Why is the Peony called the King of Flowers in China?
The peony's association with Chinese royalty and culture stretches back over 4,000 years. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), peonies were cultivated in the Imperial gardens and considered a symbol of the Emperor's wealth and power. The city of Luoyang became the centre of peony cultivation and still holds an annual Peony Festival each April and May. The flower's full, layered blooms in deep pink, red, white and yellow were seen as the embodiment of feminine beauty, prosperity and good fortune.
Peony or Plum Blossom — China's complicated national flower
China's national flower is a subject of genuine debate. The Republic of China (Taiwan) officially designated the Plum Blossom (Prunus mume) as its national flower in 1964, chosen for its blooming in winter as a symbol of resilience and perseverance. The People's Republic of China (mainland) has never officially designated a national flower, though the peony is most widely cited and the city of Luoyang is effectively its spiritual home. A national vote in 1994 produced no clear result and the question remains unresolved.
Growing peonies in the UK
Both tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) and herbaceous peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) grow very well in the UK. Tree peonies are woody shrubs reaching 1–2 metres, producing magnificent flowers in May. They are fully hardy but benefit from a sheltered position away from early morning sun, which can damage frosted buds. Plant with the graft union 5cm below soil level. Herbaceous peonies die back each autumn and produce spectacular blooms in late May and June. Both types are remarkably long-lived — a well-situated peony can flower for 50+ years without division.
Growing Plum Blossom in the UK
The Chinese flowering plum (Prunus mume) can be grown in UK gardens but performs best in milder areas or against a south-facing wall. It flowers very early — often January to March — and blooms are vulnerable to late frosts. The variety 'Beni-chidori' (deep pink, fragrant) is the most reliably available in UK nurseries and one of the hardiest. It combines Japanese and Chinese cultural significance in a single beautifully scented early spring shrub.