Peony Paradise

I love Peonies! I think that they are one of the most beautiful flowers. They need a colder climate than what I can give them here by the beach -- so I can only admire them if I buy some at the florist. But for those of you who DO live in colder climates please plant a bush for me! Here are some of my favorite ones that I found at Adelman Peony Gardens online.

"Catharina Fontijn" Peony

"Chestine Gowdy" Peony

"Firelight" Peony

"Leda" Peony

On the Flower Expert they said that the Chinese call Peonies, "The King of Flowers" or the "Flower Fairy." I'm cutting and pasting what else they had to say about my lovely Peony.

"Peonies are herbaceous perennials. There are 30 species of Peonies, but some are woody shrubs with 10 species. Peonies were named in honor of Paeon, the physician of the gods. Peonies produce large, often fragrant flowers. Blooming in late spring and early summer, Peonies come in shades of red to white or yellow. Peonies are native to Asia, Southern Europe and Western North America. 

"Peonies are hardy flowering plants that need little care and live through severe winters. After becoming established in a garden, Peonies bloom each spring for many years. Peonies are also extensively grown as ornamental plants for their very large, often scented cut flowers. 
 
"Peonies have been cultivated in China for more than 2,000 years, not only for the beautiful flowers but for also for the roots, which were used for food and medicine. The herbaceous Peonies have been cultivated in home gardens for over 600 years. Clumps of Peonies may survive for as long as 50 years, and they are reasonably free from maintenance problems." 

So if you're trying to figure out what you should plant in your garden for next Spring / Summer and you live where it frosts -- I highly recommend planting some peonies. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Hope you enjoy!