Peonies are the focus of this new episode in my YouTube series, ‘Cut Flower Facts‘. You’ll discover four tips about how to care for your Peonies, where the name Peony derives from, details about all the different colours and varieties. Plus what this popular summer blooms signifies in the Language of Flowers.
To view the video version of this blog post, simply head over to my YouTube channel.
Name
Let’s start with its name. Its common name is peony and its Latin name is Paeonia. It’s named after Paeon, who was a senior physician to the Greek gods.
Appearance
Peonies in bud look completely different to when they’re in full bloom. It always amazes me how such a beautiful flower can bloom with so many delicate layers upon layers of petals from such a small tight hard bud.
Peonies are scented, some more than others. So if you’re choosing a birthday present for someone who loves peonies, you may like to buy them a gift that has a peony fragrance like a candle, cologne or diffuser. Below I’ll link to some present ideas for you.
Tips to Help Peonies Bloom
Sometimes, peonies will take a few days for their petals to unfurl. Other times, they can be open and blousy the day after they’ve been bought. It depends on the variety and how warm it is. If you buy peonies and their petals are taking a little while to unfurl, you may like to try some of these tips to encourage them to bloom.
- Remove the lower leaves to help the stems drink enough water to supply the large flower heads.
- Dunk the flower heads in tepid water. This will help to wash away the sticky sap between the outer layers of petals.
- Very gently massage the outer petals.
- Put the flowers in warm water in a warm place and this will help them to open more quickly.
Colours & Varieties
Peony colours include white, pink, red and coral. Here are examples of some of the varieties by colour.
White
Duchesse de Nemours, Odile, Gardenia, Festiva Maxima, Madame Claude Tain and Bowl of Cream
Pink
Sarah Bernhardt, Shirley Temple, Dr. Alexander Fleming, Dinner Plate, Kansas, Mother’s Choice, Angel Cheeks, Miss America and Monsieur Jules Elie
Red
Red Charm, Command Performance, Red Sarah Bernhardt and Buckeye Belle
Coral
Coral Sunset and Coral Charm
Availability
The peak season for peonies is very limited, usually May to July in the northern hemisphere. If you’re set on peonies for your wedding, then these are the best months to plan your big day.
The Language of Flowers
The peony symbolises bashfulness and devotion.
Did you know?
The peony is a traditional floral symbol of China and the Chinese name for peony is ‘sho yu’, which means ‘most beautiful’.
Peony Scented Products*
Candles
- Jo Malone London Peony Blush Suede Travel Candle
- Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Home Scented Candle, 200g
- Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Deluxe Candle, 600g
Diffuser
Cologne
- Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, 30ml
- Floral Street Wonderland Peony Eau de Parfum, 50ml
Body Wash
Hand Cream
Body Cream
Don’t forget…to view the video version of this blog post, simply head over to my YouTube channel.
DISCLAIMER: Links containing affiliate links are denoted by a ‘*’. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage of your purchase.
(Image: Rona Wheeldon | Flowerona)
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