Peony
Paeonia lactiflora (representative)
Peonies are beloved for their large, fragrant, and often lushly petaled blossoms. They symbolize romance, prosperity, good fortune, a happy marriage, and honor.
Paeoniaceae
Late spring to early summer (May-June)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: roses and tree peonys also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Highly esteemed in Chinese culture, known as the "king of flowers," symbolizing wealth, honor, and feminine beauty. In Greek mythology, Paeon, a physician to the gods, was turned into a peony.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (at least 6 hours), can tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates
Water
Moderate, consistent moisture, especially during growth and flowering
Soil
Well-drained, Rich, Fertile, Slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil (pH 6.5-7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant bare-root peonies in the fall.
Plant shallowly with eyes no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Provide support for heavy double-flowered varieties.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote plant vigor.
Ants on peony buds are harmless and attracted to nectar; they do not harm the flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Border plants
- Specimen plants
- Cut flower arrangements
- Cottage gardens
- Formal gardens
Traditional Uses
- Roots of some species (e.g., Paeonia lactiflora - Bai Shao) used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and gynecological issues.
- Paeonol from root bark has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in research.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Perfect Peony Gift
Blush Peony Bloom Floral Art Throw Pillow
Beautiful decorative pillow featuring peony design
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Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Rose
Rosa spp.
Roses are the quintessential symbol of love and beauty, featuring layered petals and intoxicating fragrance. With over 300 species, roses represent the full spectrum of human emotions and have been cherished across cultures for millennia.
Tree Peony
Paeonia suffruticosa (and related spp. and hybrids)
Tree Peony is the most exalted of all peonies — a long-lived deciduous shrub producing enormous, tissue-paper-delicate flowers of unmatched size and beauty in shades from pure white and blush pink to deep crimson, violet, and gold. Revered in China for over 1,500 years as the "King of Flowers," it is a towering symbol of wealth, honor, and feminine beauty.
Love-in-a-Puff
Cardiospermum halicacabum
Love-in-a-Puff is a fast-climbing tropical vine celebrated for its inflated, papery balloon-like seed pods and its seeds — each bearing a perfectly heart-shaped white marking on a glossy black background, giving the plant its romantic common name and enduring symbolic associations with love and good fortune.