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 What is the Peony a symbol of?
Mudan,
tree peony, is a very beautiful plant originating in China. It, the Chinese national
flower, was yet another honour to be added to the accolades and honorific titles bestowed
on it over the centuries. For example, the names Hua Wang (the King of flowers), Fu Gui
Hua (riches and honour flower) and Bai Laing Jin (costly flower over hundreds liang gold)
given to tree peony indicate that the flower is the symbol of happiness and good luck. The
plant symbolizes the characteristic temperament and cultural features of the Chinese
nation, the prosperity of the county, and the diligence of the people.
Shaoyao,
herbaceous peony, is known as " the Queen of flowers". It is the "lover's
flower" in the ancient China. It symbolizes the goodliness and love between man and
woman.
What are the
differences between tree peony and herbaceous peony?
Tree peony
and herbaceous peony are placed in the same genus, Paeonia, in the family Paeoniaceae. The
leaves and flowers are similar, but there are many differences between both sides.
Firstly, tree peony is a shrubby plant with a
permanent woody branch structure, while herbaceous peony is a perennial herbaceous plant
with new growth each year from ground level.
Secondly, the florescence of herbaceous peony is
2-3 weeks later than tree peony.
Thirdly, the life-span of tree peony is longer
than herbaceous peony, while herbaceous peony is better than tree peony in
cold-resistance.
Fourthly, the flowers of tree peony are general
bigger than herbaceous peony.
What is the
temperature range suitable for the Chinese peony to grow?
In the
natural environment, the Chinese peony has been growing and blooming in different climatic
areas in the world. The temperature range is from -15 °C to 35°C(
5°F to 95°F), and the amount of annual rainfall ranges from 8 to 60 inches. However, the
most ideal temperature range is -10°C to 30°C( 13°F to 86°F), and the ideal amount of
annual rainfall is from 20 to 40 inches. In the cold area, it is necessary to take
protections against frostbite in winter. Please remember the Chinese peony is not only
hardy, but also has an amazing ability to adapt itself to its environment.
In general, the Chinese peonies needn't especial protection in winter. When the temperature dips below -20°C(-4°F), it is necessary to take protections against frostbite for peonies. There are many ways to protect, such as you can heap a mound around branches of tree peony or above roots of herbaceous peony, or the plant shall be covered with 10-15cm of dried stalks or leaves or with dried stalks or leaves add sheet film. A few varieties of Chinese tree peonies can survive at much lower temperature without winter protection.
The Chinese peonies prefer cool and dry weather and good drainage. In a lowland and plain area during the summer where accumulated rainwater can cause root rot, it can be fatal. However, you could provide better drainage by planting it on a gentle slope or in a raised flowerbed. If you could plant your Chinese peonies in partially shady highland site with good drainage and good ventilation, even in places where the heat is intense during the summer, the Chinese peonies are able to bloom for you in the spring.
The Chinese peonies need to go into a given period of dormancy in winter to insure blooming for the next spring . Usually a period of 30-45 days with temperature between 0°C to 4°C(32°F to 40°F) would be sufficient for blooming. In order to bring peony florescence forward, it is necessary to treat the plants with low temperature. Usually after pretreatment of 10 days with temperature 15°C(59°F), the plants of tree peony need a period of 6 weeks with temperature 4°C(39.2°F), and the plants of herbaceous peony need only a period of 30 days with temperature 4°C(39.2°F)for blooming.  
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