The peony is a flowering plant that belongs to the genus Paeonia, which is the sole genus in the Paeoniaceae family. Paeonia is a genus of plants native to the Northern Hemisphere’s moderate and cold climates; Asia, Europe, and Western North America are all home to peonies. All woody species in the section Moutan, or tree peony, are limited to Central and Southern China, including Tibet, in the wild. With an estimate ranging from 25 to 40 species, scientists disagree on how many species can be differentiated, however, the current agreement is 33 known species. The stunning peony is in bloom from spring to summer according to the variety, and it has rich leaves all summer. Peonies are annual flowers that return year after year to captivate you with their breath-taking beauty. Early, middle, and late-flowering types are available at many nurseries, allowing you to extend the peony season and enjoy those gorgeous blossoms for as long as possible. Peony plants may outlive you, in fact, some have been known to live for more than a century.
They feature enormous, typically fragrant blooms that range in colour from purple and pink to red, yellow, and white, and have complex, deeply lobed leaves. Many peony blossoms change colour as they open, you can keep an eye on them every day to notice the colour variations. Peony flowers come in six varieties: anemone, single, Japanese, semi-double, double, and bomb. Some plants, like ‘Festiva Maxima’ and ‘Duchesse de Nemours,’ have seductive rose-like smells, while others are citrusy or even scentless. Peonies are very popular as attractive garden plants in temperate climates, herbaceous peonies are also widely available as cut flowers. Peonies make excellent sentinels for pathways or a low hedge. The peony’s bushy cluster of beautiful glossy green leaves lasts all summer before turning purplish-red or gold in the fall, making it as majestic and dignified as any flowering shrub. Peonies go nicely with baptisias, columbines, and veronicas in mixed borders, as well as irises and roses.
Growing Peonies
Peony plants require very little maintenance once properly planted and well established. They do not, however, react well to transplanting, so plan your planting location appropriately. Although it is feasible to plant peonies in the spring, they do not perform as well as peonies planted in the fall. Picking the right place to plant peonies is essential, so make sure to plant them in a location with plenty of sunlight, good drainage, and adequate space. Peonies dislike competing for food, light, and moisture, so do not place them too close to trees or bushes. Peonies need full sun, and while they may survive in partial shade, they blossom best in a bright position that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunshine each day. Peony types that are herbaceous or intersectional require at least five to six hours of full sun each day, whereas single-flowering and anemone-flower variants could benefit from some afternoon shade. Because big peony flowers can make them top-heavy, provide cover from high winds and use stakes to keep them up when necessary. Peonies thrive in wet, deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well and has a neutral pH. Well-draining soil is the most important because peony cannot grow well with soggy roots.
If your soil is poor, apply fertilizer in early summer after the peonies have flowered and the blooms have been deadheaded. Bonemeal, compost, or well-rotted manure are the fertilizer types you can use. Make sure to only fertilize once every few years. Peony flowers should be deadheaded as soon as they begin to fade, to keep the stem from sticking out of the foliage. To minimize disease spreading, cut the leaves to the ground in the fall. Peonies are typically resilient, however, several diseases such as verticillium wilt, ringspot virus, tip blight, and others can affect them. Peonies are also one of several deer-resistant plants that may be grown in your yard.
Peonies Meaning and Significance
The peony is thought to have been named after Paeon, the Greek gods’ healer. Paeon was a disciple of Aesculapius, the god of medicine, according to mythology. When Paeon used a peony root to cure Pluto, Aesculapius was enraged by his abilities and attempted to assassinate him. Pluto then turned Paeon into a peony to save him and show his compassion, because he knew peony was a flower that people would appreciate. Peonies were prized for their therapeutic properties, as the mythological tale demonstrates. Their roots and seeds were thought to treat over twenty illnesses in ancient and medieval periods, including epilepsy and snake bites.
In another story, the peony is believed to be called after Paeonia, a nymph. Paeonia, a lovely nymph, drew Apollo’s attention and began to flirt with her. When she discovers Aphrodite is watching, her joy immediately turns to humiliation, and Aphrodite transforms the nymph into a bright-red peony.
Indiana’s state flower is the peony, they were also the national flower of China before 1929. Peonies are highly prized in China, where they are known as the “king of flowers.” Peonies have been popular in China since the Sui dynasty, and they were planted in the Imperial Palace during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Luoyang, often known as the City of Peonies, is one of the most popular places in China to observe peonies. It is home to the National Peony Garden, which has over 100 varieties of peonies and holds an annual peony festival.
Peonies are also associated with several superstitions. Some people think that having a peony shrub full of blooms brings good luck, but it is a warning for a tragedy if the leaves dry up and the petals fade or discolour.
The peony is connected with several meanings and symbolism due to its historical and mythological significance. Romance, nobility, wealth, good fortune, a happy marriage, riches, honour, and compassion are all common symbolisms associated with the peony. Because of these meanings and symbolism, peonies are frequently presented at twelfth wedding anniversaries.
