Whether as buds or fully open heads, peonies for sure make the statements in the arrangements.
While biking around the neighbourhood I noticed so many peonies already blooming.
I have a few bushes in my small garden. Last year something happened to the white one, it didn’t bloom. So this spring I blessed every bud, and today at lunchtime I spotted the first one in full bloom! It was a breathtaking experience for me. Thank you, God, the Father, for the beauty of Your creation. I can see Your glory hidden in the shape, colour, smell, texture... of plants.
Facts about peonies:
In the wilderness, peonies grew in Asia Minor, Europe, and some parts of North America.
Wild peonies were discovered by Marco Polo.
The peony means "the most beautiful flower" in Chinese and it is the official symbol of China.
The most magnificent varieties of peonies were bred by the Chinese for over 1500 years.
Ants love their nectar, so sometimes the buds look like moving black balls.
Peony petals are edible.
Peonies are the most loved & wanted flowers in the bride’s bouquet.
They are considered a symbol of happiness, harmony and fidelity in marriage.
There is one variety of medicinal peony.
It has diuretic, diastolic and sedative properties.
Medicinal peony heals with both its root and flowers.
Both parts of this royal flower are rich in flavonoids, anthocyanin (peonin), phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids and starch, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and chromium.
They have a positive effect on the heart and their antibacterial and antifungal properties heal skin problems.
Peony was believed to heal headaches, asthma, and epilepsy.
But! There is also plenty of info about the toxicity of the plant as well! Be careful, then.
Wow! So much in such a beautiful plant.
Putting all their attention on the gorgeous blooms people miss the beauty of the plant's leaves. They spread around like umbrellas on sturdy stems creating a natural round shape.
It is June. Enjoy God’s gifts in your gardens or your neighbours, too. Take photos and share them. Or maybe, if you can, give a stem to someone as a message of love.
Have a blessed springtime!