Peony – one of my favourite flowers

I hope you had a lovely weekend.  Today’s post features one of my favourite flowers, the peony.

I love their frilly ruffles of petals and it always amazes me how such a beautiful flower can bloom from such a small tight hard bud.

The images today are from a peony which is growing in our garden, however cut flowers are now available in the UK and I’d thoroughly recommend that you buy some…and watch these gorgeous seasonal flowers blossom in your own home.

Below is an overview of the Peony: -

What is the Latin name?
Paeonia

What is it commonly known as?
Peony

What does it look like?
In bloom, the flower consists of layer upon layer of petals and they come in single and double varieties.  Colours ranges from red, pink, yellow and white to peach and maroon.

When can you buy them?
Their season is very limited, usually May to July.

Where can you buy them from?
Florists, supermarkets and garden centres. 

How do you look after them?
Cut the stems on a slant with scissors and place them in a clean vase with fresh water.  Remove a good proportion of the leaves, especially those below water level, to help the stems drink enough water to supply the large flower heads.  Do keep them in a cool place, as they’re sensitive to temperature.

Did you know?
One of the most popular peonies is a soft pink peony called Sarah Bernhardt which is slightly scented.  As well as being a cut flower, it is also a garden flower.

Peonies are named after Paeon, who was a physician to the gods in Greek mythology.

The peony is a traditional floral symbol of China and the Chinese name for peony is ‘sho yu’, which means ‘most beautiful’.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

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One Response to Peony – one of my favourite flowers

  1. Pingback: Paeonia : spiritform

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