Peony~ Good Life, Happy Marriage, Bashfulness
Botanical Name: Peonia Family: Paeoniaceae
”Bashfulness so oft applies thus peonies are for the sky.”
Named after Paeon, Physician to the Gods, the first modern peony was grown widely in medieval England, especially in monastery gardens, although ancient peonies were said to come from China. Legend tells that mischievous nymphs hid in the petals of the peony causing this magnificent flower to be given the meaning of bashfulness. In eighth century China, the red peony was considered the King of Flowers, symbolizing abundance. It is said he first obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the Mother of Apollo.
Peonies can live for a hundred + years if undisturbed.