Peony produces enormous, lush blooms in late spring that can rival a full-blown rose in size, all borne on a plant that can outlive the gardener who first planted it.
Native to Asia, Europe, and western North America, peonies are famously long-lived perennials, with some plants thriving in the same spot for over a century. Their brief but spectacular bloom period has made them a beloved wedding and cut flower favorite worldwide.
Peony symbolizes honor, prosperity, and a happy marriage, and it holds deep cultural significance in China, where it has served as an unofficial national flower and a symbol of wealth for centuries.
Peony wants full sun and rich, well-draining soil, planted with the eyes (growth buds) no more than an inch or two below the soil surface — planting too deep is a common reason peonies fail to bloom. Once established, peonies dislike being moved and can be left undisturbed for decades.
Peony root has a long and prominent history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it remains one of the most commonly used herbs for supporting circulation and easing pain and inflammation.
