Peonia Arbustiva

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Paeoniaceae

Order

Saxifragales

Genus

Paeonia

Species

suffruticosa

Description

Peonies are rhizomatous plants with large tuberous roots. The leaves are composed of leaflets that are ovate, elliptical or oblong in shape, which in turn are more or less deeply lobed and divided into segments, some of which are very slender. The leaf surfaces are usually hairless, but in some species the underside is covered with a dense, silky down. The flowers have a calyx of five sepals and a corolla of five petals with more or less rounded margins that open fully, though there are some exceptions.
Both herbaceous and tree peonies are strong, robust plants, highly cold-hardy, easy to grow and well-adapted to a variety of environmental conditions. Sometimes, even when neglected, they grow vigorously and produce abundant blooms. Within the shrub peony group, the cultivars of Paeonia suffruticosa have an upright habit, and what sets them apart is the lignification of their stems, which gives them a shrub-like growth habit similar to that of rhododendrons or hydrangeas. Although they are slow-growing plants, especially at the start, they require space. Seven to eight years after planting, they can exceed 1 m in height and almost the same in width. These plants are suitable for use in gardens and parks, as well as on balconies and terraces in large planters and pots.

curiosity and special features

The peony is an important plant in Eastern tradition, particularly in China, where it is known as the ‘Flower of the King’ or the ‘Flower of Wealth and Honour’.

In Chinese culture, the peony symbolises prosperity, beauty, good fortune and noble status.

It is a flower frequently depicted on Chinese ceramics, plates and porcelain, second only to the rose.

Botanists agree that the genus Paeonia should be classified in its own family, the Paeoniaceae; this new classification already appears in many recent texts and is used in the labelling by botanical gardens.

To ensure that cut flowers last as long as possible, it is advisable to cut the stems when the buds begin to soften and the colour of the flower becomes visible. If stems are cut when the flowers are already fully open, their lifespan will be shorter.

Origin and Diffusion

A hybrid native to China (Henan), resulting from a cross between P. jishanensis and P. rockii.

Cultivated in China since the 4th century, it subsequently spread to Japan and Bhutan; it reached Europe in the mid-17th century, but it was in the 19th century that keen interest in the species began, leading to the creation of new cultivars or varieties.

mithology

In Greek mythology, the peony flower is often associated with Artemis, Apollo and Asclepius. A famous legend tells that the peony takes its name from Paeon (or Paean), a disciple of the god of medicine Asclepius, who had discovered this plant. Asclepius, jealous of this, attempted to kill Paeon. To save him, several gods intervened and transformed him into the peony flower, thereby granting him immortality. The peony thus also became a symbol of the gods’ compassion and of immortality.