Paeonia mascula aka Coral Peony

Paeonia mascula is a perennial in the peony family, Paeoniaceae. Its common names include wild peony and coral peony. Kew places its native range from central France to northern Spain and northwestern Iran. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild habitats include scrubby meadows, hills, and oak, pine, or beech woods. It also grows among bracken and on north-facing limestone slopes.

This upright plant forms clumps and loses its leaves each year. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall and wide. They take two to five years to reach full size. The blue-green leaves divide into nine leaflets. Single, scented flowers open in spring above the foliage. Their petals range from rose pink to deep purple-red. Each flower has a central cluster of dark yellow stamens. Blooms measure about 0.23–0.43 feet [0.07–0.13 metres] across.

Choose a sheltered site in full sun or partial shade. Deep, fertile soil rich in humus suits this peony best. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. It can grow in clay, loam, or sandy soil. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. The RHS rates it H6 for cold tolerance in Britain. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. Plants can live for many years but dislike disturbance once settled.

This peony suits flower beds, borders, and informal cottage gardens. It also fits courtyard gardens and provides flowers for cutting. Woodland edges and places with dappled shade offer other planting options. Remove spent blooms, then cut back dying foliage in autumn. Sow seed outdoors in containers during autumn or early winter. Seeds may need two or three years to sprout. Division is another option in autumn or early spring. Leaf and bud eelworms and swift moth larvae may attack plants. Diseases include honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony blotch, peony wilt, and viral infection.

Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses. It records traditional root use for spasms and as a tonic. This is a record of use, not proof of benefit. The supplied RHS record flags toxicity to people. Its page also warns of skin irritation in dogs and cats. These warnings warrant caution despite PFAF listing no known hazards.