Peony

Peonies hold profound cultural meaning, especially in China, where they symbolize wealth, honor, and feminine beauty, and are celebrated in art, literature, and festivals. The flower is a motif in classical paintings and poetry, and its image graces many traditional textiles. In the West, peonies are associated with romance, prosperity, and happy marriage, making them popular choices for weddings and special occasions. Their enduring appeal bridges continents and centuries, cementing their status as icons of beauty and abundance.

• Peonies can live for decades, with some plants thriving for over 50 years.
• The 'Sarah Bernhardt' peony, bred in France in 1906, remains one of the most popular cut flower cultivars globally.
• Tree peonies can grow up to 2 meters tall and produce exceptionally large, exotic-looking blooms.
• Peonies are generally resistant to deer and moderately drought tolerant once established.
• Despite their beauty, peony parts are not widely consumed as food due to potential toxicity.

Peonies enchant with a palette of colors ranging from pure white and soft pink to vivid red, magenta, yellow, coral, and even purple. Their fragrance is often sweet and alluring, especially in herbaceous varieties, though some cultivars are more subtly scented or nearly scentless. The combination of lush petals and delicate aroma makes peonies irresistible in both gardens and bouquets.

Peonies thrive in well-drained, fertile soils and prefer full sun to partial shade. Planting is best done in autumn or spring, ensuring roots are settled before the blooming season. Once established, peonies require minimal maintenance: regular watering during dry spells, mulching to retain moisture, and removal of spent flowers to promote vigor. Division, seed, and grafting (for tree peonies) are common propagation methods. Peonies benefit from cold winters for dormancy and are generally resistant to deer and moderately drought tolerant.

Peonies symbolize wealth, honor, and feminine beauty in Chinese culture, often called the "king of flowers." In Western traditions, they represent romance, prosperity, and good fortune, making them a favorite for weddings and celebrations. Their lush blooms and enduring nature also evoke notions of abundance and longevity, reinforcing their status as emblems of joy and elegance.

• 'Sarah Bernhardt' – A classic pink herbaceous peony, beloved for its large, fragrant blooms.
• 'Shimanishiki' – A striking Japanese tree peony with bicolor petals.
• Intersectional (Itoh) hybrids – Modern peonies combining the best traits of herbaceous and tree forms, offering vibrant colors and sturdy stems.

Peony breeding has a storied history, with Chinese, Japanese, European, and North American horticulturists contributing to the development of hundreds of cultivars. Herbaceous, tree, and intersectional (Itoh) hybrids offer gardeners a wide array of forms and colors. Notable cultivars include 'Sarah Bernhardt' and 'Shimanishiki,' each with unique lineage and horticultural appeal. Modern breeding focuses on enhancing flower size, color diversity, fragrance, and disease resistance, ensuring peonies remain garden favorites worldwide.

• Botrytis blight – A fungal disease causing wilting and rot, best managed by removing affected plant parts and ensuring good air circulation.
• Root rot – Prevented by planting in well-drained soils and avoiding overwatering.
• Aphids and thrips – Occasional pests that can be controlled with gentle washing or horticultural oils.
• Peonies are generally resistant to deer and moderately drought tolerant once established.

Peonies typically bloom once per year, with flowering occurring from late spring to early summer. Cut flowers are most widely available during this period, making peonies a seasonal highlight in gardens and floral markets.

Peonies are primarily grown for their ornamental value, enhancing gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements with their lush blooms. Their cut flowers are highly sought after in the commercial market, especially for weddings and special events. In China, peony roots and petals are used in traditional medicine, though culinary use is rare due to toxicity concerns. The flower's strong symbolic presence in art and culture further amplifies its importance beyond horticulture.