Coral peony (Paeonia mascula, Gard. dict. ed. 8: Paeonia no. 1. 1768)

Family: Paeoniaceae

Author: Mill. (L.)

Bibliography: Gard. dict. ed. 8: Paeonia no. 1. 1768

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Paeonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. France to N. Spain and NW. Iran

Description

The Coral peony, scientifically known as Paeonia mascula, is a captivating member of the Paeoniaceae family, renowned for its lush and vibrant blooms. This exquisite flowering plant graces gardens and landscapes with its striking appearance and is cherished for its ornamental value.

Originally documented in the Gardeners’ Dictionary, 8th edition, under the title Paeonia no. 1 in 1768 by the author Mill. (L.), the Coral peony boasts a rich history. Its natural habitat spans from Central France through Northern Spain and extends to the northwestern regions of Iran. This broad geographical range indicates the plant’s adaptability to various climates and soil conditions.

The Coral peony is celebrated for its robust growth and distinctive, coral-hued blossoms that emerge in late spring to early summer. These blooms can range in color from delicate pinks to deep coral-reds, adding a vibrant splash to any garden setting. The foliage is also noteworthy, with lush, green leaves that provide an appealing backdrop to the striking flowers.

In cultivation, the Coral peony is prized not only for its beauty but also for its relatively low maintenance and resilience. It thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from a position that receives full sun to partial shade. Gardeners appreciate its longevity, with plants capable of flourishing for many years with minimal care.

Overall, Paeonia mascula, with its enchanting coral blooms and hardy nature, remains a beloved choice among garden enthusiasts and horticulturists, showcasing the timeless allure of garden peonies.

Common Names

Deu: korallen-pfingstrose
Eng: peony, coral peony, wild peony
Swe: korallpion
Cym: rhosyn-y-mynydd gwyllt
En: Coral peony, Peony, Wild peony
Bg: Розов божур
Hr: Planinski božur
Cs: Pivoňka korálová
Da: Storbladet Pæon
Fi: Munkinpioni
Fr: Pivoine coralline, Pivoine mâle
De: Korallen-Pfingstrose
He: אדמונית החורש
Id: Koral
It: Peonia maschio
Pl: Piwonia koralowa
Sk: Pivonka červená
Sv: Korallpion
Vi: Thược dược Balkan
Cy: Rhosyn-y-mynydd gwyllt

Synonyms

• Paeonia officinalis var. mascula (L.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Mar 23, 2019 by iannizzotto michele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by paularchibald (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Sabrina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Aguiló Roser (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by D Dedo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Morgane K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 10, 2022 by Markus Ertmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Markus Ertmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Turi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Markus Ertmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by κωνσταντιναν (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Antoine 🌱 AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Pablo Rodríguez Fernandez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 29, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by Boris Debourg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Daniel Da Parigi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Boletuz Za (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Laszlo T (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7155281)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:711821-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Paeonia mascula (L.) Mill.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 4