What does peony mean?
A peony is a long-lived perennial plant grown chiefly for its large, conspicuous flowers, which are often fragrant and range in colour from white and yellow to pink and deep red. The name encompasses both herbaceous peonies, which form fresh stems every spring, and tree peonies, which develop into woody shrubs. Their blooms typically appear in late spring and early summer, making them prominent features of traditional English gardens, borders, and floral arrangements. Peonies are also associated with prosperity, romance, good fortune, and memorable occasions such as weddings and anniversaries. Although the flowers are frequently cultivated for their beauty, the roots of certain species have a history in traditional medicine. In everyday usage, “peony” usually refers simply to the familiar garden flower, while botanical discussions may distinguish among numerous species and named cultivars.
nounA perennial flowering plant of the genus Paeonia, valued for its large, often fragrant flowers, which may be pink, red, white, or yellow. It includes both herbaceous peonies, whose stems die back in winter, and woody tree peonies.
- A flowering plant of the genus Paeonia, especially one cultivated for its showy, often fragrant blooms.
"A velvet-red peony opened beside the garden wall in late spring."
"She arranged white peonies in a broad ceramic bowl."
"The garden's tree peony produced a single deep crimson flower."
The standard plural is “peonies.”
"Fresh peonies filled the room with fragrance."
The peony takes its name from Paeon, a healer of Greek myth, reflecting an ancient belief that this spectacular flower had medicinal power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peony come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek, in which the plant was associated with Paeon, a healer or physician celebrated in Greek tradition and myth. The botanical genus was later named Paeonia in recognition of this association. Peony has long been established in English, while the spelling “paeony” survives as an alternative form.
How peony is actually used
In horticulture, “tree peony” refers to a woody perennial with a shrub-like structure, while “herbaceous peony” refers to plants whose soft stems emerge anew each spring and die back in winter. “Chinese peony” commonly denotes Paeonia lactiflora, although the name is sometimes used more broadly.
Easily confused with peony
A peony is a flowering plant, whereas a penny is a coin or a small sum of money.
A peony is a large, often shrub-forming perennial flower, while a pansy is a smaller, low-growing flower with a distinctive face-like pattern.