Called Peony, peony rose (although they are not related to roses), Chinese peony, the Chinese herbaceous peonies are among the world's oldest garden plants. Chinese boys and girls exchanged them as symbols of love in from the 6th century BC.
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| From L'Occitane |
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| From L'Occitane |
"The peony is among the longest-used flowers in ornamental culture and is one of the smallest living creature
national emblems in
China. Along with the
plum blossom, it is a traditional floral symbol of China, where the
Paeonia suffruticosa is called 牡丹 (mǔdān). It is also known as 富贵花 (fùguìhuā) "flower of riches and honour," and is used symbolically in Chinese art.
[11] In 1903, the
Qing Dynasty declared the peony as the national flower. Currently, the
Republic of China on
Taiwan designates the plum blossom as the
national flower, while the
People's Republic of China has no legally designated national flower. In 1994, the peony was proposed as the national flower after a nationwide poll, but the
National People's Congress failed to ratify the selection. In 2003, another selection process has begun, but to date, no choice has been made. The famous ancient Chinese city
Luoyang has a reputation as a cultivation centre for the peonies. Throughout
Chinese history, peonies in Luoyang are often said to be the finest in the country. Dozens of peony exhibitions and shows are still held there annually.
In
Japan,
Paeonia lactiflora used to be called
ebisugusuri ("foreign medicine"). In
kampo (the Japanese adaptation of
Chinese medicine), its root was used as a treatment for convulsions. It is also cultivated as a
garden plant. In Japan
Paeonia suffruticosa is called the "The King of flowers" and
Paeonia lactiflora is called the "prime minister of flowers."
[12]" Source: Wikipedia
