History
The earliest mentions of peonies can be found in ancient Chinese documents, dating back to 1000 BC. From China, peonies made their way to Japan, which remains the world’s largest supplier of peonies today. In the East, peonies were considered medicinal plants: they were used to treat headaches, asthma, and as an anesthetic during childbirth.
Fun Facts About Peonies
- Most of the popular peony varieties today are hybrids of original strains.
- There are about 40 species of peonies, which come from Asia, Europe, and North America.
- The bloom of a peony can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
- Peonies never come in blue.
- Peonies are capable of self-pollination.
- In China, processed and sweetened peony petals are used as a dessert. Fresh petals can be eaten as a salad or used as a garnish for lemonade.
- In flower symbolism, peonies represent romance, elegance, honor, wealth, and abundance.
- Peonies are one of the most popular flowers used in wedding bouquets. In Europe, they are the official flower for the twelfth wedding anniversary.