Bold , colorful , and fragrant , these blooms are democratic around the world , and for good reasons .
You ’ve probably caught the aroma of peonies in bloom as you ’ve walk through your neighborhood , and their stunning flowers are hard to pretermit . Individualpeonyblooms can reach up to 10 inches across-the-board , depending on the variety , and they come in every colour except blue . In addition to theirlarge , layered flowersand sweet fragrance , peony have unbelievable staying exponent ( they can live for over 100 years ) . They make excellent cut flowers that last a week or more in a vase . It ’s potential to refrigerate them tokeep the buds for up to three month , then enjoy them long after their born blooming time of year . No wonder peonies are so beloved — but there ’s much more to them than you might realise .
1. The Peony Has Centuries of History
Peonies are native to Asia , Europe , and Western North America . betimes in Chinese chronicle , the peony was considered the national flower ( although it ’s now formally the plum peak ) . The Tang Dynasty of China start spawn paeony in the imperial courts in the seventh 100 BCE . Their popularity distribute to Japan in the former eleventh C and France and England in the 18th hundred . Then , in the late 1800s and early 1900s , they begin gain popularity in the U.S. The paeony even became the country peak of Indiana in 1957 , substitute thezinniafor the honor .
2. There’s a Huge Variety of Peonies
There are more than 6,500 motley of peony , with new ace being precede all the fourth dimension . TheAmerican Peony Societykeeps track of them , and each year , it awards its Gold Medal to an outstanding multifariousness . They all agree into three main categories : tree , herbaceous , and itoh ( a cross between the other two ) . Most type are happiest in full Dominicus , but sometree peoniesdo considerably in part shade . paeony normally bloom from late spring to other summer , with former , midseason , and late blossom varieties that allow you to cover the bloom show .
3. Their Name is Rooted in Greek Mythology
The peony is named after Paeon ( also spelled Paean ) , who was a bookman of Asclepius , the Grecian god of medicine and healing . One edition of the story get going that Paeon , known as the healer of the gods , used a paeony to address a wound for Zeus . When Asclepius became murderously jealous of his school-age child , Zeus save Paeon by turn him into a peony bloom .
4. Peonies Have Medicinal Properties
Studies have evince that peony plants haveimmune - system of rules and mood - boosting properties , and can be used to effectively treat kindling , blood clots , and general pain . In fact , the roots and seeds ofpeonies have been used in traditional Chinese medicinefor centuries to treat concern , asthma , convulsions , liver disease , and several more ailments . Peonies also have been used in European herbal medicine as a cure for bladder and kidney problems .
Peonies can cause gastrointestinal upsetfor both citizenry and animals , such as cat and dogs if waste in declamatory amounts .
5. Peony Flowers Have Symbolism
away from their fragrance and wide-cut availability ascut flowers , peonies are a vulgar flower choice among brides , thanks to their symbolism . They represent romance and love and are moot a good omen of a glad marriage . They ’re also the traditional flower for 12th wedding anniversaries . Interestingly , during the Victorian Era , peony flowersrepresented shame and shyness . In China and Japan , they stomach for unattackable and positivist virtues , such as bravery , honour , respect , noblesse , good hazard , and prosperity .
6. Alaska Produces Millions of Cut Peonies
The Netherlands is the largest swerve peony producer ( over 40 percent of the estimated world production ) , but an up - and - coming generator is , perhaps astonishingly , Alaska . The longer , ice chest grow time of year thereallows for larger bloomslater in the growing season , according to theAlaska Peony Society . That means they ’re uncommitted from June to September during the choice wedding ceremony time of year . The most commonly grown variety is ' Sarah Bernhardt , ' which has diffused pink , petal - packed double blooms and is one of the few that florists will call for by name .
If you love lots of petals and redolence , paeony are the prime for you . Peony flowerscarry a copious history of meaning , medicative use , and myth and are a delight togrow in the garden . If you choose to plant peonies , keep this in judgment : These amazing perennials might outlive you !
Credit: Karla Conrad
‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is a favorite double variety.Credit: Janet Mesic Mackie
