The many kinds of flowering plants called peonies are known for their large, showy blossoms. Many people recognize peony plants by their round, sticky flower buds that often have ants crawling on them. The ants are attracted to the nectar that the buds produce. Peonies are valued in many places around the world as fragrant garden flowers. People also use peonies in floral arrangements. There are thousands of varieties of peonies. They include both nonwoody plants, called herbaceous peonies, and trees. Most herbaceous peonies are native to Europe and Asia, but all tree peonies originated in China. Peonies belong to the scientific group Paeonia. Physical featuresHerbaceous peonies are leafy plants with stems and leaves that die after every growing season. A new stem and leaves grow from thick roots the following year. The plants reach up to about 3 feet (1 meter) in height. They have large green leaves that may be glossy or dull. The leaves may have several to many sections called leaflets. Most types of herbaceous peonies produce only one flower on a stem. Most flowers are large, growing up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) across. The flowers are usually white, pink, magenta, or deep red, but some are lavender, orange, or yellow. Each flower has five to ten petals around a center of structures called stamens. The stamens are heavily coated with pollen. Some varieties also have centers filled with many narrow petals. The peony seed is about the size of a pea. It is dark and shiny. Tree peonies are shrubby plants with woody stems that can grow to about 7 feet (2 meters) tall. The flowers may be white, yellow, lilac, violet, or red. Dozens of flowers can grow on one shrub. The blossoms typically measure about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) across. How peonies growPeonies grow best in sunny areas. Gardeners grow them either from seed or by planting a section of roots. It takes several years for new plants to produce flowers. New plant growth begins in the early spring. The shoots are typically red or purple, but plants turn green as they mature. Peony plants flower in late spring or early summer, and the flowers last about one week. After flowering, the plants produce green seed pods that turn brown as they ripen. In late summer the pods split to release the seeds. During the year the leaves gather food, which is stored in the roots. The plants use this food in the spring to start new growth. Peonies can live many years. Some herbaceous peonies can live for more than 30 years. |