The peony is named after Paeon (also spelled Paean), a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil; Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower. The herb known as Bai Shao, in particular the root of the Chinese Peony, has been used frequently in traditional medicines of Korea, China and Japan.
As a cut flower, peonies are usually available April through June, and then again a few months later in October through December, with a few that might be found in July and January as well. So really they aren't as hard to procure as you might think, if you aren't particular about color.
So what makes a peony everyone's favorite? For me, the large blooms and layers and layers of luscious petals always draw me in. Colors range from white to deep red with so many shades of pink in between. And such gorgeousness of course comes with a price- they can be quite expensive even at wholesale cost! But usually the desire to have the flower overcomes the desire to save money and the result is big impact. A bridal bouquet of peonies is so luxurious!
Two of my favorites, Garden Treasure and Coral Charm, were luckily available this week, and I got to use them both in centerpieces for a bridal luncheon at the Swan Coach House. Garden Treasure is a yellow flower that is available in June and November usually. Coral Charm starts out as a deep pinkish coral and as the bloom opens and goes through its life cycle fades to a soft peachy pink. I chose a lavender shade of rose, "Cool Water", to balance the yellow and coral colors. Baby green hydrangea with accents of tea olive foliage, butterfly weed, and blueberries rounded out the components of these arrangements.
