Peonies
Petal-packed double flowers, peonies carry an unmistakable calling card – a gorgeous fragrance that is simply the sweetest of the summer season. Shaped like a delicious slice of sorbet, these symbols of luxury, indulgence and a happy life are particularly prized in the East, where their Chinese name translates as ‘most beautiful’.
Peonies have a very short flowering season and are generally only available between late May and early July. They come in a range of colours, from pure white, baby pink and pale peach to deep pink and dark maroon. Being so beautiful is thirsty work, so make sure you regularly top up the vase with water.
History of the peony
Peonies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years – motifs of the flower can be found on ancient Chinese silks and wood carvings. The Greeks believed peonies could cure numerous ailments, and every monastery garden boasted a peony bush. In Japan, the earliest peony blooms are protected from the snow with individual thatched shelters.
