Peonies Come in Many Varieties! A Collection of Representational and Adorable Peony Species♡

Popular Spring Flower for Weddings: "Peony"＊

Peonies bloom large flowers in pink, white, and orange from May to June.

Characterized by their frilly, layered petals, the flower language is "shyness" and "modesty." This spring flower is also highly popular for weddings＊

There are actually said to be 700 to 1000 varieties of peonies, with many different types found around the world＊

Did you know that there are so many varieties of peonies?

First, some trivia!

Before introducing the varieties of peonies, let's explain their roots.

The origin of peonies is believed to be northeastern China, and they were brought to Japan during the Heian period. The peonies that were bred in Japan are often single-flowered (with 5 to 8 petals) and are loved as "Wa-shakuyaku" (Japanese peonies).

Wa-shakuyaku are not commonly found in flower shops and are often used in Ikebana (flower arranging).

This is a representative variety of Wa-shakuyaku called "Yamashakuyaku." Unlike the extravagant peonies you might typically imagine, it has a simple and lovely appearance, reminiscent of a camellia.

In contrast, in Europe, types with many petals such as double-flowered or rose-like blooms were created. Peonies bred in Europe are called "Yo-shakuyaku" (Western peonies).

Most of the peonies sold in regular flower shops today are Yo-shakuyaku. Many people likely envision this type when they think of peonies＊

The peonies used in wedding bouquets are also Yo-shakuyaku♡

Here are some representative varieties of peonies that are currently widely available in Japan＊ (All the varieties introduced here are Yo-shakuyaku♡)

Peony Variety 1: Coral Charm

The peony "Coral Charm" is a cup-shaped bloom. Its petals open up in a bowl shape.

The most popular colors are gentle shades that resemble a blend of pink, orange, and red♡

Light orange is also popular＊

Peony Variety 2: Sarah Bernhardt

The variety "Sarah Bernhardt" is often used in wedding bouquets. Its petals have a frilly appearance, embodying the essence of peonies.

The color is a beautifully balanced pink, not too light and not too dark, making it perfect for wedding bouquets♡

Peony Variety 3: Etched Salmon

The peony "Etched Salmon" blooms with a rich dark pink flower that opens boldly at the outermost layer＊

Peony Variety 4: Kaguya Hime

The "Kaguya Hime" blooms some of the largest flowers among peonies (about 20cm!). It opens grandly in a light pink hue.

Peony Variety 5: Taki no Yosoi

The peony "Taki no Yosoi" features a gradient from baby pink to white towards the center. It often starts budding with a gradient and ultimately turns completely pink.

Peony Variety 6: Sorbet

The rare peony "Sorbet" blooms in a combination of pink and white. This blooming style is said to be referred to as "three-step bloom"＊

Peony Variety 7: Shirayuki Hime

The well-circulated peony "Shirayuki Hime" is pure white and blooms with fluffy, white flowers♡

The flower diameter is over 20cm, making it one of the larger peony varieties.

There is also a variety called "Aoyuki Hime," which is a blue variant developed from Shirayuki Hime＊

Peony Variety 8: Miyama no Yuki

The pure white peony "Miyama no Yuki" is often used in wedding bouquets. Its petals overlap in layers all the way to the center, creating an ephemeral look reminiscent of being nestled in deep snow.

Peony Variety 9: Maxima

The "Maxima" features slightly glossy, silk-like petals. It is a rare variety with small flecks of red amid the pure white petals＊

Peony Variety 10: Velvet Queen

The "Velvet Queen" has deep pink outer petals and fluffy white stamens in the center. It's a striking peony that leaves a lasting impression once seen.

Peony Variety 11: Oriental Gold

The final variety introduced is the hybrid peony "Oriental Gold," created by crossing peony "Kinkōmaru" with peony "Kakōden" ♩

It is said that yellow peonies did not exist until this variety was created. This color is unique to the crossbreed with peonies＊

Here is peony "Kinkō."

And here is peony "Kakōden."

There is also a white variant called "Oriental White"＊

Which peony do you like?

The peony, with its frilly large blooms.

Even among peonies, there are various varieties, so when using them for weddings, it's reassuring to communicate your ideal appearance of the peony (preferably specifying the variety!)＊

Peony flowers can be around 15cm for smaller ones and over 30cm for larger ones. Prices may vary by variety, so when purchasing buds, confirm how they will bloom♡

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