Peony flowers come in all colors and sizes except for blue. These perennials bloom in the spring and will continue for at least two months. Some tree peonies will bloom again during the fall.
Description
Peonies are herbaceous perennial plants. There are 30 species of peonies while there are ten species of woody shrubs. Peonies can produce large sometimes fragrant flowers. Peonies require very little care and can survive through severe winters.
Once peonies are established in a garden they will return each spring for years to come. They can live up to100 years and still produce flowers. These perennials flowers can grow tall enough to be used as cut flower arrangements. They can be grown and maintained in a garden or in containers.
Types of Peonies
There are different types of peony flowers including herbaceous, hybrids, and tree. Herbaceous peonies do not survive in the winter but return each spring. Hybrids are crossbreeds of two or more types of peonies. Normally, hybrids have one flower while herbaceous peony flowers have a single flower and a side bud.
The Tree Peony
Tree peonies are not actual tress but have shrubs and leaves that fall off each fall. According to Linda Hall Library, tree peonies are propagated by grafting a tree peony bud onto a herbaceous peony root. In China, tree peonies can grow up to eight to ten feet tall.
Caring for Peonies
When caring for peonies, they should be fed the same fertilizer as bubs as soon the leaves unfurl according to "Peony Facts." If you use too much fertilizer, this will inhibit the growth of the flowers. At the end of the summer, the tops will turn brown. Therefore the flowers will need to be cut back to the ground. Each spring, "Peony Facts" also suggests gently turning the ground around the plants down to 2 to 3 inches.
Gardeners should be mindful not to get near the new shoots because doing so can cause damage to the plants. Turing the soil helps control weeds and aerate the soil. This procedure should also be done after hard rains. In order to grow and maintain peonies successfully, they need a lot of water. They should be watered during the spring up until the flowers open and in the fall when the flowers began to form new buds for next year.
Symbolism and Meanings
Peonies are the traditional flower symbol of China. It is also the state flower of Indiana and the 12th wedding anniversary flower. Peony flowers are also known as a flower of prosperity and honor. Peonies are also regarded as a flower of good fortune and a happy marriage.
Sources:
"The Meaning and Symbolism of Poony." Teleflora
Sass, Regina. "Peony Facts." EHow.
"Peonies." The Flower Expert.
"Facts About Tree Peonies." Linda Hall Library.
