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Peony Coral Sunset in bloom is a delightful sight. The gentle color of blossoming buds for a long time holds the gaze of the observer. It took more than 20 years to breed this hybrid. But experts and amateur flower growers are sure that the result is worth the time and effort spent.
Description Peony Coral Sunset
‘Coral Sunset’ is a variety of semi-double peonies with tree and herbaceous characteristics. The bush is formed by erect shoots, densely covered with large openwork leaves. The growth of green mass occurs quickly, 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 disintegrate under the force of the wind or the weight of the buds, so there is no need to establish a support.
For the full development of the 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 a long time. The owners of the Coral Sunset peony do not need to worry about sheltering the bush for the winter, because it remains viable when the temperature drops to -40 ° C. Regions with severe winters belonging to the 3rd frost resistance zone are suitable for cultivation.
Features of flowering peony Coral Sunset
Abundant flowering of the variety is observed from the third year. For this, “Coral Sunset” requires a lot of sun, good hydration and nutrition. The first buds, depending on the region, bloom in the final days of May or in the early days of June. Withering of the last flowers occurs after 4-6 weeks.
Flowers are semi-double, 15-20 cm in diameter. The life span 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 middle with bright yellow stamens. Flowers close at dusk, only to open again at dawn. Herbaceous peony Coral Sunset is ideal for cutting: with a regular change 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 Sharm” variety. They belong to semi-double species, begin to bloom at the same time and have a similar structure of bushes. Both varieties of peonies are very popular among flower growers.
The difference between varieties 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 withering – yellow.
Application in design
Strong compact bushes with delicate coral flowers are widely used in landscape design. The possibility of growing without support increases the variety of combination options. Successful examples of the introduction of peonies of the Coral Sunset variety into the landscape of a personal plot are:
- Lonely landing near the house or in the center of a small lawn.
- Create a row along a path, fence, or zone dividing line.
- The central or middle level of a multi-tiered flower garden.
- Rocky flower bed in Japanese style.
- Group planting with low conifers and leafy crops with a dense crown.
- Combination with dark red buds.
- Composition with small-flowered cultures below or above 1 meter.
The beauty of the Coral Sunset variety is emphasized by undersized coniferous crops. When choosing plants with the same flowering period for the 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 open buds in spring or in the second half of summer, peony bushes of the variety in question will be an excellent background.
Methods of reproduction
The easiest and most common way to propagate Coral Sunset peonies is to divide the root. Cuttings and rooting of cuttings are rarely practiced due to the complexity and length of the process. It is better to divide a bush aged 3-4 years. 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 for dividing the bush is the end of August and the first half of September. During this period, the active development of the peony stops, which contributes to rooting. To avoid infection, the “delenki” are treated with a disinfectant solution. Before frost, the ground above the planted root should be mulched with dry leaves, needles, rotted sawdust or grass.
Peony Planting Coral Sunset
The planting of the milky-flowered peony of the Coral Sunset variety is carried out during the end of the season: from August to the end of October. The weather in the regions is different, so it should be calculated so that it has time to take root before the first frost. Spring planting in warm ground is allowed. But the young plant needs to be sheltered from the scorching sun, and there will be no flowering this year.
The place chosen for landing should be sunny and calm. The peony is harmed by a long shadow from buildings, fences, trees or bushes. However, the absence of direct sunlight for several hours after lunch will help preserve the bright color of the flowers. The soil needs light loamy soil. Infertile land is very easy to make suitable by adding sand, turf and organic matter.
Peony planting steps:
- Hole formation. The standard depth is 50 cm. If a drainage layer is needed for the outflow of water, it is increased by 10-20 cm. Gravel or broken brick can serve as drainage.
- Planting a peony. The root is placed so that the upper kidney eventually turns out to be 5 cm deep into the ground. They are covered with earth from a hole enriched with organic matter, sand and turf.
- Process completion. The covered earth is pressed so that there are no voids near the root. Borders 4-5 cm high are formed around. Abundant watering is carried out.
Aftercare
“Coral Sunset” does not require special care. The growing process is reduced to the following activities:
- Watering – the land near the peony should not dry out completely.
- Loosening the soil – the absence of an earthen crust contributes to the retention of moisture.
- Weed Removal – Retains nutrients in the soil and prevents infestation.
- Top dressing – 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 a peony for 2 years. Further it is impossible to do without regular top dressing. 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.
Preparation for winter
With the onset of the first frosts, the preparation of the Coral Sunset variety for wintering begins. First cut off all the shoots to ground level. The next step is to mulch the trunk circle with dry leaves, needles, sawdust, hay or compost.
A full shelter is required for peonies only in the first and second year of life. It is made from spruce branches, film or covering material. In early spring, the shelter and mulch layer must be removed so that the sprouts freely break through.
Pests and diseases
If the leaves and flowers of the peony have become smaller or the bush looks sick, old age may be the cause. It is necessary to dig and divide the roots, and then plant the “dividings” in a new place. Poor health of the bush can cause various diseases or pests. 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. Often attacked by bronzes, gall nematodes and aphids. To preserve the decorativeness of the peony, folk methods of combating diseases and pests are used, or they resort to the help of special means.
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, combined with strong stems, brought Coral Sunset into the group of the most popular peony varieties. To unlock the full potential of Coral Sunset, you need a sunny place without winds, light fertile soil and standard care. Regular watering, loosening, weed removal, top dressing and spraying are all that is needed for good crop health.
Milky-flowered peony Coral Sunset is ideal for creating a charming atmosphere in the backyard. In exchange for observing simple rules of care, the owners receive a huge amount of large coral buds. “Coral Sunset” will not leave indifferent either the owner or passers-by.