Peonies (also known as Paeonia) are one of our favourite blooms. Due to their short season (between late April – mid June each year) as well as their unique beauty, these fluffy flowers are always high in demand, and we can’t say we’re surprised!

But there’s so much more to Peonies than meets the eye. For example, where does the name Peony come from?

Their name, almost as pretty as the flowers themselves, originates from Greek mythology, specifically the name Paeon.

Paeon was a student under Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing. According to legend, Paeon used a Peony to heal Zeus. Asclepius became jealous of Paeon’s talent, so Zeus transformed Paeon into the Peony flower to protect him and his legacy.

However, whilst this name comes from Greek mythology, the Peony flower itself originates from China, having been cultivated there since 1000 BC! The Chinese name for the Peony is hua wang (花王), meaning “king of flowers”.

But what do Peonies symbolise?

According to Karen Azoulay’ Flowers and their Meaning, the Peony is associated with bashfulness. This, like the name of Peonies, originates from Greek mythology and nymphs hiding among the flowers’ petals!

In China however, the flower symbolises wealth and rank – what else would you expect from the king of the flowers?

If you’re also a fan of these stunning blooms, you find our seasonal Peony arrangements* and more at bunches.co.uk  

*subject to availability