Ode to Peonies

I'm in love again! Of course, every other week I fall - I'm easy - what can I say? I fall hard and am usually totally enraptured - the smell, the feel, the look - oh my! Blooms of course... this week the focus of my complete affection: PEONIES!

Probably the most asked for bloom from my brides - even in August - everyone loves their full, feminine and voluptuous form. There, frankly, is nothing quite like them - and sadly, such a limited bloom time. They're special - they need the cold of a good winter freeze to bring forth their glory in the spring.

This is definitely one of the most memorable flowers from my childhood. My mother grew them along the cool side of our home as too much sun can weaken their delicate stems. I remember trying to hurry their bloom along, peeling back the outer skin of that tight round head - to coax out that big fluffy burst of petals - and the intoxicating fragrance.

My bride this week has taken the peony and run with it - though we are only designing her personal flowers for her - she has stayed true to her love of peonies - and has kept the high visual impact that they provide - simple, clean and bold using shades of pink blooms for the bridal party, against black cocktail dresses - amazing. Though a huge pink peony on the groom's lapel is probably not appealing to the groom and his men (I'm not sure that even George in all his masculinity could pull that off) - we have selected some fabulous ranunculus in hot pink to cluster for some dynamic boutonnieres (don't get me wrong, that still requires a secure dude!).


Peonies have been around for about 4000 years and probably originated in China with the Chinese name "Sho Yo" meaning most beautiful. In Japan they have been a long held symbol of prosperity. Some incredible myths come from the Greeks - all surrounding this incredible plant and it's blooms. During the middle ages in Europe, the peony's healing powers were considered a "panacea" for almost every ailment. Ok - sorry I am a complete history dork - but if you want to find more information on this lush bloom's history, check out these sites:
La Pivoinerie, Munkin Nursery, Tulips Talk