Fun Flower Facts; Peonies
Welcome to our new blog series called Fun Flower Facts. We will be showcasing some beautiful botanicals each week and sharing information on the history, etymology, and caring instructions of - just to name a few.
It's our goal in this series and throughout all our posts - to educate and inform our readers on everything botanical - so let's go!
The wonderful world of Peonies (Paonia species and cultivars). These flowers signify the start of spring, which is why we love them! Their bloom period is April to mid-summer. Peonies prefer sun, but will survive in light shade. They may also need support when in full bloom to make good cut flowers, and in optimal conditions, garden Peonies can live up to 100 years.
Peonies look great beside doors, columns, or guarding an entrance-ways. They pair well with Alliums, Irises, Spring bulbs, Columbines, shrubs, small trees, etc.
Etymology: Paonia, (Greek) associated with the god Paeon in Greek mythology, known to be the physician of the gods.
It's interesting to note that Peonies were known and grown in ancient China and Greece for their healing properties. They were frequently used in antiquity to treat inflammation of all sorts, rheumatoid arthritis, and fever - just to name a few.
Peonies make great bouquets and wedding flowers - but remember they bloom in mid-late spring to early-mid June.. so act fast if you want the "royal" plants!
If you want them to last longer, cut the stems when the buds are fairly tight. Peony petals are edible and can be an added garnish to things like salads or any desert!