It’s almost peony season! The hugely popular flower is back for Spring and we couldn’t be happier. Here are some fun facts and history of the full, cheerful blooms, plus tips on growing and arranging them.
PEONIES BY THE NUMBERS
One of the world’s top cut flowers, there are over 6,500 types of peonies that come in a rainbow of colours. Considered a “legacy” perennial, the peony can produce flowers for decades with little-to-no assistance from fertilizer. The oldest living peony is said to be 100 years old, outliving the person who planted it.
Not just hardy, peonies are prolific, too. The flowers can grow up to 3-feet tall with blooms 10-inches across; tree peonies grow up to 7-feet tall. The Itoh variety of peony blooms for up to a month, and the Itoh Bartzella is the most abundant, with 30 to 60 lemon-scented blooms a year.
Because of their popularity and short growing season, peonies have been known to command $4 to $5 a stem in the wholesale flower markets, according to Canadian gardening expert Brian Minter. While China and the Netherlands produce most of the world’s peonies, Alaska is an up-and-coming grower whose longer, cooler growing season produces fuller blooms well into the summer.
The most popular peony is the one named for French Actress Sarah Bernhardt – boasting a pastel pink double-bloom.
HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY OF PEONIES AROUND THE WORLD
The peony is named for Paeon, the Greek God of medicine and healing, who is said to have obtained it on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo, the God of music, dance and poetry. He is said to have used the healing properties of peony to treat a wounded Zeus.
In floriography, the Victorian language of flowers, peonies have a meaning of bashfulness or shame, as mischievous nymphs were said to hide amongst the petals.
The peony is native to China where it has been grown since the 7th Century under the Tang Dynasty and dubbed “the King of Flowers.” The red peony was particularly revered, and thought to represent abundance. Ancient Chinese medicine has used peony to treat asthma, headaches and other ailments. Scientific studies have also shown peonies to have immune system-boosting and even mood-boosting properties.
In Japanese folklore, peonies are associated with good fortune and are often featured in traditional art forms like ukiyo-e prints and wedding kimono designs.
In North America, peonies are the traditional flower for 12th wedding anniversaries and are a popular choice for bridal bouquets because of their intoxicating scent and lush, feminine blooms. Similarly, peony is often a top note for eau de perfum, such as the beautiful and timeless Chloé from the eponymous French fashion house.
CHOOSING AND GROWING PEONIES
Peony bulbs should be planted in fall, as they are hardy enough to withstand winter. Look for bulbs with a larger number of eyes, and some horticulturalists recommend buying bulbs in bud stage so you can be sure of the colour as they are often mislabelled. Double-bloomed and pink-and-white peonies tend to be the most fragrant.
As a rule of thumb, peonies require 6 hours of sunlight a day, and may take several years to get established and start blooming. They need good air-circulation, so leave 2 feet between plants and plant the tuber two-inches deep in well-drained soil with the eyes facing up. Before cutting them, feel the flower buds to make sure they are squishy like a marshmallow: too hard and the buds won’t open in the vase.
PEONY STYLING TIPS
When styling peonies, simplicity often yields the most elegant results. Opt for a tall, clear glass vase to showcase the lush blooms, or a shorter small vase with an open top that can showcase just one full bloom. To add depth and dimension, rather than mix peonies with other flowers, choose peonies of varying colors and sizes, arranging them in a loose, organic manner. Keep the focus on the peonies by avoiding overly ornate or distracting elements in the arrangement.
Caring for cut peonies ensures their longevity. Trim the stems diagonally and remove any foliage that will be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth. Place the peonies in a clean vase filled with fresh, lukewarm water, ensuring the water level covers at least half of the stem length. Keep the vase away from direct sunlight and drafts to avoid premature wilting. Refresh the water every two days and trim the stems each time to maintain hydration. With proper care, cut peonies can last for a week or more.
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