The language of peonies is a beautiful symbol of devoted love and bittersweet parting

In traditional flower language culture, the peony (Paeonia lactiflora) mostly signifies devoted love and bittersweet parting. It is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant with full blooms and soft, lovely colors. In ancient times, people often gave peonies to relatives and friends who were parting, to express their longing, so it is also regarded as one of the flowers that convey love and attachment.

Peonies of different colors differ slightly in their flower language. Pink peonies are often used to express reserved affection and sweet feelings; white peonies symbolize purity and understated elegance, suitable for conveying sincere sentiments; red peonies have intense color and symbolize passionate, unrestrained love; purple peonies are mostly considered to carry a sense of romance and grace.

The peony has a long history of cultivation in China. Since ancient times it has been mentioned alongside the tree peony, and because its flowering period comes after that of the tree peony, blooming in late spring and early summer, it has long been known as the flower that closes out spring. It is very common both for courtyard viewing and as a cut flower, and it also frequently appears in wedding floral arrangements and holiday bouquets to convey good wishes.

It should be noted that the peony is a herbaceous plant, while the tree peony is a woody shrub; their flowering periods come one after the other, and the two are often confused. When giving peonies, you can choose the flower color according to the recipient: for a lover, pink or red is best; for a friend, to express longing, soft light colors are more suitable, as this better matches the meaning of the flower language itself.