Facts and tips about Peonies
The Peony: a favorite of many. But what do you already know about the Peony? In this blog you will read all about it. From a bit of history to tips on how to enjoy the Peony to the fullest.
History
The peony is originally from China and was not originally grown as a cut flower. No, in fact, the roots of the Peony are said to have a blood-stabilizing and fever-reducing effect. Therefore, the Peony was grown as a kind of medicine.
The peony is named after the Greek god Paean. The story is that the Greek god Pluto was injured after a battle. He turned to Asklepios; the god of medicine, but he was momentarily absent. Fortunately, there was the talented student Paean who cured Pluto with a new kind of medicine: a beautiful flower! Asklepios was jealous and killed Peaen. When chief god Zeus found him, he decided to honor Paean by turning him into the flower that saved Pluto's life. Now I don't know exactly what Paean got out of that, but his name served as the inspiration for the Peony.
Facts
Today, of course, we know her all too well as Peony and she is grown from Japan to a North Africa and even in Siberia. She is available in different colors: white, pink, dark pink and red. Peonies grow about 70 to 100 cm tall and bloom in the month of May and June. When in bloom, the buds are sometimes as much as 15-20 centimeters in diameter.
Peonies to kiss is not just an expression, as the Peony is a symbol of a good marriage, among other things! Prosperity and happiness are also mentioned.
Care advice
Good tools are half the battle, and for the Peony, that starts with your vase. Preferably take a straight glass vase, these are the easiest to clean. Also make sure you have enough space, because even though they are small when you buy them, once they hatch they can become quite large. A little space is good, they can grow even bigger and bloom longer.
Whether you fill the vase with warm or cold water depends on how much they have already bloomed. If the Peonies are still completely closed then put them in a layer of lukewarm water. If they are already slightly open, then a layer of cold water is best. One layer is enough, this way the green stays out of the water and your water stays cleanest. Every three days it is wise to change the water. If you add some nutrition or a scoop of sugar every time, your peonies will be completely satisfied.
Before putting the peonies in the vase, cut about two to five inches off the stems at an angle with a sharp, clean knife.
Put them in a nice, cool spot in the house. Peonies do not like heat or sun. Also a spot next to the fruit bowl is not recommended, because of the ethylene that fruit secretes, your Peony will wilt faster. This applies to every flower.
Do you always have such a stubborn Peony that stays nicely in its shell? If a Peony is budding heavily, you can gently rinse it upside down under a stand of lukewarm water. There is often a layer of resin around the bud, preventing it from opening itself properly. This is how you give her a helping hand.
With these tips, you should be able to enjoy this favorite flower for at least 5-7 days.
