Flower of the week Peony
Common name: Peony
Botanical Names: Paeonia
Origin: China, Tibet, Europe, Turkey and Asia Minor
Colours: shades of white and creams through to blush pink, deep pinks and dark crimsons, pale yellow is a rare colour.
Peonies have been prized throughout history for their beauty and healing properties. The name Paeonia is said to come from Paeon the God of healing in Greek Mythology. The Greeks believed the peony could cure many ailments and every monastery would have a plant. The Chinese have cultivated peonies for over 2000 years, where they were highly prized for exquisite blooms and the medicinal properties. Many parts of the plant were thought to be of medicinal use. Today medical researchers are isolating compounds that research has shown may be useful to help create new drugs to treat diseases in the future.
The peony has inspired artists for centuries all over the world. Peonies are featured in many Chinese motifs on items such as clothing, porcelain and tapestries. Peonies became popular in European art much later towards the end of the 18th century. Renoir and Fantin-Latour both painted peonies. The peony season is very short from May to early July which seems to make them even more desirable. Peonies are always popular wedding flowers.
There are hundreds of varieties and colours to choose from and many have a beautiful fragrance. A popular cut variety is Sarah Bernhardt, a large double flower with ruffley, rose pink petals. Peonies have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years after going out for a favour for a period of time. They are gorgeous in country garden bouquets and make the prettiest wedding bouquets with their luxurious blousy petals in romantic colours. English peonies are also available from growers across the country (weather permitting) what could be more summery than a jug brimming with scented English peonies.