A Guide to Coral and Special Colour Peonies for Mother’s Day

Peonies, known for their lush, romantic blooms and delightful fragrance, are a perfect flower to celebrate Mother's Day. Their delicate petals and rich colours bring elegance and beauty, making them a wonderful choice for bouquets, centrepieces, or a gift to a special mom in your life. Among the many colours peonies come in, coral and special colours (which often feature rare and unique hues) are particularly stunning and meaningful. Here’s everything you need to know about these beautiful peonies.

Coral Peonies: The Perfect Shade for Mother’s Day

Coral is a warm, vibrant colour that blends soft pinks, oranges, and peaches. It exudes energy and joy, making it a wonderful choice for celebrating a special occasion like Mother’s Day. Coral peonies convey warmth, admiration, and gratitude, and they are particularly meaningful when you want to express your appreciation for someone’s loving and nurturing nature.

Popular Coral Peony Varieties:

1. Coral Charm
   This is one of the most iconic coral peonies. The Coral Charm starts with a soft peach-pink colour and gradually deepens into a warm coral as it matures. Its large, showy flowers and lovely fragrance make it a favourite for Mother's Day bouquets.

2. Coral Sunset
   This variety offers a dramatic contrast of bright coral with a hint of yellow at the centre. The blooms have a unique colour progression, shifting from soft peach to bold coral shades. It’s perfect for a cheerful, radiant look.

3. Lemon Chiffon
   A delicate, soft yellow-peach peony, Lemon Chiffon brings a lighter, more pastel coral touch. It’s ideal for adding a soft, elegant hue to any floral arrangement.

Styling Coral Peonies for Mother’s Day:

• Bouquet: Combine coral peonies with white, pink, or light green flowers like roses, hydrangeas, or lilies to create a soft, complementary palette.

• Floral Arrangement: Pair them with lush greenery for a more natural, garden-inspired look. Use eucalyptus, fern, or olive branches for contrast.

• Vase: Opt for a vintage-inspired vase or glass jar to enhance the charm of the coral peonies.

Special Colour Peonies: Rare and Unique Hues

In addition to the more traditional pink, white, and red peonies, there are a variety of special colours that feature striking or unique tones. These rare and exceptional hues can be perfect for a mom who appreciates something out of the ordinary. Special colour peonies are often more complex in their shades, often blending multiple tones for a more sophisticated look.

Notable Special Colour Peony Varieties:

1. Peach or Apricot Peonies
   Peach and apricot peonies combine soft pastel tones with hints of yellow and orange, giving them a warm, vintage appeal. Varieties like 'Cora Louise' and 'Bowl of Cream' have delicate, peachy shades with a slight cream centre that evoke a timeless elegance.

2. Lavender or Lilac Peonies
   Lavender or lilac peonies, such as ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Lavender Hill,’ offer a calming, soft hue that’s both rare and romantic. These peonies are a unique addition to any Mother’s Day arrangement, with their pastel purple tones creating a sophisticated charm.

3. Purple Peonies
   Rich purple peonies such as 'Kansas' or 'Scarlet Heaven' offer an elegant, regal look. These varieties feature deep, jewel-toned purple petals with hints of magenta, adding a bold and dramatic flair to any bouquet.

4. Yellow Peonies
   Yellow peonies like 'Bartzella' are a rare and striking variety, featuring a sunny golden hue that adds warmth and vibrancy. The petals of these peonies sometimes have soft hints of orange or cream, creating a beautiful contrast with other colours.

Styling Special Colour Peonies for Mother’s Day:

• Mixed Bouquets: Special colour peonies can be stunning on their own but can also be paired with contrasting flowers like dark purples or whites to make their unique tones pop.

• Monochromatic Bouquets: Focus on one unique colour, such as lavender, yellow, or apricot, for an elegant monochromatic bouquet.

• Arrangement in Glass or Ceramic Vases: Opt for a neutral vase in white, glass, or pale gold to keep the focus on the stunning colours of the peonies. For a more luxurious feel, a marble vase would complement the peony’s richness.

Caring for Peonies to Extend Their Lifespan

Whether you’re giving coral or special colour peonies as a gift or using them in your own Mother’s Day decor, it’s essential to care for them to keep them fresh and beautiful for as long as possible. Here are a few tips:

1. Cutting and Preparing the Stems:
   When you first receive peonies, re-cut the stems at an angle under running water to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stem. This will help them take up water more easily.

2. Watering:
   Peonies love water, so make sure the vase is filled with clean, cool water. Change the water every couple of days to prevent bacteria growth.

3. Temperature and Light:
   Keep the flowers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. They’ll last longer in a moderate environment.

4. Remove Wilted Petals:
   As the peonies bloom and mature, it’s natural for some petals to start wilting. Gently remove any dead petals to keep the bouquet looking fresh.

Coral and special colour peonies offer a breathtaking range of shades and meanings, making them an excellent choice for Mother’s Day. Whether you go for the vibrant warmth of coral or the rare and unique hues of special-colour peonies, these flowers convey love, appreciation, and beauty. With proper care, your peony bouquet will remain a stunning tribute to the special mom in your life for days to come.