In-Depth Look at Peony Flower Meanings! Discover its Charm and Secrets

The peony, a flower that has recently gained popularity among young women. While it has been familiar for a long time, its voluminous appearance and stylish colors have become popular due to the influence of social media.
This article will delve into the peony, from its flower meanings to its history, which will surely be helpful for gift-giving.
Peonies can be a bit tricky to make bloom, so we'll also explain how to get them to open. Let's enjoy the season by decorating our rooms with peonies from spring to early summer!

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Peony Basic Information

The peony has long been known as a symbol of beauty, and as the saying goes, "Standing, she is a peony; sitting, she is a tree peony; walking, she is a lily," it is cherished as a flower that represents a beautiful woman.
It's not a flower available all year round; it's only available for a very short period from April to May, which makes it extremely popular!
Many people are captivated by its voluminous appearance, which cannot be enjoyed with roses or dahlias.
You can also enjoy its sweet and refreshing fragrance. It's even used in perfumes, isn't it?
Furthermore, it's used as a herbal medicine, with "Shakuyaku-kanzo-to" and "Toki-shakuyaku-san" being well-known formulas that use peony.

What is the origin of the name "Shakuyaku"?

The name "Shakuyaku" is believed to be derived from the ancient Chinese word "shaku," meaning beautiful, combined with the character "yaku," meaning medicine, due to its medicinal uses.
In other words, it means "a beautiful plant with medicinal properties." It's a very straightforward name.
In English, it's called "peony." This is said to be derived from Paeon, the god of healing in Greek mythology.
In the myth, Zeus transformed Paeon into a peony because Paeon used peonies to cure the illnesses of the gods.
In Europe, peonies are known as the medicinal herbs of the gods.

List of Peony Flower Meanings

The flower meanings of the peony are "shame," "bashfulness," and "modesty." Many people are surprised that such demure meanings are attached to a flower with such a voluminous appearance.
However, this is said to be because peonies have a habit of closing their flowers in the evening.
There are also other theories, such as the one from English folklore, which says that shy fairies hide inside peonies.

Meaning of Red Peony

The flower meanings for red peonies are "dignity" and "sincerity." These meanings are said to come from the clear and stately color of red peonies.
Red peonies are often single-flowered, characterized by a yellow center. Their charm lies in how they somehow evoke the image of a tree peony.
They have a Japanese aesthetic, so they would look wonderful when displayed in a room with Japanese accessories. If you have a tokonoma (alcove), please do display them there.

Meaning of White Peony

The flower meanings for white peonies are "happy marriage" and "contented heart." These are perfect flower meanings for a wedding.
These meanings are derived from the pure white image of the flower, and its fluffy petals evoke scenes of a wedding ceremony.
It's wonderful to use them in a wedding bouquet, in line with their flower meanings. Of course, using them for venue decoration is also great! They would be lovely for a main table.
White peonies are available from April to May. If you have a wedding planned during that period, please consider using peony flowers.

Meaning of Purple Peony

The flower meanings of purple peonies, which are somewhat rare, are "anger" and "fury."
In Japan, the color purple is considered noble and mystical, but in the West, it is associated with "separation" and "ominousness."
It is presumed that purple peonies, with their beautiful yet mysterious atmosphere, were given negative flower meanings.
When choosing them as a gift, it might be wise to be a little cautious.

History of Peonies

Peonies are plants that have been associated with humans for a very long time. It is known that they were used as medicinal herbs for at least 2000 years, and they are mentioned in the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing," considered the oldest pharmaceutical text in the world.

Their history of appreciation is also ancient, being cherished alongside tree peonies (botan) during China's Tang dynasty. At that time, while the magnificent tree peony was called the 'King of Flowers,' the elegant peony was called the 'Prime Minister of Flowers,' and these two were revered as the top two flowers.

Later, in the Song dynasty, the popularity of peonies further increased, and breeding efforts progressed dramatically, leading to the creation of many varieties.

In addition to their beautiful flowers being admired, the roots of peonies also became widely known for their effects in pain relief and improving blood circulation. Even today, peony roots are important crude drugs, incorporated into traditional Chinese medicines such as 'Shakuyaku-kanzo-to' and 'Toki-shakuyaku-san,' supporting our health.
(Reference: Eisai Co., Ltd. "Medicine Museum")
(Reference: Toho University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Attached Medicinal Plant Garden "Peony")
(Reference: Atomi Gakuen Women's University "Atomi Gunpo Fu (Flower Catalog: Peony)")

History of Peonies in Japan

The history of peonies in Japan is believed to date back to the Nara and Heian periods. They arrived from China and, at the time, were not primarily appreciated for their flowers but used as medicinal herbs. Peonies are also mentioned in "Honzo Wamyō," a pharmaceutical text from the Heian period.

Later, as time progressed to the Edo period, the beauty of peonies was re-evaluated. In this era, when gardening culture flourished, many varieties, including the Higo peony of Kumamoto, were cultivated, and their cultivation became popular among common people.

In the Meiji era, Japanese peonies became extremely popular as export goods to other countries due to their beauty! They were highly praised as 'Oriental roses' in Europe and America, significantly influencing overseas breeding. Many of the splendid peonies we see today are descendants of Japanese peonies that traveled overseas during this period.
(Reference: The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan "Shakuyaku")
(Reference: Atomi Gakuen Women's University "Atomi Gunpo Fu (Flower Catalog: Shakuyaku)")
(Reference: Kanagawa Prefectural Ofuna Flower Center "Second installment: "Treasures of Kanagawa" - Ofuna System Varieties ① - Peonies")

What to do if Peonies Don't Bloom?

It often happens that you buy peonies and display them in your room, but the buds never open.
In most cases, the reason is that nectar is clinging to the peony buds. They are sticky, making it difficult for the buds to open.
If you touch the buds and find them sticky, it's a good idea to rinse them lightly with water.
Afterward, gently flick the buds to help them open! Be careful not to use too much force, as this can damage the flower!

How to Condition Peonies for Water Absorption?

When your peonies arrive, the first thing to do is condition them for water absorption. This process ensures that the peonies properly draw up water, keeping them vibrant.
First, remove any unnecessary leaves. It's generally good to leave about 4 to 6 leaves.
Then, bundle several stems together with newspaper, recut the stems, and place them in deep water. This will help them absorb water well and make the flowers open more easily!
If they seem droopy, you can try stimulating the stem ends by scorching them with a burner; this can revitalize them. After burning, place them in water as before.
Just be careful not to burn the newspaper!

＆YOUKAEN Recommended Peony Products

＆YOUKAEN offers peonies for a limited time from April to May.
We recommend bouquets that combine peonies with other seasonal flowers. They are perfect for birthday or wedding anniversary gifts.
Since these flowers can only be enjoyed during this short period of the year, please purchase them if you are interested!

Simply Adorn Your Room with Peonies

We recommend simply arranging peonies in a vase to enjoy their beauty. Their sweet and refreshing fragrance will fill the room.
You can also slowly enjoy watching them bloom from bud to full flower, which is highly praised by flower lovers!
When displaying peonies, place them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight. They are sensitive to heat, so if they look droopy, re-cut the stems and move them to a cooler location.

Peony products here

Seasonal Flower "Peony" Mix - 10 Stems

¥8,800-

View product page ▶︎

Experience Early Summer with a Peony Bouquet

The season for peonies is also when early summer flowers are in their prime. We recommend a bouquet that combines peonies with seasonal greens such as shepherd's purse, viburnum snowball, and white laceflower.
It's especially recommended as a gift for those celebrating birthdays or wedding anniversaries in April or May. Of course, it's also lovely for your own home!
Enjoy the gentle sway of the greens in the breeze and the beautiful appearance of the peonies.

Recommended Peony Bouquet Here

Limited-Time Seasonal Bouquet for Birthdays and Anniversaries: "Peony and Seasonal Greens"

¥8,800-

View product page ▶︎

Summary

The flower meanings of the peony are "shame," "bashfulness," and "modesty." Although these are demure flower meanings, they don't carry any negative connotations, so you can present them freely.
Its fluffy appearance is the secret to its popularity. It has good volume and a distinctive, sweet and refreshing fragrance.
They are available from April to May, which is a very short period. If you are interested or already a fan, please be sure to purchase them.

◆Revision History
December 11, 2025: Some years corrected. References and sources added.