Paeonia Abalone Pearl (Peony)

Among the first Peonies to bloom, Peony 'Abalone Pearl' is not only pretty but is also sweetly fragrant. A delight in the spring garden, 'Abalone Pearl' features warm coral-pink, semi-double, bowl-shaped blooms with a golden center. Literally glowing in the sunshine, its gracefully incurved petals gradually fade to cream with age. They are borne in profusion on strong stems and are a real standout in the garden.

• Blooming heavily in late spring – early summer, this early midseason peony will flower for approximately 7-10 days. You may want to plant other cultivars with staggered bloom times (there are early, mid, and late blooming varieties) to extend your peonies season to up to 6 weeks.
• Makes excellent cut flowers with a long vase life (over a week) if cut in the bud. Enjoy a magnificent bouquet of coral peonies at home!
• Reliable and vigorous, this herbaceous Peony grows in a lush, bushy mound of glossy, dark green, divided foliage reaching up to 32 in. in height (80 cm) and 24-30 in. in spread (60-75 cm). The foliage remains attractive throughout summer until frost and often colors up in the fall.
• Enjoys full sun or part shade in rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Peony plants grow best in full sun but will tolerate some light afternoon shade. Provide a sheltered location. 
• Deer and rabbit resistant but attractive to butterflies!
• Virtually pest free. Watch for honey fungus and peony wilt.
• Very useful and adaptable in the garden. Perfect as a specimen plant and in groups for borders and beds, city gardens, or cottage gardens. Ideal for bordering a walk or driveway and as an informal hedge. Plant your peonies away from trees or shrubs as peonies don't like to compete for food and moisture. The enchanting peony flower combines beautifully with roses, bearded irises, and other perennials in striking color combinations.
• Low maintenance. Remove spent flowers as they fade, then cut back the plant after the foliage has died down in fall. Long-lived (peonies may live up to 50 years!), the plants do not need to be divided and can be left undisturbed for years. Peonies do not respond well to transplanting, so choose your planting location carefully.
• The best time to plant peonies is in early fall, so they will have time to become established in the soil before winter. They do not flower during the first year of planting and may take up to two years to produce their showy, fragrant blooms.
• All parts of the plant may cause stomach discomfort if consumed.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.