Bloom Bio: The Peony

Romance is what comes to mind when a bride desires peonies in her bridal bouquet and decor.  The soft pink, ivory, and white full blooms are absolutely stunning.  Brides have been extremely busy pinning away on Pinterest and there are hundreds of boards dedicated to this gorgeous fragrant bloom.  
According to greek myth, the peony is named after Paeon (also called Paean), a mortal pupil of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing.  So the story goes, the teacher became jealous of his student and Zeus turned Paeon into a peony to save him.  Not certain how Zeus "poofed" him into a flower but the plant does have biological activities that include antioxidant, anti tumor, and much more.  
Although an interesting fact, it wouldn't be why a bride would necessarily want it in their bouquet but maybe this would:  
          It is regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.  

Additional facts:

• Traditional flower of China
• Indiana's State flower
• 12th wedding anniversary flower
• Plant can live to be 100 years and still produce flowers
• Peony flowers come in every color except blue
• Peony flowers can be 1 to 10 inches in diameter
• Grow best in full sunlight in well-drained soil

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