Fascinating Facts About Peonies

Among the world’s most beloved blooms, peonies have a history as rich as their appearance. Traced back to around 1900 BC, peonies are believed to have originated in Asia, Europe, and North America — with deep cultural roots, particularly in China, where they were cultivated as early as 1000 BC.

During China’s Tang Dynasty, peonies were celebrated as symbols of honor, wealth, and beauty, and were grown in imperial gardens. Today, they remain the national flower of China, admired for their grace and timeless allure.

The Symbolism of Peonies

Peonies are often seen as the flower of love and prosperity, making them a favorite choice for wedding bouquets and anniversary celebrations. In many cultures, they symbolize romance, good fortune, and renewal.

• In Western culture, peonies are associated with luck and happy marriages.
• In the Victorian era, they represented bashfulness and modesty, reflecting the delicate side of affection.
• Traditionally, they are also the 12th wedding anniversary flower, representing enduring love and deep emotional connection.

Whether arranged alone or paired with roses and ranunculus, peonies always carry a sense of luxury and meaning.

The Beauty of Variety

There are roughly 30 to 35 recognized species of peonies, divided into three main types:

• Tree Peonies (Moutan Group) – large, woody-stemmed flowers that bloom early and live for decades.
• Herbaceous Peonies (Paeoniae Group) – soft-stemmed, lush flowers that return every spring.
• Intersectional or Itoh Hybrids – a blend of both, combining the hardiness of tree peonies with the elegance of herbaceous ones.

Peonies come in a palette ranging from soft blush pinks and creamy whites to deep reds and corals, making them one of the most versatile flowers in floral design.

A Natural Wonder of Diversity

Peonies are genetically fascinating. Many species are diploid or tetraploid, meaning they carry multiple chromosome sets that give them their resilience and adaptability.

This genetic strength helps them thrive in a wide range of climates — from cool mountains to mild coastal regions, including Los Angeles’ Mediterranean warmth.

The Healing Heritage of Peonies

Historically, peonies were used in traditional medicine for their natural healing properties.

Extracts from Paeonia lactiflora roots were believed to ease inflammation, pain, and stress — a practice that continues in some herbal traditions today.

While they’re admired primarily for beauty now, this legacy adds another layer to their mystique.

Exceptional Floral Traits

Peonies bloom in late spring through early summer, but their flowering period lasts only about 7–10 days.

Their short season makes them even more cherished — a fleeting moment of beauty that many flower lovers anticipate all year.

Petal shapes vary from tight, rounded buds to large, full blossoms, and their fragrance ranges from light citrus to rich, sweet floral tones.

Nature’s Tiny Helpers

Peony buds often attract ants, drawn by the sugary nectar they produce before opening.

Contrary to myth, ants don’t harm the flowers — in fact, they help protect them from pests, ensuring blooms stay fresh and vibrant.

This natural relationship is part of what keeps peonies healthy from the garden to your bouquet at FlowerStop LA.

Adaptability and Care

Peonies are surprisingly resilient. They thrive in sunlit areas with well-drained soil but can tolerate light shade.

When caring for cut peonies, trim stems diagonally, refresh the water daily, and keep arrangements away from heat sources to extend their beauty.

Peonies at FlowerStop LA

At FlowerStop LA, we offer peonies that capture both romance and sophistication.

From soft white peonies for weddings to vibrant coral varieties for celebrations, each arrangement is designed with intention and artistry.

Our custom bouquets and event floral designs showcase peonies at their best — lush, elegant, and unforgettable.

And with same-day flower delivery across Los Angeles, you can send the beauty of peonies to someone special, effortlessly. Peonies remind us that beauty is both fleeting and eternal — a living work of art that never fails to inspire.