The Peonies most of us enjoy in our gardens came to North America from China, making them non-native, herbaceous, perennials. They’re one of the showiest flowers in most gardens and, ‘though the individual blooms have a relatively short lifespan, the overall display on a single mature plant often lasts a full month.
Two Fun Facts:
Flower Royalty
In Chinese folklore, Peonies are known as the King of the Flowers. For centuries, it was grown exclusively in the Imperial Palace gardens, serving as a symbol of nobility, great honor, and prosperity.
A Century of Flowers
With loving care, a Peony plant, will easily live and bloom for over 100 years. Because they can outlive the gardeners who plant them, a patch of peonies is often considered a living family heirloom, to be passed down through generations.
Summer’s Ruffled Gowns
The garden wears a cheerful smile,
In shades of soft and gentle rose,
Where heavy heads of petals dance,
With every summer breeze that blows.
Some blossoms wear a mellow blush,
A pale and dreamy pastel hue,
Like morning clouds that catch the sun,
Or silken slippers damp with dew.
And others boast a deeper tone,
A brilliant, bold, and flashy pink,
That catches every passing bee,
And makes the nesting robins blink.
They crowd together, lush and full,
A sea of ruffled summer lace,
A sweet reminder of the hands
That made this yard a happy place.
’Til next time, y’all…
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