Peony
Most peonies are herbaceous perennial plants 0.5–1.5 meters tall, but some are woody shrubs up to 1.5–3 meters tall. They have compound, deeply lobed leaves, and large, often fragrant flowers, ranging from red to white or yellow, in late spring and early summer.
The peony is among the longest-used flowers in ornamental culture and is one of the smallest national emblems in China. Along with the plum blossom, it is a traditional floral symbol of China, where it is called 牡丹 (mǔ dān). It is also known as 富贵花 (fuguihua) “flower of riches and honour”, and is used symbolically in Chinese art. In 1903, the Qing Dynasty declared the peony as the national flower.
According to the Language of Flowers, mischievous nymphs were said to hide in the petals of the Peony thus causing this magnificent flower to be given the meaning of bashfulness. Once planted the Peony likes to be left alone and punishes those who try to move it by not flowering again for several years. Once established, however, it produces splendid blooms each year for decades.
Some peony bouquet pictures from local florist Ink & Pete, oh how I love her!
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