Peony is the name of a whole range of plants that are native to Asia, the west side of North America and Southern Europe. Under the name of peony are covered about 25 different species of plant. Most of these species are relatively small plants between 0.5 and 1.5 metres and are herbaceous perennial plants meaning that they typically last for several years and at the end of a growing season their stems die off but some part of the plant continues to live underground until the next growing season when new growth will restart.

• History of peony

The peony is one of the flowers that has been used the longest in ornamental culture and it is a floral symbol traditionally used in China and also features heavily in Chinese art. The peony is also the state flower for the state of Indiana and has been since 1957.

• Uses of peony

There are 2 major current uses of peony. The first of these is for medicinal reasons; the root is the primary part taken to be used but less commonly the seeds and flower of the plant are also used. Peony can be used for many different ailments ranging from gout and fever to upset stomachs and muscle cramps. Peony can also be used externally on the skin to help heal cracked skin.

The second and better known use for peony is as a decorative plant in the garden. They are well craved as they provide longevity rarely matched by other plants, and also for their fragrance and striking flowers produced. The flowers most often desired are the red, pink and white peony but it is also possible to get them in other colors if desired. The peony plant flowers will die off at the end of the growing season but will then return fresh new flowers at the start of the next.

It is not hard to see why the peony plant is so highly desired in gardens all around the world and why it plays such a big role in art and culture.