The Meaning of the Peony Flower

The peony is a vibrant, fragrant and hardy flower with a long and storied history. The peony plant is linked with ancient Greek mythology and possesses other meaningful associations. It is cherished by many for its beauty, fragrance, tolerance and longevity. Today, the peony is a popular inclusion in gardens worldwide.

History
The peony is native to Asia, North America and southern Europe. Peonies were cultivated in China over 2,000 years ago. According to the Flower Expert, "Roman legions first brought peonies to England in about the year 1200." The Flower Expert also states that, "peonies were described in botanical books as early as 1636." This lovely flower has now been grown in private gardens for more than 600 years.

Medicinal Uses
The peony has been valued not only for its aesthetic properties but also for its medicinal uses. The origin of the name peony is attributed to the physician to the gods, Paeon, and according to The Flower Expert "ebisugusuri" that is the Japanese name for peony translates to "medicine from China." Chinese people have used the plant's root for food and to treat asthma symptoms, menstrual cramps and convulsions.

Types
Two types of peony plant are available; both are perennial. Both types can live for up to 50 years. The shorter, more herbaceous type commonly found in household gardens grows 2 to 4 feet tall, has fleshy stems with many leaves, and is grown from a bulb or tuber. The tree peony resembles a tall shrub, has woody stems with branches, grows 5 to 7 feet tall, and is grown from seed or grafts.

Peony flowers come in red, pink, white, orange and yellow. Seven types of peony flower grow, from giant double flowers that can reach 8 inches across to single flowers, appealing in their simplicity. Anemone, fern leaf, semi-double and Japanese are other types of peony flowers.

Meanings
The peony carries a traditional meaning of romance and prosperity, symbolizing happy marriages and good fortune. One ancient myth tells the story of Greek god Apollo's mother giving a peony to the mortal Paeon, the gods' physician, on Mount Olympus.
The peony can also symbolize compassion, based on another legend that claims Paeon was turned into a peony to spare him from a natural mortal death. China, Mongolia and the state of Indiana in the United States all claim the peony as their official flower.

Occasions
Peony is the flower associated with the 12th marriage anniversary, making it a popular gift for celebrating this occasion. It is also often seen at weddings because of its association with romance and happy marriages. Peonies are a good choice for many other occasions because of their long lasting flowers and sweet scent.