The peony, one of the world’s most enduring cultivated ornamental plants, has flowered across centuries, transforming from an ancient medicinal root into a global symbol of beauty and prosperity. Originating in the mountains of northwestern China more than 2,000 years ago, the flower’s meticulous cultivation history reflects shifting imperial aesthetics, transatlantic horticultural innovation, and ongoing cultural exchange between East and West, establishing it as the quintessential garden staple worldwide.

Ancient Emperors Embrace the ‘King of Flowers’

Initially recognized for its therapeutic qualities rather than its striking appearance, the peony (specifically the tree peony, Paeonia suffruticosa) was first utilized in traditional Chinese medicine during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Its rise to ornamental prestige began during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE) and soared during the expansive Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).

The imperial capital, Luoyang, quickly became the epicenter of a fervent cultivation movement. As nobles competed to display the most spectacular blooms, the peony cemented its status as an emblem of wealth, honor, and feminine beauty, popularized by figures like the famed imperial consort Yang Guifei. By the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), gardening became a sophisticated science; scholars, including Ouyang Xiu, documented hundreds of distinct varieties and established formal classification systems.

European Roots and the Age of Exchange

Concurrently, native herbaceous peonies (Paeonia lactiflora and related species) grew across Europe, though they too were primarily seen through a medicinal lens. Named after Paeon, the mythical Greek physician to the gods, these varieties were documented by Roman naturalists like Pliny the Elder and maintained in monastic physic gardens throughout the medieval period.

The global trajectory of the peony fundamentally shifted between the 18th and 19th centuries during a revolution in botanical exploration. European plant hunters successfully introduced Chinese tree peonies to Western gardens, captivating horticulturists with their size and elaborate structure. Simultaneously, superior Chinese herbaceous varieties reached Europe, offering larger blooms and a broader color palette than their native European cousins.

This exchange culminated in France during the 1850s, where hybridizers like Victor Lemoine crossed Chinese and European stock. This initiative produced a new, hardy generation of garden peonies, marrying the vigor of European types with the spectacular flower forms of the Chinese lineage.

Refinement and American Innovation

Japan developed an independent aesthetic tradition after receiving peonies from China around the 8th century. Favoring simplicity and natural form over the elaborate double flowers prized in China, Japanese breeders often cultivated single and semi-double blooms. This distinct style, perfected during the Edo period (1603-1868), introduced new genetic diversity when Japanese varieties entered Western markets in the mid-19th century.

In North America, the American Peony Society was founded in 1903, fostering domestic breeding efforts. Professor A.P. Saunders became a key figure in the 20th century, conducting groundbreaking interspecific hybridization work that introduced elusive yellow, coral, and orange tones to the garden palette. Today, the U.S. Midwest remains a center for commercial cultivation and breeding.

Modern Advancements and Enduring Cultural Value

Contemporary peony breeding is defined by scientific rigor and global collaboration. Innovations like the creation of Intersectional or Itoh peonies—hybrids of tree and herbaceous species—have combined desired traits into new forms.

While research continues into peony genetics and potential pharmaceutical uses, the flower’s cultural significance remains resolute. China has revitalized Luoyang as a modern peony capital, hosting annual festivals that draw millions. Western gardeners continue to regard the peony as a perennial fixture, a living monument to tradition and enduring beauty.

Cultivating a peony today is participating in a dialogue that spans over two millennia, linking modern gardening practices to the horticultural wisdom of ancient imperial courts.

Flower shop with rose