Coral Sunset Peony
Coral Sunset is one of the most important and recognizable coral peonies ever introduced — an early-blooming hybrid prized for its vivid color, strong stems, vigorous growth, and outstanding cut-flower value.
Introduced by American hybridizer Samuel Wissing in 1965, Coral Sunset came from the cross Minnie Shaylor × Otto Froebel and is considered a sister seedling of Coral Charm. Wissing spent more than two decades developing his famous coral hybrids, and Coral Sunset remains one of the standout results of that breeding work. American Peony Society
The flowers open in a rich deep coral to coral-rose, then gradually soften through salmon, peach, cream, and parchment tones as they age. That changing color is one of Coral Sunset’s greatest attractions: a single plant can display several complementary shades at once, creating exceptional depth in the field, garden, or vase. The flowers are large, semi-double, cupped, and substantial, with excellent visual presence for floral design. American Peony Society
For cut-flower growers, Coral Sunset offers an unusually strong combination of early bloom timing, stem strength, flower size, and color impact. The American Peony Society describes it as vigorous, reliable, strongly stemmed, and approximately 34 inches tall. Its foliage is substantial and attractive, and the flowers hold their form well as they mature. American Peony Society
Coral Sunset is especially valuable at the beginning of peony season, when its warm coral tones can command attention before many traditional pink and white Lactiflora peonies reach full production. Its shifting color also gives designers several looks from the same cultivar depending on harvest stage — from intense coral at opening to softer salmon, blush, and cream as the flower develops.
The cultivar has also earned significant recognition. Coral Sunset received the American Peony Society Gold Medal in 2003 and the Award of Landscape Merit in 2009, reflecting both its flower quality and its overall garden performance. American Peony Society
For growers, designers, and gardeners looking for one of the defining coral peonies, Coral Sunset remains a benchmark variety. It combines dramatic early color, strong field performance, historical breeding significance, and excellent cut-flower potential in a plant that has remained commercially relevant for decades.
Bloom color: Deep coral to coral-rose, fading through salmon, peach, cream, and parchment
Flower form: Semi-double
Bloom season: Early
Fragrance: Fragrant
Plant height: Approximately 32–34 inches
Plant habit: Vigorous, upright, strong-stemmed
Best use: Cut flowers, floral design, commercial peony production, gardens
Hybridizer: Samuel Wissing
Introduction: 1965
Parentage: Minnie Shaylor × Otto Froebel
Group: Herbaceous hybrid
Awards: American Peony Society Gold Medal, 2003; Award of Landscape Merit, 2009
Root grade: Large 3–5 eye bare-root division
Planting season: Fall
