[Curiosities] 5 curiosities about the peony, the most beautiful, resistant and desired flower in the world

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Colvin professionals reveal 5 curiosities about one of the most beautiful and desired flowers in the world. Do you know everything about peonies?

Peonies are one of the most beautiful and elegant flowers that exist in the world of gardening and floral decoration. With their large petals, their vibrant colors and their unmistakable fragrance, these flowers are a true delight for the senses. But in addition to their beauty, peonies have many interesting curiosities that you probably did not know about. In this article, the professionals at Colvin tell you five fun facts about peonies that will surprise you.

 

ORIGINS OF PEONIES: HISTORY AND SYMBOLISM
Peonies have a very rich and fascinating history dating back over 2,000 years. The peony plant is believed to be native to Asia and Europe, although most species originated in China. In this country, peonies have been cultivated for more than 1,500 years and are considered a symbol of prosperity, honor and love.

According to Chinese legend, the peony was named after a Greek god named Paeon, who was the physician of the gods in Greek mythology. The story goes that Paeon used the root of the peony to heal a war wound to Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. The plant was considered sacred and became a symbol of healing and protection in Greek culture.

In ancient China, peonies were grown in imperial gardens and were considered a symbol of wealth and honor. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), these flowers became a symbol of royalty and were used to decorate the gardens of emperors. The Tang Dynasty is also known as the golden age of peonies, as many new varieties were cultivated and cultivation techniques were improved.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), they became one of the most po[CENSORED]r plants among the nobility and the literati. Many poets and artists created works of art inspired by it, and the plant became a po[CENSORED]r subject in literature and poetry.

In Japanese culture, peonies are also highly valued and are considered a symbol of honor, love, and prosperity. The plant has been cultivated in Japan since the time of the samurai and used in tea ceremonies and festivals. Today these flowers are grown all over the world and are po[CENSORED]r for their beauty and symbolic value.

 

THERE ARE MANY VARIETIES OF PEONIES
Peonies are very po[CENSORED]r plants around the world for their beauty and symbolic value. There are more than 30 species of peonies, each with unique characteristics that make them special and desired. These are some of the most common:

1. Shrub peonies: they are the most common peonies and are characterized by having a strong and rigid stem that makes them ideal for floral arrangements. Shrub peonies are divided into two types: early-blooming and late-blooming.
2. Herbaceous peonies: they are the most po[CENSORED]r peonies and are characterized by weak and flexible stems that bend under the weight of the flowers. Herbaceous peonies bloom in spring, producing large, showy flowers in a wide variety of colors.
3. Tree peonies: Also known as woody peonies, they are characterized by having a thicker and more woody stem than shrub peonies. Tree peonies can grow up to 5 feet tall and produce large, showy flowers.
4. Double Flowering Peonies: These are peonies with a large number of petals, giving them a rose-like appearance. Double-blooming peonies are very po[CENSORED]r in floral arrangements and are highly valued for their beauty.
5. Single-flowering peonies: These are peonies with a single row of petals, giving them a simpler, more elegant appearance. Single-bloom peonies are highly valued for their beauty and elegance.
6. Itoh peonies: Also known as intermediate peonies, they are a combination of herbaceous and tree peonies. Itoh peonies have stronger stems than herbaceous peonies, but less woody than tree peonies. They are highly valued for their long flowering and for the wide variety of colors in which they are presented.
7. Dwarf Peonies : These are varieties of peonies that grow to a maximum height of 12-18 inches. They are ideal for small gardens or miniature flower arrangements.
8. Exotic Peonies: These are rare and hard-to-find varieties of peonies. Exotic peonies may have unusual shapes, rare colors, or unique patterns on the petals. They are highly valued by collectors and plant lovers.

WHEN IS THE FLOWERING TIME?
The flowering time of peonies varies depending on the variety and the climatic conditions of each region. In general, however, peonies typically flower in spring and early summer, although some varieties may flower later in the season.

Those with early flowering are usually the first, in March or April and some of them are "Paeonia tenuifolia", "Paeonia officinalis" and "Paeonia delavayi". They tend to have smaller flowers than mid- to late-blooming peonies, but are just as beautiful and valued.

Mid-blooming peonies typically bloom in late spring and early summer, between late May and early June. This group includes the po[CENSORED]r "Paeonia lactiflora", which is one of the most common and valued throughout the world. There are also other varieties such as "Paeonia suffruticosa", "Paeonia veitchii" and "Paeonia rockii" that flower in this period.

Late bloomers typically flower in mid-summer, often in July or August. These peonies include varieties such as 'Paeonia lutea' and 'Paeonia ostii'. These peonies typically have larger blooms than early- or mid-blooming peonies, and are often highly fragrant.

It is important to take into account that the flowering time of peonies may vary depending on the climatic conditions of each region. In some cooler areas, peonies may bloom later in the season, while in warmer areas they may bloom earlier. Also, peonies can bloom later if they are not provided with enough sunlight, water, and nutrients.

In summary, the flowering time of peonies varies depending on the variety and the climatic conditions of each region. In general, however, peonies typically flower in spring and early summer, although some varieties may flower later in the season. If you want to grow peonies in your garden, it is important to research the varieties that are best suited to the climatic conditions in your region.

 

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION: THE BEAUTY OF PEONIES
Peonies are not only known for their beauty and scent, but also for their ability to inspire artists and creators around the world. For example, in traditional Chinese painting they are considered a symbol of wealth, honor, and feminine beauty. Chinese artists often depict peonies at different stages of their life cycle, from tiny buds to lush, mature flowers. The shape of peonies has also been used in Chinese calligraphy and is considered a very elegant decorative element.

Apart from painting and calligraphy, peonies have also been a source of inspiration for literature. In the novel "The Peonies" by Pearl S. Buck, these flowers are a symbol of life and death, beauty and pain. The story takes place in 19th century rural China and follows a family struggling to maintain their traditions and customs amid the social and political changes taking place in the country.

A very decorative flower
Peonies have also been used as a decorative motif in architecture and fashion. In architecture they have been used as a decorative element in temples, palaces and other important buildings around the world. For example, the Temple of the Peony in Luoyang, China, is one of the oldest and most famous dedicated to this flower and has a large number of paintings, sculptures and other artistic objects related to it.

In fashion, peonies have been used as a decorative motif in dresses, jewelry and accessories. Designers have used its shape and colors to create unique and elegant patterns and designs that have been po[CENSORED]r all over the world.

A MEDICINAL FLOWER
In traditional Chinese medicine, peonies have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of ailments and diseases. You can take advantage of almost all its parts:

• Peony roots have been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as dysentery and diarrhea, as well as to relieve menstrual pain and treat liver disease. They are also used as a sedative and to calm anxiety.
• The root bark is used for fever and infections, as well as to reduce inflammation and pain. The root bark is also used as an antispasmodic and to relieve muscle cramps.
• Peony flower can be a good remedy for disorders of the liver and gallbladder, as well as to reduce fever and inflammation. Another use it has is as a muscle relaxant and to improve blood circulation.
• The seeds make it possible to treat kidney and urinary disorders, as well as reduce inflammation and pain. They can also be a sedative and calm anxiety.

As well as on its own, peonies, in Chinese medicine, can be combined with other herbs and plants to create more effective remedies. One of the best known is the one that mixes peony root and licorice root, and it works very well for gastrointestinal disorders; another combination is that of peony root and angelica root, which is used to treat menstrual disorders.

Of course, you must be careful when using them, since some parts of this beautiful plant can be toxic in large quantities. Furthermore, it is always advisable to consult a health professional before using any herb or plant to treat an ailment or disease.

 

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