For the Love of Peonies
I remember the first time I laid eyes on a peony. It was at a local décor shop. The owner kept a large bucket of peonies by the counter, which he sold by the stem. The flowers came from the florist next door, which the shop owner sold as a gesture of neighbourly solidarity.
Mesmerized, I was unable to take my eyes off the large, fluffy petals. I had never seen anything so light and delicate or so gracious and lovely. They had an air of innocence that rivalled my own youthful ingenuousness. Etched in my memory, I never escaped the attraction to something so beautiful and effervescent. Years later, peonies are still my favourite flower.
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Known as the “Queen of the Garden,” peonies were originally cultivated in Asia, then grown in Europe and Western North America. Peonies bloom around the same time as lilacs, between April and June, according to climate and variety, There are over 6,500 varieties of early-season, mid-season and late-season bloomers. Colours range from white to various shades of pink to coral, yellow and more rarely, purple.
They’re a perennial, returning yearly once planted and can live for a hundred years. Lavishly large and voluminous, the plant produces lush greenery, with flowers reaching 10 inches in width. Planted in September or October, and spaced several feet apart, it may take the plant up to three years before growing decent-sized flowers.
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Presumably named after Paeon, the Greek god of medicine and healing, peonies symbolize compassion. In Greek mythology, Paeon used the peony plant to heal Pluto by extracting the milky liquid from its root. Paeon’s teacher, Asclepius, became so jealous of his student’s abilities, even threatening him, that Pluto turned his friend into a peony flower as an act of compassion to save him from harm and allowing him to live eternally.
Peonies also represent bashfulness. The exceptionally beautiful Greek nymph, Paeonia caught the eye of Apollo, who was enthralled by her splendour. While they flirted, Paeonia saw Aphrodite watching them, causing the nymph to blush bashfully. Aphrodite, angry, transformed her into a a peony.
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Thriving in sunny areas and releasing sweet and rosy notes, so many unerringly associate the delicate bloom with gentility and soft romance. Peonies add a touch of elegance to any room or garden, and a bouquet full of grace to anyone who has the pleasure of admiring its rich petals.
TEXT BY FATIMA RIZZO