Peony Flower
Peony Flower
The Story Behind the Admired Peony Flower
Peonies are comprised of deeply lobed leaves as well as massive, usually aromatic flowers, varying from white to yellow or red, in late spring and early summer. Previously, peonies were usually categorized in the family Ranunculaceae, together with Anemones and Hellebores. Peonies have distinctively glossy and lacy leaves, but it is the peony flower that has captured the hearts of gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
Description and Symbolism of the Peony Flower
The history of the peony flower goes back all the way to thousands of years. So it’s not unexpected that even the mythology associated with the origin of the plant has various adaptations. A particular legend tells of a story of a physician to the gods who was given the peony flower on Mount Olympus by the mother of Apollo. In the legend, the physician’s name is Paeon, which is where the term “peony” was supposedly derived from. Another adaptation of this same legend describes the physician who was rescued from the doom of death as other mortals by being made into a flower, which we now refer to as the peony flower.
The peony flower has been referred to as several things in previous decades and centuries. In fact it has become the traditional floral symbol of China, the state flower of Indiana and the traditional 12th wedding anniversary flower. It has been widely attached to the meaning of wealth and honor. With their luxuriant, generous and rounded bloom, peonies symbolize success and romance, and are also considered a sign of happy marriage and good fortune.
The traditional floral symbol of China, the state flower of Indiana, and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.
Helping The Peony Flower Bloom
The peony flower is unable to successfully bloom for several reasons, including failure to mature. A peony needs to stay in the same spot for a minimum of 3 years before it can be transferred to another location. Bigger tubers with 3 to 5 eyes may bloom the second year subsequent to planting-those with fewer than three eyes can take 3 to 5 years to bloom. They may also not be able to bloom if the tubers are set too deeply within the soil. They should be fixed in the soil so that the eyes don’t go an inch beyond the surface of the soil. Peonies need to get lots of sun (without shade) for a minimum of 6 hours per day to develop properly. Keep peonies as far away from trees and shrubs as possible, since these other plants can suck up a considerable amount of nutrients and water, which the peonies need as well. The soil needs to be well-drained and loamy with a pH anywhere from 6.5 to 7.0. Fertilize peonies yearly, if possible based on soil test outcomes. The fertilizer should have a low to fair amounts of nitrogen.
