Friday, August 3, 2012

How To Plant The Peony Flower

Peony is a native of flowering plants native to Asia, Southern Europe and Western North America. Most of the species are herbaceous perennials that grow 0.5-1.5 meters tall. Some of the species are woody shrubs 1.5-3 meters tall. Leaves are compound and deeply lobed. Large flowers, often fragrant, ranging from red to white or yellow grows in late spring and early summer. The plant is named after ‘Paeon’, Greek God of medicine and healing. In China, Peony has been cultivated since last more than 2000 years.
Peonies, recognizable for their large blooms, are familiar garden plants. The flowers grow in a variety of colors, with large, showy blossoms that are popular in weddings and home decoration. Peony flowers are not limited to the outdoor garden. While peonies are notoriously difficult to grow indoors, it is possible to do so and enjoy their beautiful blossoms almost year-round.
Peony has a long history of being used as an ornamental plant. The plant is one of the smallest living creatures that are used as National Emblem in China. Besides being the traditional floral symbol of China, Peony is also famous as ‘Flower of Riches and Honor’ and in the Chinese floral art and tattoos. In Japan, Peony is cultivated as an ornamental plant and also for its roots that are used in the treatments for convulsions. In North America, Peony plants are used for ornamental plants and its flowers are used for making cut flowers.
Sow Peony Poppy flower seeds indoors in late winter. Use peat pots and starter mix. Sow the flower seeds on the surface and press the flower seeds into the soil. Peony Poppy flower seeds need light to germinate. Keep flower seeds moist until germination. Another option, and often preferred by many gardeners, is to direct sow the Peony Poppy flower seed outdoors. Peony Poppy flower seed can be sown in the late fall, late winter, or early spring. Prepare the soil by loosening the top several inches, spread the flower seeds and lightly rake. Firm the soil by walking lightly over the area. Thin seedlings to 15 - 18 inches apart. These annual Peony Poppy plants are known to be prolific self-sowers.