The Month of Peonies

1. The peony or paeony is a flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae.

2. They are native to Asia, Europe and Western North America.

3. Potassium is essential for stem strength and to resist disease.

4. They can live to be ONE HUNDRED years old!

5. In ancient times peonies were believed to relieve headaches and help with asthma.

6. Marco Polo, famous merchant and explorer, described peonies as "roses as big as cabbages".

7. Root of white peony is herbal remedy used in treatment of convulsions and hypercholesterolemia and to improve function of brain and liver.

8. Partially cooked and sweetened petals of peony are consumed as dessert in China. Fresh petals can be consumed in the form of salad or used as garnish for lemonade.

9. Peonies are known as Northern flowers because they prefer  harsh winter temperatures.

10. Peonies were widely grown during the Victorian period and are often seen as old-fashioned flowering plants. Their ease of care and flowers make them suitable plants for today's landscapes as well.