Peonies – the flower of spring

May 24, 2024

Peonies were my grandmother Josephine’s favorite flower and they always bloomed in her garden in Utah in late April/early May.  Funny enough, some of those same peonies still bloom each year.  It’s comforting to see their bright pink petals present themselves in their lovely displays once the weather begins to warm.  Seeing them, helps to remind me that my grandmother’s spirit still lingers in that garden.

Peonies are perennials, which means they generally grow back each year.  They say that peonies can grow back for up to a century, if they are grown in the right conditions.  Optimal growing conditions for peonies are believed to be (1) a colder climate during the winter, (2) soil with nice drainage, and (3) full sun exposure during the warmer months.  I have heard that an ideal time to plant peony bulbs is during September and October.  I have never planted peony bulbs as many of the ones my grandmother planted keep on growing back each spring, but I may try to plant some one of these years.  

I have been studying the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui for awhile now and I have learned that peonies are considered to be a special flower as they help to boost “qi” in the home.  In Feng Shui, plants and flowers are important to introduce into our living spaces because they help to connect us with the natural world.  Introducing these natural elements from the earth helps to generate energy and provide a clear a path for “qi” to flow through the space.  

It makes sense that peonies are considered a special flower and are good to introduce into the home during spring because they are connected to the energy of the season, when the natural world revives itself, dormant plants begin to return and seeds begin to sprout.  Peonies are so early to bloom in comparison to many other flower varieties so to me, they really embody the energy of spring. The color of peonies has meaning, as well.  Pink and red peonies are associated with romance.  White peonies are associated with purity and hope.  Yellow peonies are associated with wealth and prosperity.

I, personally, love to have peonies around during spring because they remind me of my grandmother and because they mark the waking up and rebirth of the environment.  The blooming season of peonies is so short and it’s even shorter when they are cut so be sure to appreciate their special essence and symbolism while they last–they are truly a gift of nature.