PAEONIA

Enormous and extravagant flowers only available for a short season. Powerful symbolism In general, Peonies are associated with true love, happiness, prosperity, and flourishing romance. In Chinese culture, Peony is considered the ‘king of flowers’ and is a symbol of wealth, femininity, and love. This rich symbolism, and the beautiful flowers, make Peonies very popular at weddings. Not many flowers have the appearance of a Peony. If the flower opens up, the real beauty becomes visible. This flower scores high on the ladder of love and romance! Paeonia, commonly known as the peony, is one of the most beloved flowers in the world—celebrated for its lush, ruffled blooms and rich fragrance. Across cultures, peonies symbolize romance, honor, prosperity, and healing, making them deeply meaningful in both personal and ceremonial contexts.

🌸 Symbolism of Peony (Paeonia) :

1. Romance & Love Peonies are strongly associated with romantic love, especially happy, enduring marriages. Often used in wedding bouquets and anniversary arrangements, they symbolize a blessed union, devotion, and affection. In China, they are often called the "flower of riches and honor" (富贵花) and are seen as an emblem of feminine beauty and romantic elegance.

2. Prosperity & Good Fortune Peonies are considered omens of wealth, abundance, and success—especially in Feng Shui and Eastern traditions. Their full, rounded blooms symbolize luxury and opulence, making them a popular flower for New Year and housewarming gifts.

3. Honor & Respect In both Eastern and Western cultures, the peony also symbolizes dignity, nobility, and high regard. Often given to show respect, especially in formal or traditional settings.

4. Bashfulness & Shyness In Victorian flower language, the peony also represented bashfulness or shame, stemming from ancient myths in which nymphs would hide their faces behind the large petals of the peony. This more subtle meaning is rarely used today, but adds nuance when expressing unspoken feelings.

5. Healing & Compassion In ancient Greek medicine, peony roots were believed to have healing properties—hence the flower is sometimes linked to compassion, healing, and emotional renewal.

🎨 Color Symbolism Color Meaning:

Pink Romance, femininity, happy marriage

Red Love, honor, passion, respect

White Purity, apology, remembrance, bashfulness Coral Joy, energy, transformation

Purple Nobility, uniqueness, spiritual elegance

🌟 Fun Fact:

In China, the peony is often called the “King of Flowers” and was once the national flower, symbolizing imperial power and grace.

🕊️ Cultural Significance China:

Peony = wealth, honor, and high social status. Japan: Called "botan" (牡丹), it symbolizes bravery, honor, and masculine strength. Greece: Named after Paeon, the physician of the gods, giving it healing associations. Victorian England: Peony symbolized bashfulness, as if hiding secrets beneath its petals.

💐 Common Uses Weddings & Anniversaries – eternal love and happiness Spring celebrations – renewal and abundance Apology or reconciliation gifts – heartfelt sincerity Luxury arrangements – beauty, success, and respect

🌸💖 Peony (Paeonia) Cut Flower Care Guide :

1. Trim the stems: • Cut 2–3 cm off the bottom of the stems at a diagonal angle using a sharp knife or scissors. • Re-cut every 2–3 days for maximum water uptake.

2. Use clean, cool water: • Fill a clean vase with cool, fresh water. • Change the water every 1–2 days to prevent bacteria.

3. Remove lower leaves: • Strip off any leaves below the waterline to prevent rot and bacteria.

4. Use flower food (recommended): • Add flower preservative to the water if available. • Or use a mix: 1 tsp sugar + a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar.

5. Allow to open at room temperature: • If the buds are tight, keep them in a warm, bright room (not in direct sunlight) to help them open. • Once open, move to a cooler spot to prolong their life.

6. Avoid direct sunlight & fruit: • Keep away from sunlight, heaters, and ripening fruit (which emits ethylene gas that speeds up aging).

7. Vase life: • Peonies last 5–7 days once opened, sometimes up to 10 days with excellent care.

🌿 Tip: If your peonies arrive in tight buds, placing them in slightly warm water in a bright room can help them open faster. To store unopened peonies: wrap dry stems in paper and refrigerate (no water) for up to a week — then re-cut and hydrate when ready.