to allow roots to establish before winter.
2. Choose a location with fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.
3. Dig a hole about 12–18 inches wide and deep, loosening the surrounding soil and incorporating compost if needed.
4. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole and spread the roots evenly over it.
5. Position the crown so the pink growing buds ("eyes") sit 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deeply is one of the most common reasons peonies fail to bloom.
6. Backfill with soil, gently firm around the roots, and water thoroughly.
7. Space plants 36–48 inches apart to allow for mature growth and good air circulation.
8. Water regularly during the first growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
9. Apply a light layer of mulch after planting, keeping it away from the crown.

Overwintering Steps

• 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' Peony is fully hardy in USDA Zones 3–8 and naturally enters dormancy each autumn.
• After the first hard frost, cut stems back to 1–2 inches above the ground.
• Remove all fallen leaves and plant debris to help prevent fungal diseases from overwintering.
• In colder climates, apply a 2–3 inch layer of loose mulch after the ground freezes to protect newly planted crowns from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Mature, established plants generally require little to no winter protection.
• Remove excess mulch in early spring before new shoots emerge to prevent crown rot.
• Avoid disturbing established plants, as peonies often thrive for 50 years or more in the same location.
• Divide only when necessary—typically every 10–15 years if plants become overcrowded or flowering declines.

With its glowing coral blooms, sturdy stems, and exceptional longevity, 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' Peony is a spectacular centerpiece for perennial borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Its ever-changing flower colors, early bloom season, and reliable performance make it one of the most admired and rewarding peonies for gardeners seeking decades of breathtaking spring beauty.