ONE OF THE OLDEST

There are around 40 species of peonies with around 6,500 cultivars and hybrids.  But how did it all begin?

Known as the “flower of riches and honor,” the peony is among the longest-used flowers in Eastern culture.  The history of the peony goes back 2000 years. Confucius (551–479 BC) is quoted to have said: “I eat nothing without its sauce. I enjoy it very much, because of its flavor.”  The peony is one of the oldest cultivated flowers.  It was first used as a flavoring for food, but around 618-907, they began breeding them for their beautiful fragrant flowers in the imperial gardens during the Tang Dynasty.  Peonies were introduced in Japan around the tenth century where they began to cultivate new varieties.  In medieval times they were used as a medicinal herb.   Of course, England and France jumped in and started cultivating them in the 18^th century.  Finally, peonies made their way to the United States, where they were often grown in home gardens.

Ancient superstition was that great care be taken not to be seen by a woodpecker while picking the plant’s fruit, or the bird might peck out one’s eyes.  We are glad that is not the case as we love bouquets of peonies!