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If you’re interested in peony flower or want to know more about these beautiful flowers, read on. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about peonies, including the different types and varieties available.
Peonies are a popular garden choice, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re lovely, with big, showy blooms in various colours. They’re also relatively easy to care for and make excellent cut flowers.
Plant Name and Origin
The Peony Flower is the official state flower of Indiana. It was also chosen as the floral emblem of China. The Peony is a flowering plant in Paeonia, the only genus in the family. They are native to Asia, Europe and Western North America.
The peonies you see for sale today result from many years of peony hybridization. The original peonies were divided into two groups, herbaceous peonies and tree peonies. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter and regrow from scratch each spring.
A Brief History Of Peony Flowers
The Peony Flower is native to Asia, Europe and Western North America. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and was once known as the “King of Flowers” in China. Peonies were introduced to England in the early 18th century and have grown there ever since.
The Peony symbolizes wealth and honour and is often associated with springtime and new beginnings. First known to be cultivated in China, the Peony was brought to Japan in the 8th century. The Peony is the national flower of both China and Bulgaria.
Uses Of Peonies
Peony flowers have been used in traditional medicines for centuries. The roots and bulbs of the plant are said to have medicinal properties and were used to treat various ailments such as indigestion, anxiety, and stomach pain.
Today, Peony flowers are still used in some traditional Chinese medicines. The plant is also popular in skincare products because of its ability to soothe and moisturize the skin. Peony extract is often found in face creams, lotions, and other beauty products. Because of their beautiful blooms, peonies are also famous for wedding bouquets and centrepieces.
Peony Flower Color Meaning
Peony flowers are one of the oldest flowering plants in the world. The peony flower is native to Asia and has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. Peonies come in various colours, including white, pink, red, and yellow. Each colour peony has its unique meaning and symbolism.
Yellow Peony
Yellow peonies are associated with prosperity, good fortune, and happy life. They’re also known to bring peace and calmness.
Red Peony
The red peony flower is stunning. They have a beautiful, rich colour that will make any arrangement stand out. Though they may be slightly more difficult to find than other peony varieties, they are worth the search. Red peonies symbolize good fortune and are often gifts for special occasions.
Pink
The pink peony flower is perhaps the most popular type of Peony. They are also one of the oldest peony varieties, having been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years. Pink peonies symbolize good fortune, prosperity and honour.
White
White peony flower is some of the most popular peonies. They are known for their large, showy blooms and sweet fragrance. There are many varieties of white peonies, each with its unique shape and size.
Types Of Peonies
There are tree peonies, herbaceous peonies and intersectional peonies. Tree peonies are the original peony flower from China. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter and regrow in spring, while intersectional peonies flower are a hybrid of the tree and herbaceous peonies.
Tree Peonies
Tree Peonies or Moutan Peonies are the original peonies from which all others have been bred. They are generally more challenging to grow than herbaceous peonies but are well worth the effort as they produce some of the most spectacular flowers.
Herbaceous Peonies
Herbaceous Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) are the most popular peonies, with hundreds of varieties. They grow 2 to 6 feet tall and have large, double flowers in various colours, including white, pink, red, purple and yellow. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and appear in early to mid-spring. Herbaceous peonies grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Intersectional Or Itoh Peonies
Intersectional peonies are crosses between tree peonies and herbaceous peonies. They have the best qualities of both: the size and form of a tree peony with the repeat bloom and easy care of herbaceous Peony. They grow 3 to 4 feet tall (90 to 120 cm) and 2 to 3 feet wide (60 to 90 cm).
Peony Flower Forms
Different peony flower forms exist. The most popular forms are the bomb, single, Japanese, and semi-double peonies.
Single Form Peonies
Single Form peony flower has large, full flowers with a flat bloom surface. Each petal is separate from the others, giving the Peony a voluminous look. The centre of the flower is typically filled with stamen.
Semi-Double Form Peonies
Semi-Double peony flower has a mass of petals that make the flower appear to be double, but there is still some stamen peeking through. They are very showy and romantic flowers. ‘Bowl of Cream’, ‘Double Cherry Blossom’, and ‘Festiva Maxima’ are all examples of semi-double peonies.
Double Forms Peonies
Double Forms peonies are one of the most popular peony varieties. They have two rows of petals that can be any colour, including white, pink, red, or yellow. The outer row of petals is usually more significant than the inner row.
Bomb Form Peonies
Bomb Form peonies have large, round flowers that somewhat resemble a rose. They are among the most popular peonies and come in various colours, including pink, red, white, and yellow. The name was from the flower’s resemblance to a bomb going off.
Japanese Form Peonies
Japanese Form peonies are the most striking and dramatic of all peony flower types. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and their flowers can be as big as dinner plates! Japanese Form peonies have ruffled, frilly petals that make them look like miniature roses. The centre of the flower is often filled with stamens that give it a spiky appearance.
Anemone Form Peonies
Anemone Form peonies have large, double flowers with a centre of small, tightly clustered petals surrounded by larger outer petals. The blooms can be found in many colours, from white to pink to deep red. It is located in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Popular Varieties
The peony flower is some of the most popular flowers in the world. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, and they have a long blooming season. Peonies are also easy to care for and make excellent cut flowers. Here are some popular peony varieties:
Cora Louise’s Peony
Cora Louise’ Peony flower is a beautiful, deep pink flower with a ruffled edge. It is a hybrid peony and was bred in the United States. The Cora Louise’s Peony is a trendy choice for weddings and other special occasions.
‘Scarlett O’Hara’ Peony
Scarlett O’Hara is a peony flower cultivar with large, double, deep red flowers. It was introduced in 1954 by Frank Klehm and is named after the heroine of Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone with the Wind.
The Scarlett O’Hara peony has been described as “one of the most spectacular peonies”. The flowers have a strong fragrance and are up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. The plant grows 24–36 inches (61–91 cm). The Scarlett O’Hara peony is a hybrid of the peony cultivars’ Kelseyi’ and ‘Dr. A.P. Saunders’.
‘America’ Peony
America peony flower is a variety of Peony that blooms in early to mid-season. American peonies are large, with beautiful, double flowers ranging from white to pink. The American Peony is a vigorous grower known for being heat tolerant.
‘Bowl of Beauty’ Peony
Bowl of Beauty is a peony well-known for its large flowers and intoxicating fragrance. The flowers are a beautiful deep pink colour with red highlights, and they can grow up to eight inches in diameter. Bowl of Beauty peonies are best planted in full sun in well-drained soil.
‘Nippon Beauty’ Peony
Nippon Beauty peonies are a variety of peonies known for their large, beautiful flowers. The flowers of the Nippon Beauty peony are typically pink or white and have a strong fragrance. These peonies are also known for their long flowering season, lasting from late spring to early summer. This plant originated in East Asia and was introduced to Europe in the late 19th century.
‘Bartzella’ Peony
Bartzella peony is a hybrid peony bred by Dr Walter Pagels in Germany. This Peony is a cross between the Paeonia lactiflora and the Paeonia suffruticosa. The Bartzella peony is known for its large double blooms up to 10 inches in diameter. The flowers of this Peony are a deep yellow colour with red stripes. The Bartzella peony is a vigorous grower and is resistant to peony wilt.
‘Kopper Kettle’ Peony
Kopper Kettle peonies are a hybrid peony created by George Arends in 1954. The Peony is a deep red colour with a yellow centre. It is a semi-double peony with both petals and stamens. Kopper Kettle peonies are early bloomers and have a strong fragrance.
‘Sea Shell’ Peony
Sea Shell peonies are one of the most popular peony varieties. They are known for their large, beautiful flowers and sweet fragrance. The flowers have a lovely shell-pink colour and are complete and double. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
‘Paul M. Wild’ Peony
Paul M. Wild was the first peony hybridizer in the United States and was responsible for introducing peonies to the American market. His peony farm was located in New York, and he is credited with developing over 200 peony varieties. The ‘Paul M. Wild’ Peony is a white peony with large double blooms.
‘Crinkled White’ Peony
Crinkled White peonies are a type of Peony that is known for their beautiful, large flowers. The petals of Crinkled White peonies are ruffled and have a delicate, crinkled appearance. These peonies are also very fragrant and make excellent cut flowers.
Care and Maintenance of the Flower
Caring for and maintaining this plant’s beauty is relatively easy as long as you give it the necessary attention it needs. Here is a list of essential things to remember in taking care of peony flowers:
How To Grow
To grow and plant peony flowers, start by finding a peony you like and purchase it from a nursery or online. Be sure to plant the Peony in well-drained soil and an area with full sun.
When ready to plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the Peony’s roots and just as deep. Place the Peony in the hole, fill it with soil, and pack it down around the bases. Water the Peony well after planting.
How To Care
To care for your Peony:
- Water it regularly and fertilize it once a month
- Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new growth
- When the Peony is done blooming, cut the stem back to about 6 inches.
Peonies will bloom for many years with proper care.
Where To Plant
When choosing a location, the best thing you can do is to choose a sunny spot. Peonies like at least 6 hours of sun daily to produce an abundance of flowers. If your Peony doesn’t get enough sun, it will have fewer blooms. The more sun your Peony receives, the more flowers it will produce.
If you live in an area with a lot of Wind, you might consider planting your Peony near a building or fence. The Peony’s large flowers can make it top-heavy, and the plant may fall over if it’s not supported. Planting peonies near a wall or fence will help to support the plant and keep it from falling over.
When To Plant
The best time to plant peonies is in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. This gives the peony time to develop roots before the ground freezes for winter. If you live in an area with frigid winters, you may want to wait until spring to plant peonies.
Pests and Diseases
Peonies are generally quite resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few that can cause problems. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and mealybugs can feed on peonies and cause damage. Botrytis blight can also affect peonies, a fungal disease that causes the leaves and stems to turn brown and rot. If you see any of these pests or conditions on your peonies, take action to control them.
Toxicity
Some peony plants are poisonous, containing alkaloids that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The toxicity level of peonies varies depending on the species and variety. The most toxic peonies include Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeonia lactiflora and Paeonia rockii. Always consult a professional before planting peonies in your garden to be safe.
Mind-Blowing Facts
Who knew that such a beautiful flower could be so attractive? Here are some peony facts that will make your head spin:
- Peonies come in various colours, from white to pink to red.
- The Peony is the state flower of Indiana.
- The Peony is named after Paeon, the Greek god of medicine and healing.
- The Peony is the national flower of China.
- Peonies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
- Peonies are native to Asia and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Spectacular Flowers
What does a peony symbolize?
Peony flowers symbolize bashfulness, honour, and riches. The Peony is the national flower of China. In Chinese culture, the Peony is a symbol of bashfulness, honour and riches. It is said that young girls who dream of getting married will often dream of a peony because it is associated with wedded blissful happiness. The delicate white petals signify innocence while the blush pink represents happiness and good fortune. Sometimes you will see gifts of peonies given as an appreciation for acts of kindness or generosity.
Where do peonies grow best?
Peonies grow best in cool, moist climates. They prefer full sun to partial shade.
Peonies need well-drained soil, so it’s important to add plenty of organic matter to the planting hole. They also respond well to fertilizer, so a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is a good idea. Mulching will help keep the soil moisture levels consistent and reduce weed growth.
What month is best to plant peonies?
Plant peonies in the fall. Peonies do not like to be transplanted and they need time to establish a good root system before winter.
Do peonies multiply?
Yes, peonies multiply! If you want to propagate new peonies from your existing plants, simply cut off a section of the root (or rhizome), making sure to include at least one or two eyes (the little bumps on the root where new shoots will grow). Then, plant the new piece of root in soil and water it well. New peony plants should start to grow within a few weeks.
Do peonies need to be cut back?
Yes, peony flowers need to be cut back. They will bloom on new wood, so it’s important to prune them immediately after blooming. Cut the stems back to where there are several buds or eyes. Peonies can also be divided every three or four years to promote more vigorous growth.
How many peony bulbs should I plant together?
It depends on the size of the bulbs. Planting large peony bulbs 3-5 feet apart is a good general guideline. If planting smaller bulbs, then you can plant them closer together – about 2-3 feet apart. It’s also important to make sure that the bulbs are planted with the pointy side up so they can grow properly.
Can I plant peonies in pots?
Yes, you can plant peonies in pots. However, they will need to be replanted in the ground every few years as they get larger. Peonies like a lot of suns and well-drained soil.
Will peonies flower the first year?
Most peony flowers will not flower the first year, but there are a few cultivars that will. The reason most peonies don’t flower the first year is that they need a cold winter dormancy in order to set buds. If you live in an area where it doesn’t get cold enough in the winter, your peonies won’t flower.
Why has my peony never flowered?
Peonies are perennial plants, which means they come back year after year. The fact that it has never flowered could mean that it is not old enough yet. Another possibility is that your plant might not be getting enough sunlight. Peonies need 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to flower properly. You can try moving it to a spot where it will get more sun, or you can supplement it with artificial light.
Are peonies poisonous to dogs?
Yes, peonies are poisonous to dogs. All parts of the peony plant—the leaves, flowers, and stems—contain toxic compounds that can cause serious health problems in pets if ingested.
Symptoms of peony poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures. If you think your dog has ingested a peony plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. There is no antidote for peony poisoning, so treatment will be aimed at relieving symptoms and supporting the dog’s vital functions until it can expel the toxins from its system.
