What Makes Peonies So Popular?

The peony is an old-fashioned favorite that resonates just as much with modern flower lovers as it did with our great-grandparents. The flower experts at We Love Florists, report that 36% of survey participants said the peony was their favorite flower. Let's look at a few interesting facts about peonies that contribute to their long-lasting popularity.

Long-Loved History

The peony has been a popular flower for a long time. In early Chinese history, this bold bloom was the national flower of China. During the Tang Dynasty, the flower was bred in the imperial courts during the 7th century. The popularity spread to Japan as well as France and England. During the 1800s and early 1900s, the peony popped up in America and has even become the state flower of Indiana.

Wide Variety of Options

One thing that contributes to a flower's popularity is varieties of types and colors. Humans like variety and the peony doesn't disappoint. There are 6,500 types of peonies and there are even new varieties being developed. All of these peony choices are tracked by the American Peony Society. There's even a Peony prize each year when a gold medal is awarded to an outstanding variety. The varieties of peonies fall into three main categories: tree, herbaceous, and itoh.

Roots in Greek Mythology

Flowers are elegant and mysterious, and the peony gains some of its elegance and mystery from Greek mythology. This flower is named after the Paeon, who was considered to be a bit of a doctor for the gods. The myth explains that Peon used a peony to treat a wound for Zeus. Later when Paeon's life was in danger, Zeus saved him by turning him into a peony flower.

Some Medicinal Properties

Paeon may have been on to something, as science now can prove that peonies do indeed have medicinal properties. It has been shown to improve immune function and even boost mood. It's also sometimes used to treat inflammation, blood clots, and general pain. Peony roots and seeds have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine.

These are just a few reasons why peonies continue to be a favorite for fresh flowers. If you're looking to purchase fresh flowers locally, please contact Arizona Florist today. We are here for your floral needs.