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The Coral Sunset Peony in bloom is a stunning sight. The delicate color of the blossoming buds holds the observer’s gaze for a long time. It took more than 20 years to develop this hybrid. But experts and amateur flower growers are sure that the result is worth the time and effort.
It took more than 20 years to develop the Coral Sunset variety.
Description of peony Coral Sunset
"Coral Sunset" is a variety of semi-double peonies with the characteristics of a tree and herbaceous species. The bush is formed by erect shoots, densely covered with large openwork leaves. The growth of green mass occurs quickly, and the decorative effect remains until the end of the season. The average height of the bush is 1 m. Powerful shoots do not allow the plant to fall apart under the force of the wind or the weight of the buds, so there is no need to install support.
For the full development of peony, you need a sunny area without drafts. "Coral Sunset" prefers fertile soil with a loose structure. Moisture near the roots should be well retained, but not stagnate for long.Owners of the Coral Sunset peony do not need to worry about covering the bush for the winter, because it remains viable when the temperature drops to -40 °C. Regions with harsh winters belonging to frost resistance zone 3 are suitable for cultivation.
Peony flowering features Coral Sunset
Abundant flowering of the variety has been observed since the third year. To do this, Coral Sunset requires a lot of sun, good hydration and nutrition. The first buds, depending on the region, bloom in the last days of May or in the early days of June. The last flowers wilt after 4-6 weeks.
The flowers are semi-double, 15-20 cm in diameter. The lifespan of each of them is approximately 5 days. During this period, they gradually change color from bright coral or salmon to pale pink or cream. In partial shade, the original color lasts longer.
Many petals arranged in 5-7 rows converge in a lighter center with bright yellow stamens. As dusk approaches, the flowers close, only to open again at dawn. The herbaceous peony Coral Sunset is ideal for cutting: with regular changes of water it does not fade for up to two weeks.
Differences between Coral Sunset and Coral Charm peonies
Thanks to the tireless work of breeders, many hybrids of peonies with coral buds have been born. "Coral Sunset" is practically the twin brother of the "Coral Charm" variety. They belong to semi-double species, begin to bloom at the same time and have a similar bush structure. Both varieties of peonies are very popular among gardeners.
The difference between varieties is in the structure and color of the buds. Firstly, Coral Charm has more petals.Secondly, the original color of the flowers of this variety is dark pink. As the petals bloom, they become light coral with a snow-white border, and before they fade, they turn yellow.
Application in design
Strong compact bushes with delicate coral flowers are widely used in landscape design. The ability to grow without support increases the variety of combination options. Successful examples of introducing peonies of the “Coral Sunset” variety into the landscape of a personal plot are:
- Single plantings near the house or in the center of a small lawn.
- Creating a row along a path, fence or dividing line.
- The central or middle level of a multi-tiered flower garden.
- Rocky flowerbed in Japanese style.
- Group planting with low conifers and leaf crops with a dense crown.
- Combination with dark red buds.
- Composition with small-flowered crops below or above 1 meter.
Peony "Coral Sunset" goes well with dark red flowers
The beauty of the Coral Sunset variety is emphasized by low-growing conifers. When choosing plants with the same flowering period for your neighborhood, it is worth considering the combination of colors. In most cases, it is better not to use more than three shades in one composition. For crops that bloom in spring or in the second half of summer, peony bushes of the variety in question will be an excellent backdrop.
Reproduction methods
The easiest and most common way to propagate Coral Sunset peonies is by dividing the root. Cuttings and rooting of layering are rarely practiced due to the complexity and length of the process. It is better to divide a bush that is 3-4 years old. Each part of the peony rhizome prepared for planting should be no shorter than 10 cm and have at least 2-3 buds.
The ideal time to divide the bush is the end of August and the first half of September. During this period, the active development of the peony stops, which promotes rooting. To avoid infection, the divisions are treated with a disinfectant solution. Before frost, the ground above the planted root should be mulched with dry leaves, pine needles, rotted sawdust or grass.
Planting Peony Coral Sunset
The milky-flowering peony of the Coral Sunset variety is planted at the end of the season: from August to the end of October. The weather differs in the regions, so it should be calculated so that it has time to take root before the first frost. Spring planting in warm soil is allowed. But the young plant needs to be protected from the scorching sun, and there will be no flowering this year.
The place chosen for planting should be sunny and windless. Peony is harmed by prolonged shadow from buildings, fences, trees or bushes. However, the absence of direct sunlight for several hours after lunch will help maintain the bright color of the flowers. The soil needed is light loamy. It is very easy to make marginal soil suitable by adding sand, turf and organic matter.
Stages of planting a peony:
- Hole formation. The standard depth is 50 cm. If a drainage layer is needed for water outflow, it is increased by 10-20 cm. Gravel or broken brick can serve as drainage.
- Peony planting. The root is placed so that the upper bud ends up buried 5 cm into the ground. It is covered with soil from the hole, enriched with organic matter, sand and turf.
- Ending the process. The filled soil is pressed so that there are no voids left near the roots.Sides 4-5 cm high are formed around them. Water abundantly.
Aftercare
"Coral Sunset" does not require special care. The growing process comes down to the following activities:
- Watering - the soil near the peony should not dry out completely.
- Loosening the soil - the absence of an earthen crust helps retain moisture.
- Weed removal – retains nutrients in the soil and prevents infestations.
- Feeding is necessary for development and lush flowering.
- Spraying - protects the peony from diseases and pests.
The initial supply of nutrients in the soil is enough for the peony for 2 years. Further it is impossible to do without regular feeding. The first is carried out in early spring, using nitrogen fertilizers. The next two are carried out before and after flowering, using mineral complexes. Preventive spraying with fungicides and insecticides is carried out twice a year.
For abundant flowering, peonies are fed in early spring and during budding
Preparing for winter
With the onset of the first frosts, the Coral Sunset variety begins to prepare for wintering. First, cut off all shoots to ground level. The next step is to mulch the tree trunk circle with dry leaves, pine needles, sawdust, hay or compost.
Peonies require full shelter only in the first and second years of life. It is made from spruce branches, film or covering material. At the beginning of spring, the shelter and mulch layer must be removed so that the sprouts can freely break through.
Pests and diseases
If the peony's leaves and flowers become smaller or the bush looks sick, old age may be the cause.You need to dig up and divide the roots, and then plant the “divisions” in a new place. Poor health of the bush can be caused by various diseases or pests. The variety "Coral Sunset" is often found with root rot. Easily noticeable diseases: powdery mildew and cladosporiosis.
During the budding period, peonies are often bothered by ants. Insects can cause serious damage to flowers. Bronze beetles, root-knot nematodes and aphids often attack. To preserve the decorative appearance of the peony, they use traditional methods of combating diseases and pests or resort to the help of special means.
Ants are dangerous pests of peonies
Conclusion
Peony Coral Sunset is an unusually beautiful plant. Breeders spent many years creating it, but the result did not disappoint flower growers. The unusual color of the buds in combination with strong stems brought “Coral Sunset” to the group of the most popular peony varieties. To unlock the full potential of the Coral Sunset variety, you need a sunny place without winds, light fertile soil and standard care. Regular watering, loosening, removing weeds, fertilizing and spraying is all that is needed for good crop health.
The milky-flowered peony Coral Sunset is ideal for creating a charming atmosphere in your garden. In exchange for following simple care rules, owners receive a huge number of large coral buds. “Coral Sunset” will not leave either the owner or passers-by indifferent.
Reviews of peony Coral Sunset
