| 1. The Peony Has Centuries of History Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Early in Chinese history, the peony was considered the national flower (although it’s now officially the plum blossom). The Tang Dynasty of China began breeding peonies in the imperial courts in the 7th century BCE. Their popularity spread to Japan in the early 11th century and France and England in the 18th century. Then, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, they began gaining popularity in the U.S. The peony even became the state flower of Indiana in 1957, replacing the zinnia for the honor. 2. There’s a Huge Variety of Peonies There are more than 6,500 varieties of peonies, with new ones being introduced all the time. The American Peony Society keeps track of them, and each year, it awards its Gold Medal to an outstanding variety. They all fit into three main categories: tree, herbaceous, and itoh (a cross between the other two). Most types are happiest in full sun, but some tree peonies do best in part shade. Peonies usually bloom from late spring to early summer, with early, midseason, and late blooming varieties that allow you to extend the flower show. 3. Their Name is Rooted in Greek Mythology The peony is named after Paeon (also spelled Paean), who was a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. One version of the story goes that Paeon, known as the healer of the gods, used a peony to treat a wound for Zeus. When Asclepius became murderously jealous of his pupil, Zeus saved Paeon by turning him into a peony flower. |