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In the time around 1000 B.C. the peony was  protected by the Emperor of China who used to pay great sums of money for the most extravagant varieties, thus promoting hybridization and selection. Peonies also became the prime decoration motif of Chinese porcelains, especially during the well documented Ching and Ming dynasties. There is evidence that peonies Paeonia were used extensively in the Far East and Europe as long as two thousand years ago; the roots, bark, seeds and flowers were all believed to be of some medicinal use.

Growing Peonies
Peonies are sun-loving, long-lived perennials which are extremely hardy, easy to grow and maintain. Developing into three foot tall and wide plants which tend to droop when laden with flowers – use peony cages for support. They are best situated near the middle or back of full sun borders or beds. The common herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each season and while shrubby “tree” peonies have a woody stem system which is exposed to the rigors of winter. The herbaceous variety is divided into common and fern leaf types. Of most interest to gardeners are the common peonies whose flowers are grouped by bloom form: single, semi-double, double, anemone and Japanese. It can be hard to decide which ones to grow, especially when you are trying to choose between all the beautiful shades of colour. Ants are drawn to the sweet droplets of moisture exuded by the peony blooms. The ants won’t do any damage to the plant, so there is no need to get rid of them.

The blooming season for peonies ranges over a period of 4-5 weeks. Early varieties bloom in late May, mid-season varieties in early June and late season peonies bloom in the last part of June. Peonies can be successfully planted any time during the growing season. Early fall is the best time to dig and divide peonies in your garden. Peony roots have growing points, called eyes, which should be red or pink and firm. Dig the area 12 – 18″ deep loosening the soil and mixing in composted manure and/or bone meal. Peonies prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Position the root system so that the eyes are no more than 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep when planted. Double check when you are done that the eyes have not settled too low; when planted too low, peonies will produce lots of leaves and very few blooms.

Health Benefits
Peony can aid to block chemicals produced by the body that can cause muscle cramps, also applied directly to the skin to heal cracked skin and wounds. It may also prevent blood clotting and act as an antioxidant. Peony is used for gout, osteoarthritis, fever, respiratory tract illnesses, and cough. Women use peony for menstrual cramps, it is also used for viral hepatitis, livercirrhosis, upset stomach and to cause vomiting. Peony is also used for spasms,whooping cough (pertussis), epilepsy, nerve pain (neuralgia), migraine headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. WebMD.com
(Please consult a medical professional and/or do your own research prior to use)

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