Peonies lush, voluminous blooms are a testament to nature's capacity for extravagance, leaving flower lovers enchanted by their sheer opulence.
These magnificent blooms, with their layers of delicate petals and intoxicating fragrance, have woven themselves into the very fabric of human emotion, symbolizing love, prosperity, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
The flower professionals at 1-800-Flowers are so smitten with peonies they've declared them the 2024 Flower of the Year.
Peonies, belonging to the genus Paeonia, are not merely flowers; they are living poetry, each petal a verse in a symphony of colors. The love affair with peonies is rooted in their stunning variety – from pristine whites that evoke purity to passionate deep reds.
The symbolic significance of peonies is present in many cultures. In China, the peony is the national flower and represents wealth, honor, and feminine beauty. In Western cultures, it has long been associated with love and compassion. The peony's ability to convey a myriad of emotions has made it a cherished companion in gardens, weddings, and celebrations around the world.
Peonies provide a reminder of life's transience. The fleeting beauty of their blooms graces us for a brief but glorious moment each spring. This temporal quality endears peonies to those who cherish the present, teaching us to savor the moments of beauty that grace our lives.
Gardening enthusiasts find solace and joy in nurturing peonies, tending to them with a care that goes beyond mere cultivation. The love for peonies extends to the anticipation that builds with each passing season, as the tightly closed buds gradually unfurl into magnificent blossoms.
Peony Helpful Information
- Peony are hardy perennials and lie dormant over winter
- They don't need to be divided to keep blooming (but they can be divided if you want to multiply them - do this in September in our area)
- Peony like a half day or more of sun and good drainage for best growth and bloom. Too much shade will produce foliage and little or no bloom
- Don't be tempted to plant peony too deep in the ground - they prefer being positioned 1 - 2 inches deep, not four inches
- Best time of year to buy and plant peonies is May or fall
- Peony may not show their true bloom for 2 - 5 years after planting
- If we have a particularly bad winter, double blooms may come out as singles
Reasons why peonies fail to bloom (article)
Peony varieties and when to plant chart
A Beginner's Guide to Growing Peonies