Peony Meaning and History: When to Gift Peonies

When you think of romantic, dreamy, luxurious flowers, peonies probably come to mind. These large, ruffled blooms are absolute showstoppers, with rich symbolism, cultural significance, and a fascinating history. At La Belle Fleur, we’ve helped countless people pick the perfect peony flowers for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and “just because” moments. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through peony meaning, where these gorgeous flowers come from, what each colour symbolizes, and when you should consider gifting them. 

Whether you’re a peony superfan or just curious about their charm, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.

What Is the Peony Meaning?

Let’s start with the basics: peony’s meaning is all about love, honour, romance, prosperity, and good fortune. Across cultures, the meaning of the peony shifts slightly, but one thing stays the same: they’re always linked to positive, beautiful things.

In Chinese culture, peonies are called the “king of flowers” and symbolize wealth and nobility. In Victorian times, they were often associated with bashfulness and romance. Today, people use the symbolism of the peony to express everything from romantic love to deep gratitude.

If you’re buying flowers for someone special, knowing the meaning of peonies can help you pick the right bouquet for the right occasion.

The Ancient History of Peonies

Did you know paeonia meaning traces all the way back to ancient mythology? The name “paeonia” comes from Paeon, a student of the Greek god of medicine. Legend has it that he used the peony plant to heal wounds, which explains why the flower is seen as a symbol of protection and healing.

In China, peonies were first cultivated over 2,000 years ago and became favourites of the royal court during the Tang Dynasty. These flowers appeared in palace gardens, paintings, poems, and even on luxurious fabrics. Meanwhile, in Japan, peonies became symbols of bravery, good fortune, and masculine strength, often appearing in samurai tattoos.

Europe fell in love with peony flowers in the 18th and 19th centuries when they were imported and grown in botanical gardens. Today, they’re one of the most beloved flowers worldwide.

Types of Peonies You Should Know

There are so many types of peonies out there, and they’re all stunning in their own way.

You’ve got herbaceous peonies, which die back in the winter and return in spring. Then there are tree peonies, with woody stems that stick around all year. And don’t forget intersectional or Itoh peonies, which are hybrids that combine the best traits of both types.

Whether you’re shopping for pink peonies, coral peonies, yellow peony blooms, or even rare blue peonies (which are often actually lavender or purple), knowing your types of peonies helps you choose the best ones for your bouquet or garden.

What Do Peony Colours Symbolize?

Each peony flower meaning changes a little depending on its colour. Let’s explore the symbolism of peony colours:

• Pink Peonies: romance, love, femininity, and happy relationships.

• White Peonies: purity, apology, and new beginnings.

• Red Peonies: passion, respect, honour, and wealth.

• Yellow Peonies: happiness, positivity, and cheerful vibes.

• Purple Peonies: mystery, charm, and elegance.

• Blue Peonies: imagination and fantasy.
  

So when you’re gifting peonies, think about the message you want to send. For weddings or anniversaries, pink peonies are perfect. For apologies or sincere gestures, go for white peonies.

Peonies in Weddings and Celebrations

If you’ve been to a wedding lately, you’ve probably seen peonies stealing the spotlight. Their lush, layered petals make them a favourite in bridal bouquets, centrepieces, and floral arches. But why are they so popular?

For one, peonies meaning aligns beautifully with the themes of weddings: love, honour, prosperity, and a happy future. Couples often choose pink peonies or red peonies for a romantic, timeless feel.

But it’s not just weddings! Peonies are popular for birthdays, Mother’s Day, graduations, and housewarmings. Basically, if you’re celebrating something meaningful, peonies are a fabulous choice.

When Is the Best Time to Gift Peonies?

Peonies have a pretty distinct growing season, typically from late spring to early summer. That makes them a limited-time floral treasure.

If you want to gift peony flowers, here are the best moments:

• Weddings and anniversaries (especially in May and June)

• Birthdays in spring or early summer

• Apologies or reconciliations (white or soft pink blooms)

• Celebrating new beginnings (yellow or coral shades)

• Just because — who doesn’t love peonies?
  

If you’re looking for a fresh, seasonal bouquet, our flower shop in Vaughan offers beautiful peony arrangements when they’re in season.

Fun Facts About Peonies You Didn’t Know

Let’s sprinkle in some fun! Here are a few cool facts to impress your family and friends:

• Some peony plants can live over 100 years and still bloom every spring.

• Peonies are the official flower for 12th wedding anniversaries.

• In China, the peony is often called “the king of flowers” or “flower of riches and honour.”

• Victorian-era people believed that seeing a peony bloom at night brought shame and bad luck, linking it to bashfulness.

How to Care for Fresh Peonies

If you’re lucky enough to have a bouquet of peony flowers, you’ll want to make them last as long as possible.

Here’s what to do:

• Trim the stems at an angle before placing them in water.

• Keep them in a cool, shaded spot; heat causes them to wilt more quickly.

• Change the water every two days to prevent bacterial growth.

• Let tight peony buds sit in water; they’ll open fully over a couple of days, giving you a showy bloom.
  

Proper care means you can enjoy your peonies for up to a week or even longer!

Final Words on the History of Peonies

At La Belle Fleur, we believe every flower has a story, but few are as rich as the peony. With a history stretching across cultures and centuries, layers of symbolism, and unmatched beauty, peonies are truly a floral treasure.

Whether you’re picking pink peonies for romance, white peonies for forgiveness, red peonies for respect, or even searching for rare blue peonies or purple peonies to surprise someone, you’re giving more than just a flower; you’re giving meaning, history, and emotion.

Next time you need a meaningful gift or a stunning centrepiece, don’t overlook the magic of the peony.

FAQs About Peony’s History

What Is the Meaning of the Peony?

The meaning of the peony includes love, honour, romance, wealth, good fortune, and bashfulness, depending on the cultural context and flower colour.

What Does Paeonia Mean?

Paeonia meaning comes from ancient Greek mythology, named after Paeon, a healer, linking the flower to protection and healing.

Are Blue Peonies Real?

True blue peonies don’t exist naturally. They’re often more of a lavender or purple shade, but they still carry symbolic charm.

What Do Red Peonies Symbolize?

Red peonies stand for passion, respect, and honour. They’re often used to express deep love or admiration.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Peonies?

The most popular types of peonies are herbaceous, tree, and Itoh (intersectional) peonies, each offering different growth habits and bloom styles.