The peony flower, (genus: paeonia) is one of the most elegantly iconic flowers associated with late spring.
We eagerly await those first peony buds to open up to reveal luscious, showy flowers. And the scent? It’s sweet and intoxicating. It’s no wonder that peonies are considered by many gardeners to be the perfect flower for late spring blooms.
Have you admired peonies from afar, unsure of how to grow your own? We want to answer the frequently asked questions about peonies. Therefore, we’re unlocking our vault and sharing all our research on all things peony with you. So, let’s set you up for success in growing peonies in time for spring!
The peonies are luscious full blossom flowers growing in zones 3-8.
PEONIES
What are Peonies?
Peonies are a flowering perennial plant or shrub with fragrant and unscented blossoms that bloom in early, mid or late spring, depending on the variety. There are peony plants that grow from 1 to 3 feet high. On the other hand, there are peony shrubs that can grow up to 12 feet tall!
Peony height depends on which species you choose. Rest assured that both have large, colorful blossoms that arrive each year in late spring—the exact timing depends on your specific growing zone.
Four Types of Peonies
- Tree Peonies – deer resistant, gigantic, non-fragrant flowers on slow-growing woody perennial shrubs that can live for centuries in zones 4-9.
- Herbaceous Peonies – popular, disease resistant, variety of colors and fragrance great for cut flowers; blooms late spring in zones 3-8; die back each winter but lasts for generations.
- Woodland Peonies – white flowers, can grow in partial shade; low-growing, 1-1.5′ tall in zones 3-8
- Intersectional Peonies – a deer and disease resistant hybrid of tree and herbaceous types, this Itoh peony produces prolific, long-lasting, heavy foliage and blossoms known more for colors than scent.
Here’s a fantastic illustration from PeonysEnvy.com of the peony types that gives you perspective on the different shapes and sizes of peonies.
Origin of Peonies
The peony plant is a native to the southernmost tip of China and Tibet where they thrived in the cool, temperate mountain climate for centuries. Ancient Chinese gardeners cultivated these flowers for royalty, and peonies are often the subject of classic Asian art.
As trading with the Far East began, the plants made their way into the key trading points across Europe and North Africa. Settlers brought peonies to America with the colonization by England and used them as focal points in their colonial gardens. Today, there are 30 varieties of peonies.
Native to China and Tibet, ancient Chinese gardeners cultivated peony flowers for royalty.
When Do Peonies Bloom?
Peonies bloom in the late-spring before the summer heat. Peony blooms last just a short seven to ten days, but this depends on your weather!
While the exact week your plant will bloom varies from region to region, most Americans associate them with Memorial Day. The blooming peonies are a welcome sign that summer fun is just around the corner.
The fattest and most scrumptious of all flowers, a rare fusion of fluff and majesty, the peony is now coming into bloom.
~Henry Mitchell, American Garden writer, “Earthman”, 1924-1963
The Meaning of Peonies
The name for peony in Chinese, translates in English, to ‘most beautiful’.
Gifts of peonies have significance dating back to ancient China. The name for peony in Chinese translates in English to “most beautiful.” In Chinese traditional gifting ceremonies, peonies were given as a gift to wish the recipient good fortune, longevity, and happiness.
Peony bridal bouquets hold the promise of a long and happy marriage.
Peonies were not only significant to the Chinese. The Greeks brought peonies back from their trading voyages to the Far East. They revered it a flower of the Gods. It was said to be a favorite flower of Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis. From this legend, early Europeans associated peonies with royalty, riches, and prosperity.
In America, the peony is the state flower of Indiana and the traditional 12th wedding anniversary gift.
The Peony Fragrance Like?
Actually, not all peonies have fragrance. In fact, there are fragrance-free varieties that still open up to show off brightly colored blooms. Allergy sufferers and those who are sensitive to fragrance but still love the blooms adore these!
Those that do have fragrance are best described as a full, rich floral scent with a touch of sweetness. However, their scent is subtle and complex, not overbearing.
This very pleasing scent puts peony bridal bouquets and table arrangements in high demand every spring!