A peony is a large, showy flowering plant known for its spectacular blooms that can be as big as a softball. These flowers have dozens of soft, delicate petals layered together in a rounded shape, creating blossoms so full and fluffy they sometimes look almost like tissue paper pom-poms. Peonies come in shades of pink, white, red, and coral.

Peonies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, originally in China where they were called the “king of flowers” and grown in imperial gardens. They became popular in Europe and America in the 1800s, and gardeners prize them because a single peony plant can bloom reliably for decades, even outliving the person who planted it. Some peony plants have been known to thrive for over 100 years.

The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, filling gardens with their sweet fragrance. Because the heavy blooms can weigh down the stems, especially after rain, gardeners often use circular wire supports to keep them upright. Peonies are a favorite for wedding bouquets and celebrations because of their luxurious appearance and the way they symbolize good fortune and prosperity.