Delicate and fragrant, the peony looks more like a work of art exposed in the open. It is practically impossible not to surrender to the beauty of this flower.
The Chinese say it! That’s because peony has been a symbol of the country for centuries. But, here, this beautiful flower has also been very successful and every day it is used more in the elaboration of floral arrangements, although it is also grown in gardens.
Want to know more about the peony? So come and read this fragrant post with us and get even more inspired with this flower.
Peony Characteristics
Peony is a botanical genus that comprises more than 30 different species, not to mention the hybrid varieties produced in nurseries.
Originating in Asia, although it is also found naturally in southern Europe and part of North America, Peony can be easily recognized by its dark green leaves and gently cut at the edges. The flowers, in turn, are a spectacle apart.
Nature has created Peonies of varying colors, ranging from a salmon tone to red, passing through shades of yellow, pink and white.
The shape of the peonies is the most striking. Its flowers look like bowls with abundant petals, measuring up to 12 cm in diameter.
The texture of the petals of the peony is delicate, fine and silky, so it can easily fall apart when touched or transported without proper care.
Peony meanings and symbology
The peony is the symbol flower of China, considered an amulet of good luck, as well as representing honor, wealth and beauty. There, the species and its varieties have been cultivated for over 1500 years.
In fact, the plant is used in Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese technique for harmonizing environments, as an element of healing and balance for amorous and sentimental problems.
In Japan, Peony is a symbol of happiness, fortune and prosperity.
Peony also appears in Greek mythology. Legend has it that Paeon, a disciple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, would have provoked the ire of his master by being very talented and skilled. To save Paeon, Zeus turned him into a Peony.
In another story, the Peony is associated with the nymphs, since the young maidens hid behind the flower bushes to escape male eyes. Because of this story, the idea that Peony flowers hid a secret beauty arose.
Peonies are also considered a symbol of protection, since the ancient sorcerers use the plant to chase away evil spirits.
And the symbolism of the peony does not end there. The flower still has different meanings according to the color.
The white peony, for example, means shyness and purity. The red peony is a symbol of wealth, passion and beauty, while the pink peony symbolizes romanticism, delicacy and love.
How to Care for Peony in Flower Arrangements
The most common way to find peonies, especially here in Brazil, is in the form of floral arrangements.
However, because it is a very delicate flower, the peony needs to be preserved properly to last longer.
The first tip is to be very careful with the transport to your home or the place where the peony flower will be used in the decoration. That’s because the thin petals can easily hurt if they rub together.
The best thing to do is to buy peonies at a flower shop near you to avoid long transportation.
With the peony at home it’s time to prepare the vase for her. First of all wash the container well. Then add warm water, more cold than hot.
It may seem strange, but this is because the peony does not tolerate cold at all and the best way to protect it is using water at that temperature. Change the water in the pot every two or three days.
The next step is to cut about two centimeters from the flower’s stem at a 45-degree angle or, changing in small ways, make a diagonal cut. This facilitates the water absorption process by the plant. Repeat this procedure every two or three days for the flowers to last longer.
If you notice that any leaf has fallen into the water, remove it as soon as possible to avoid the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.
Never leave your vase of peonies in a very hot and sunny place. The flowers will wilt quickly. The same goes for windy environments. In fact, it is worth protecting the peony flowers from the intense cold as well. So pay attention to the weather.
Another interesting tip for peonies to last longer is to avoid placing them near fruit trees. This is because fruits release ethylene, a type of gas that accelerates the ripening of flowers, causing them to break apart faster.
How to grow Peony
Do you want to grow peonies at home? Alright too! The best way to do this is by using seeds.
But before sowing the flower it is important to prepare the soil, since the peony likes fertile soils and rich in organic matter. Avoid sowing the peony in a space where it will have to compete with other plants. The ideal is to plant it alone, since the flower needs good doses of nutrients and if it needs to compete with another species, it can be deficient.
Also avoid planting the peonies in a place of full sun, prefer those where the sun is milder, that is, it hits only in the morning or in the late afternoon. Excessive heat can damage the plant.
Do not overdo the watering. The soil needs to be moist, but not soaked, okay?
And don’t be alarmed if you notice the peony disappearing between the fall and winter months. This is because the plant goes into a dormant state (remember that it doesn’t like the cold?). During this period, the leaves and stems fall, leaving only the rhizome.
If on a branch, cut it leaving only two centimeters in relation to the ground.
Don’t be afraid, she’ll be back! At the beginning of spring a new sprout begins to appear and your peony will be full again.
See more tips about its origin in this video:
Check out the following 30 ideas on how to use peony in decoration:
Picture 1 – Elegance and femininity in the mini arrangement of pink peonies.
Picture 2 – Garland of peonies: perfect idea for the decoration of a party.
Picture 3 – Peonies to bring romance to the couple’s room.
Image 4 – Even though lonely, the peony knows how to lavish beauty and refinement.
Picture 5 – Simple and charming bouquet of colorful peonies. Here’s the tip for brides!
Picture 6 – Red paper peonies: a great way to have the flower for longer in the decoration.
Picture 7 – Clean vase, fresh water and adequate brightness is all that the flowers of the peony need to last longer.
Picture 8 – An arrangement of peonies full of class and elegance to adorn the center table of the room.
Picture 9 – Relaxed and without great pretensions, this mini vase of peony changes the whole atmosphere of the kitchen.
Image 10 – How to value a white bathroom? With an arrangement of pink peonies.
Picture 11 – Beautiful and abundant, the arrangement of peonies literally fills the decor.
Picture 12 – And if you can’t count on the fresh flower, bring it to the decoration on a wallpaper.
Image 13 – Here, for example, peonies were beautifully used in shades of black and white.
Picture 14 – Is there a dull corner there? Put an arrangement of peonies in it.
Image 15 – White peonies for the home office. The day gets even more productive.
Image 16 – That touch of delicacy that was missing in the decoration.
Image 17 – Pink and orange peony in contrast in the white dining room.
Image 18 – The ceramic vase brings even more sophistication to the arrangement of peonies.
Picture 19 – Bridal bouquet made with peonies and roses: a show of colors, perfumes and textures.
Picture 20 – White and pink peony for a simple and charming arrangement.
Image 21 – Giant peonies on the wallpaper.
Image 22 – Two simple vases of peonies and you already guarantee a new face for the bookcase.
Picture 23 – Arrangement of peonies for the centerpiece: the most classic option of all!
Image 24 – A touch of grace and lightness to the bar.
Picture 25 – Colorful peonies and brush strokes on the wall: you can always innovate in the way you use the flower in the decoration.
Picture 26 – Peonies in the center of the table set: pure sophistication for your event.
Image 27 – Can it be any more chic than that? Peonies matching rose quartz spheres.
Image 28 – There is also space for the beauty of peonies in the boho decoration.
Image 29 – In the picture they are also beautiful!
Picture 30 – White peonies to complete the modern and minimalist decor.
